Semini Dinusha Palihawadana née Iddamalgoda, popularly as Semini Iddamalgoda, is an actress in Sri Lankan cinema, theater and television. Performing in both dramas to comedies, she is best known for the role Roshini in television sitcom Yes Boss, role Kumari in the film Sinhawa Atharin and as Suddi in film 28. She participated for reality programs Sirasa Dancing Stars and then for Hiru Mega Stars
Personal life
Semini Iddamalgoda was born on 19 June 1973 in Colombo as the eldest of the family for K.M.P. Bandara and Nesta Palihawadana. She has a younger brother, Gihan Menaka. She started education from Niyagama Primary School, Elpitiya. The she moved to Musaeus College, Colombo 7 to complete her education. She is married to Dhammika Jayalal Keerthi Iddamalgoda, who is a Police officer. He was born on April 27, 1967 as the youngest of three siblings. His father, Weerasiri Kularatne Iddamalgoda was a Co-operative Inspector and Internal Auditor, and his mother was Fransisca Jayawardane of Weralupa, Ratnapura. Dhammika studied at Sivali Central College, Ratnapura. He joined the Police in 1988 at the age of 21. Just after finishing A/L for Semini, they married on 15 December 1994 and the couple has one daughter, Kumali Aseka born on 2001.
Acting career
In 2001, she is invited to act in the teledrama Irabatu Tharuwa by Sriyani Amarasena. She acted in the stage drama Punchi Adara Balakirima and won the award for the best actress in state drama festival. Hansa Geethaya directed by V. Sivadasan became her first teledrama production.
She was the Second-Runner-Up of the Mrs. Sri Lanka pageant in 1999. In 2006, she hosted the television program Semini Samaga Mathaka Mawatha telecast on TV Derana.
Controversy
In 2013, Iddamalgoda sued fellow actress Damitha Abeyratne for Rs 50 million having allegedly defamed her during an interview with a Ran FM radio channel on January 13, 2013. In 2014, Abeyratne demanded Rs. 100 million as damages from Iddamalgoda for allegedly defaming her. The case was taken at the Colombo District Court on 24 February 2014. On 14 October 2014, both withdrew their civil suits.
Filmography
Her maiden cinematic experience came through a supportive role in 2001 film Rosa Wasanthe, directed by Udayakantha Warnasuriya. Some of her popular films are Sudu Hansi, 28 and Sinahawa Atharin.
Year
Film
Role
Ref.
2001
Rosa Wasanthe
Mihiri
2003
Yakada Pihatu
Surangi
2005
Asani Warsha
Kanthi
2005
Sulanga
2006
Nilambare
Nimal's wife
2006
Samaara
Ruwina
2007
Ran Kevita
Janith's mother
2009
Ali Surathal
Manju
2009
Ekamath Eka Rateka
2010
Sudu Hansi
Shami
2010
Dakina Dakina Mal
Chamathka
2010
Suwanda Denuna Jeewithe
Item song
2011
King Hunther
Neetha
2014
Ko Mark No Mark
Mrs. Palatupana
2014
Api Marenne Na
Amarajeewa's wife
2015
Sinahawa Atharin
Kumari
2017
28
Suddi
2017
Paha Samath
Mrs. Meegaspe
2018
Nela
2019
Katha Karana Heena
TBD
Visangamanaya
Rukshani
TBD
Swara
Awards and accolades
She has won several awards at the local stage drama festivals and television festivals.
