Shalani Tharaka Biography
Gonakumbura Pangukarage Shalani Tharaka Wijayabandara, popularly known as Shalani Tharaka, is a Sri Lankan actress and model who has taken the entertainment industry by storm. She was born on November 15, 1990, in Balangoda, Sri Lanka to Susantha Wijayabandara and Suraji Fernando, who works as a beautician. She completed her primary education at St. Agnes Convent in Balangoda before moving to Negombo, her mother’s hometown, where she attended Newstead Girls College for her secondary education.

Career
Shalani Tharaka’s acting career began in 2007 when she won the prestigious Sirasa Kumariya beauty pageant at the age of 17. This catapulted her to fame and led to her first acting gig in the TV serial Poojasanaya, directed by Sherly P. Delankawala, where she starred alongside Suraj Mapa. She went on to act in numerous television serials, including Isuru Bawana, Hansi, Giridevi, Api Api Wage (I & II), Ganga Addara, and Sanda Sanda Wage, showcasing her versatility in different genres.
Shalani has also been a part of various TV commercials for Hero Honda, Raino, and Janet. Her acting skills and screen presence have also been utilized in several music videos, such as Oya Dese by Prinyan, Mata Oya by D n S, and Wasthuwe by Shafee ft. Delon.
Tharaka entered the film industry in 2012, making her debut in the movie Selvam as “Medhavi.” She went on to play the lead role in the horror film Spandana. Along with her acting career, Shalani also demonstrated her love for dance by competing in the second season of Sirasa Dancing Stars and Hiru Super Dancer.

Shalani’s outstanding acting talent was recognized at the 16th Raigam Tele’es ceremony in 2020 when she was awarded both Best Teledrama Actress and Most Popular Teledrama Actress, a rare feat that had not been achieved in 24 years. In 2021, she was selected to appear in the Raffealla Fernando Celebrity Calendar, considered a prestigious honor awarded to distinguished individuals.
Shalani Tharaka is not only an accomplished actress but also a multi-talented personality, having shown her skills as a dancer, lyricist, and author. Her loyalty and passion for the arts have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and a role model for desiring artists.
Dancing, Lyricist, and Author
In addition to her acting and modeling career, Shalani is also a skilled dancer, and her performances have won the hearts of many. She has also written lyrics for several songs and is the author of a children’s book titled “Nangita Netha Bari Tharam.”
Relationships
Shalani Tharaka is currently single and is not known to be dating anyone. She has been entirely private about her personal life and has not shared any information about her past relationships.
Salary and Income
As of 2023, Shalani Tharaka’s net worth is around $500,000. She earns income from her acting and modeling career, brand endorsements, and sponsorships.
Cars and Lifestyles
Shalani Tharaka owns a Toyota Axio car, which she bought in 2019. She is also known for her luxurious lifestyle and often posts pictures of her exotic vacations and designer outfits on her social media accounts.
In Conclusion
Shalani Tharaka is a talented and versatile actress who has made a name for herself in the Sri Lankan entertainment industry. With her stunning looks, amazing acting skills, and charming personality, she has captured the hearts of many fans and followers. Despite her success, she remains humble and down-to-earth and is a motivation to many young people who aspire to make it in the entertainment industry.