By Sarashi Samarasinghe
Udari Warnakulasuriya is an upcoming young actress. She has just taken her first step into the film industry, acting in the forthcoming film Paya Enna Hiru Se. She entered the field in 2007 after taking part in the Miss Sri Lanka pageant. The Nation met Udari last week to find out more about her future plans.

“I am a new comer to this industry. I was one of the participants at the Miss Sri Lanka pageant in 2007,” said Warnakulasuriya. She said that she was chosen for the final round of Miss Sri Lanka and that she was selected as the queen of the 12 mini titles. “I received all island mini titles such as Miss Popular, Miss Talent, Miss Beautiful Walk, and so on,” she said.

According to Warnakulasuriya, she will be introduced to the film industry through the movie Paaya Enna Hiru Se, which is still under production. “I forwarded some of my photographs to the movie Director, Udayakaantha Warnasuriya, and he chose me for his latest movie,” she said.“I am acting the character of Dinali, who is a school teacher in this movie, which is a family story. Dinali’s character is a very innocent, charming character,” said Warnakulasuriya.

Before entering into this field, Warnakulasuriya has appeared in many TV commercials such as Holcim, Nestle, etc. “I also took part in Daddy’s ‘Borukari’ music video and in some of the song visuals for Sanka Dineth,” . She has also hosted the Juke Box programme, shown on Derana Television earlier.“I have also won the Dance Talent Crown at the Contest Fiesta Beauty Competition in 2003,” she said. According to Warnakulasuriya she was born and bred in Negombo and studied at Ave Maria Convent, Negombo. “I offered dancing as a subject for my Ordinary Level examination and did science subjects for my Advanced Level examination,” she said.

She had also been a member of the Western and Eastern bands in school and a member of the Western Folk Band. “I am extremely talented in playing the piano,” she added. Warnakulasuriya further stated that she was a good athlete while in school and that she took part in many running events. “I was also a member of the school netball team, cricket team, elle team and the volleyball team,” said Warnakulasuriya.

Her parents are Chitra Pushpakanthi and Greshan Fernando. “I have one elder brother, Chamika Haritha, and he is doing his higher studies in Australia,” she said.
Speaking further about the new movie, she said, “I received a lot of guidance from Udayakaantha Warnasuriya while performing Dinali’s character.

She further said that while she felt a bit scared when she went through the script for the first time and was doubtful as to whether she could take on the character in question. However, she added that Warnasuriya helped her out in many ways.“I have already signed agreements with Dammika Siriwardana for his upcoming production,” said Warnakulasuriya.
Warnakulasuriya further stated that she loves to go shopping with her friends. Her dream is to continue her higher studies in music and interior designing.

“My favorite film director in this industry is Udayakaantha Warnasuriya and I have the utmost respect towards him,” said Warnakulasuriya.

“What I have to say for all youngsters who are hoping to step into this industry, like I have done, is to make clear decisions all the time and not get caught up in new social trends,” she said.

www.nation.lk/2008/06/15/enter2.htm