Irangani Roxanna Serasinghe, the iconic actress who with her graceful mien and consummate skill conquered the theatre, the cinema and the small screen, turned 99 on Tuesday, June 9. Born a Meedeniya, she was the daughter of a Rate Mahatmaya and a granddaughter of an Adigar, and was educated at St. Bridget’s, Bishop’s and Girls’ [...]
While the country has been placed under lockdown, making newspaper distribution impossible, the Sunday Times team produced your favourite Sunday newspaper in digital format to bring you the latest news, feature stories and political commentaries. We are happy to announce that we are giving you free access to our digital paper. Click here to access the free epaper . If you like to be a subscriber to our regular epaper please click here .
The veteran actress in 2025: Pic by Dayan Witharane
Irangani Roxanna Serasinghe, the iconic actress who with her graceful mien and consummate skill conquered the theatre, the cinema and the small screen, turned 99 on Tuesday, June 9.
Born a Meedeniya, she was the daughter of a Rate Mahatmaya and a granddaughter of an Adigar, and was educated at St. Bridget’s, Bishop’s and Girls’ High School Kandy. She grew up with a clan of aristocratic relatives who were movers and shakers of Ceylon history of that era.
After graduating from the University of Colombo ‘Chandi’ as she was known dabbled in a number of careers- she was a talented writer at the Times of Ceylon and also worked at the SLBC and as a tour guide.
Crossing over from the English theatre (she was one of Lyn Ludowyk’s acolytes) of the Lionel Wendt to the Sinhala theatre with husband Winston Serasinghe, Irangani’s first film was the landmark Rekawa (1956) by Lester James Pieris. She would later go on to star in Sandeshaya , The God King, Bak Maha Deege, Avaragira, Loku Duwa, Wekande Walawwa, Delovak Athara , Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Machang amongst others.
Amidst her teledrama credits are Yashorawaya and Doo Daruwo , those family sagas which reached the apogee of popularity a teledrama could, with Irangani playing the grandmother.
Also known for her crusade for our trees (she is an ardent nature lover) Irangani formed Ruk Rakaganno with the likes of Nihal Fernando, Pat Decker and younger sister Kamini.
The Sunday Times wishes ‘Chandi’ Meedeniya many more candles to blow!
Searching for an ideal partner? Find your soul mate on Hitad.lk, Sri Lanka's favourite marriage proposals page. With Hitad.lk matrimonial advertisements you have access to thousands of ads from potential suitors who are looking for someone just like you.
Print Edition – The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka
Loading comments…