 
A dancer who first appeared in commercials before catching the
imagination of countless teledrama fans in the country through her
breakthrough role in the popular teledrama titled `Sandagalatenna’ is
none other than Himali Siriwardena.
 Himali who has honed her craft in the two spheres of dancing and
acting says that her first love is dancing but after starring in `Sandagalatenna’
for which she received rave reviews from critics and fans alike is now
looking forward to a rewarding career on the small and big screens.
“I schooled at Our Lady of Victories (OLV) Convent in Moratuwa, and
from my school days I had the liking towards dancing”, she says during
an interview with `Panorama’ at her residence in Kelaniya.
“I initially studied Kandyan dancing and then subsequently I switched
onto Western styles,” she said with a glint on her eyes. To further
underscore her interest and passion for dancing Himali has also formed a
dancing group titled `Sensation’ and spoke humbly of the exposure she
has got both locally and abroad.
 “We indulge in freestyle Western dancing most of the time,” she said
“We also have our own dancing creations like oriental and perform mostly
at company shows and indoor shows as against outdoor events.”
Focusing on her work on the small screen, she instantly chose her
role `Sandagalatenna’ as her favourite and her most memorable.
Speaking through her experience in acting, Himali expressed an
intention not to take every offer that comes her way and to pick and
choose her roles.
The charming actress also gave her thumbs down to the spate of mega
teledramas currently being screened on local TV channels, saying that if
there is only a constructive role to be portrayed she would star.
Teledramas such as `Hummanya’, `Nelli Gedera’, `Adara Saroja’, `Kande
Handiya’, `Iti Athu’, `Ayal’ and yet to be screened Pradeep Dharmadasa’s
`Ehi Pillamak Yata’ were few of the teleseries which she picked up as
her finest and one which had been popular among her fans.
 She also mentioned Saman Kumara Liyanage the director of `Sandagalatenna’
as one of the few directors who was able to get the best out of her
talents as an actress with prowess.
 She also spoke about her involvement with the local celluloid world,
and observed that she had done four films namely, `Kinihiriya Mal’, `One
Shot One’, `Suwanda Denuna Jeewithe’ and `Sonduru Wasanthe’,
respectively.
Asked whether she prefers commercial films to art or vice-versa, her
opinion was to do a truly meaningful portrayal on the Silver Screen and
if offered a tangible character she would not think twice but even star
in one such creation.
Himali Siriwardene also has been feted at numerous tele movie
festivals most notably at the Raigam Teledrama Festival where she had
been felicitated by the Jury for her work in `Sandagaletenna’ and `Iti
Athu’ and the award she cherishes the most is the best `Up and Coming
Actress’ at the Sumathi Tele Awards Festival.
Speaking of her future work, Himali stated that her dancing group had
already received offers and invitations to perform in Dubai and United
States, and also two other teledramas which she has consented to be
involved in.
Last but not least she also commended her husband Senash Perera for
the necessary encouragement and support given to her in balancing her
professional life with her family commitments and also her parents and
siblings. Most importantly those who are working in this field and her
ardent fans without whom she would not be in this position that she is
today.
Jatila
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