Senior artist Iranganie Serasinghe steps into her 99th year

The veteran actress, who is loved by everyone in the Sri Lankan art field and respected as an environmentalist, senior artist Iranganie Serasinghe steps into the 99th year of her life journey today (09).

Born on 9 June 1927 in Ruwanwella, she was Iranganie Roxana Meedeniya and became Iranganie Serasinghe after marriage.

She pursued her primary education at St. Bridget's Convent, Colombo, Bishop's College, and Girls' High School, Kandy, and later obtained her B.A. degree from the University of Ceylon.

Before entering the acting field, she served as a teacher at Musaeus College, Colombo, and later also worked as a journalist for the 'Times' newspaper and the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.

Entering the art field in the 1950s by contributing her acting to English plays at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, she entered cinema in 1955 through a documentary film made by Dr Lester James Peries for the Government Film Unit.

Thereafter, she became immensely popular by portraying the character of 'Kathirina Hami' in Lester's own exceptional cinematic creation "Rekava" film, and also managed to receive many awards for it.

Honoured with many awards at the national level, including "Kala Keerthi" for her unique acting contribution, she also provided her acting contribution to several international cinematic creations, including Oscar-winning director Deepa Mehta's "Water" film.