From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ramani Elizabeth Bartholomeusz (1966–1987) was a Sri Lankan model and actress. Having been crowned Miss Sri Lanka in 1985, she represented Sri Lanka at the 1985 Miss Universe pageant.

Bartholomeusz\'s first screen role was in Lester James Peiris\'s 1983 film Yuganthaya (English title: End of an Era) in the role of Chamari. She was attending the Holy Cross College in Gampaha at the time, and was thrown in to the limelight with this role which had her co-star alongside renown actor Gamini Fonseka. After her appearance at the 1985 Miss Universe contest, Barthomeusz continued in the acting field appearing in Dharmasiri Bandaranayake\'s Makarakshaya and pairing with Kamal Addararachchi in Himakumari.

Bartholomeusz was murdered on June 30 in 1987 at the age of 21. She was in a relationship with actor Kamal Addararachchi at the time. The circumstances were suspicious enough that Addararachchi was charged with her murder, although he was acquitted of the crime.[citation needed]

21 years after her death Bartholomeusz was the cover feature for the 1st issue of Reel and Track Magazine - Sri Lanka\'s premier entertainment magazine. She was featured 21 years after her death for the cover page of Reel and Track Magazine.

By Ramesh Uvais

\'Aaji tapara lahila - Beeji tapara lahila  Aaji tapara beeji tapara - bisku bisku lahila\' 

- the song not only flashbacks our memory to the late eighties, but also reminds us of the bright-eyed and fresh looking Ramani Bartholomeuz, who played the lead role in \'Baghya\'. 

It is hard to believe that 13 years have elapsed since the tragic death of Ramani. Her 13th death anniversary falls on June 30th this year. 

Ramani Elizabeth Bartholo-meuz was like a little flower in bloom. Actually, it was her best feature in life. 

We all have dreams. but only a few like Ramani had the ability to transform them into reality. 

Ramani was introduced to the silver screen by none other than veteran film maker Dr.Lester James Peiris, who was then looking for a face to play \'Chamari\'s character in Yuganthaya.. It was a dream debut for her and what\'s more she was co-starred in the film with silver screen\'s stalwart Gamini Fonseka. She was then just a schoolgirl at Holy Cross College, Gampaha.

Her combination of good looks, brains and simplicity won her the Miss Sri Lanka title in June 1985. As the reigning beauty queen, she represented Sri Lanka in the Miss World contest in the United States the same year.

Her beauty, spiced with simplicity and innocence plus her undoubted talent brought her swift recognition from all four corners of the country. She made it really big on the small screen with her roles in Selalihiniyagama, Baghya and Irata handana mal. 

Her undisputed acting talents spoke volumes when she successfully replaced award winning actress Swarna Mallawarachchi\'s role in Dharmasiri Bandaranayake\'s Makarakshaya at short notice. She also paired with Kamal Addararachchi in Himakumari. 

The delicate beauty who captivated the whole country with her innocent roles, plunged the entire nation into shock and grief when she breathed her last on that fateful Tuesday, June 30 in 1987 at the Colombo National hospital, following tragic circumstances. 

She was snatched away at the age 21- just two years after being crowned Miss Sri Lanka and having come into the limelight as a film, stage, tele-drama actress and also as a most sought after model. 

Hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life flocked to her humble home in Asgiriya, Gampaha to pay their last respects, resulting in unprecedented traffic snarls in Gampaha. 

The dream rose, Ramani was laid to rest on July 4 amidst a massive gathering at the Catholic section of the General Cemetery, Colombo. 

Ramani Bartholomeuz was indeed God\'s gift worth remembering.