Lakmini Amaradewa

Lakmini Amaradewa is a critically acclaimed director, playwright, and screenwriter whose emotionally resonant narratives have captivated Sri Lankan audiences for over two decades. Known for his ability to weave complex social issues into deeply human stories, he is a driving force in both traditional theater and modern television production.

Theatrical Foundations & Early Triumphs

Lakmini’s artistic journey is built on a robust foundation of classical training. He holds a Diploma in Drama and Performing Arts from the prestigious Tower Hall Theater Foundation (1998/1999) and further honed his craft by completing specialized certificate courses in drama and theater techniques at the Indian National Drama School.

He made a monumental impact early in his career with his original stage play, Deveni Thattuwa. Created for the 1998 National Youth Services Council Youth Awards, the production was a sweeping success. It was crowned Best Play of the festival and secured six major awards in total, with Lakmini personally taking home the honors for Best Writer, Best Director, Best Costume Design, and Best Stage Set Design.

Television Mastery & Social Commentary

Transitioning his visionary storytelling to the screen, Lakmini has written and directed some of Sri Lanka’s most thought-provoking and beloved teledramas:

The Bohemian (Rasthiyadukaraya, 2007): This 15-episode series marked a major television breakthrough, securing multiple nominations and winning prestigious honors at both the Raigam and Sumathi Awards.

Youth & Generational Dynamics: Lakmini has a distinct talent for capturing the modern Sri Lankan youth experience. He wrote and directed the 99-episode hit A/level Iwarai (Broadcast on National Television, 2013), and later created Iskole Kale (ITN, 2018), a 70-episode drama that skillfully explored the growing friction between parents and children in a fast-paced, modern society.

Global Realities: Pushing the boundaries of local television, his 2015 35-episode series Vibhaga Fail was filmed on location in Singapore and Malaysia. The series boldly tackled the tragic realities of undocumented Sri Lankan workers abroad, earning several Sumathi Award nominations and winning a Special Jury Award for Directing.

Recent Hits & Ongoing Legacy

Continually capturing the hearts of modern viewers, Lakmini’s recent projects have been massive commercial successes. In 2022, he launched A Heene on Derana, a beautiful 28-episode narrative exploring young love and deep-rooted familial respect. This was closely followed by the 2023 smash-hit Meka Thamai Jivithe. Broadcast as an 85-episode saga on Swarnawahini, it became a massive audience favorite, drawing immense love and viewership nationwide.

Whether crafting an intimate stage play, directing an international television shoot, or pioneering high-stakes dramatic series, Lakmini Amaradewa remains a visionary creator dedicated to exploring the triumphs, tragedies, and authentic realities of the human experience.