Sahan Ranwala


Sahan Ranwala, is an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television. He is also works as a musician, composer and a presenter. He is the managing director of Lionel Ranwala Folk Art Foundation.

Personal life

Sahan Ranwala was born on July 3, 1978 in Nugegoda as the second of the family with two siblings. He started education at Ashoka Vidyalaya, Maradana. After passing grade 5 scholarship examination, he went to Ananda College. At school, Sahan was the Chairman of Drama Society and the Treasurer of Broadcasting Unit. He did A/L from commerce stream and selected to the University of Kelaniya. His elder brother Chirantha is a television announcer and also an actor.
His father Lionel Ranwala was an icon in Sri Lanka music industry who performed folk music in Sri Lanka. Lionel is the founder of Ranwala Balakaya. Sahan is a graduate from Drama and Theater at University of Kelaniya. He also has a Diploma in Journalism at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and degree from Sri Lanka Law College.
He is married to Melani Ranwala and the couple has one son, Seth Ranwala.

Education

Sahan went to Asoka College, Colombo and Ananda College. Sahan completed Business Management degree in University of Colombo, Mass Media degree in University of Jayawardanapura. And he is also post graduate in Buddhist Studies in University of Kelaniya and he has Masters degree in Drama and the Theatre in University of Kelaniya.
Also, Sahan was the island first in Statistics exam held by Association of Accounting Technicians Sri lanka.

Career

Sahan started his career under his father Lionel in his folk music group called Ranwala Balakaya. After the death of father, Sahan started to continue his legacy by conducting folk musical programs all over the country. After three years of father's death, Sahan presented folk musical program Yuddetath Awith. He also conducted concerts such as Gama Avlanynaan, Ahasei Innawalu, Three and Mei Avurudu Kaale. He also able to perform at the local festivals in Galle, Colombo and Jaffna Music Festivals and international festival such as CHOGM. In 2003, Ranwala started Ranwala Lama Balakaya for youngsters between the ages of 10–15.
In 1996, Sahan worked as an announcer at Sirasa TV by presenting the program Kala Kalasa. Sahan started acting career in 2003 with television serial Ranga Madala Samuganee directed by Milton Jayawardhane.
His drama Velava Keeyada? was selected for the finals of State Drama Festival in 2009. He currently conducts a children's program Puduma Iskole.
In 2011, Ranwala Balakaya won the award for the "Best Performing Folk Song Troupe" at the Folk Songs Festival at Guangxi, China. He is the author of the book titled Welawa Keeyada. He conduct a course on folk songs in Battaramulla on every Sundays. Ranwala Balakaya released Gama Avulannan and Yuddhetath Evith in VCD and DVD formats.
In 2012, Sahan initiated a musical program Gayamu at BMICH Kamatha. In 2016, he organized Jana Gee Ekassa and Dekassa presentation for children at the Bishop's College Auditorium.
Sahan started his film career with Aadaraneeya Wassaanaya back in 2004, directed by Senesh Dissanaike Bandara with a supportive role.
On 1 December 2019, he along with Ranwala Balakaya organized a folk musical show titled "Ran Salakuna", which will be held at Kularatne Hall, Ananda College, College.

Notable television works

YearFilmRoleRef.
2004Aadaraneeya WassaanayaNiranga
2004One ShotVijaya's brother
2008Heart FMSagara
2010UththaraPraveen Pathiratne
TBDKathuru Mithuru

Awards and accolades

He won the award for the Best Upcoming Actor at the Sumathi Awards ceremony in 2003.

Sumathi Awards