# Gayesha Perera

Gayesha Perera (Sinhala: ගයේෂා පෙරේරා; born 24 October 1987, as Wickramarachchige Gayesha Lakmali Perera) is a Sri Lankan politician, actress, tv host, model and beauty pageant titleholder. She was crowned Miss Sri Lanka for Miss International 2006 beauty pageant.

## Early life

Gayesha Perera was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka. She pursued her education at Subodha Balika Vidyalaya, Dehiwala, and later at Girls’ High School, Mount Lavinia. During her time at Girls’ High School, she served as a school prefect, demonstrating her leadership skills and dedication. She is married to Hasanjith Kuruppuarachchige, a well-known singer and businessman.

## Education

Gayesha holds a Diploma in Governance, Democratization, and Public Policy from the Colombo Institute of Social Sciences. She is currently pursuing a Diploma in Early Childhood Education at UCLA Extension.

## Miss Sri Lanka

In 2006 Gayesha won the Miss Sri Lanka for Miss International 2006 title and she represented the Sri Lanka at
Miss International in China and Japan.
After 3 years, she qualified to compete at Miss Tourism Queen International 2009 pageant, which was held in the Wuhan, China, and there she won the Miss Talent mini title.
At the Avirate Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Universe 2011 competition, Gayesha won the Miss Congeniality title.
In 2012, Gayesha proudly represented her country at the Miss Asia Pacific World beauty pageant held in South Korea, where she distinguished herself as a Top 6 finalist. Her exceptional charm and grace earned her the titles of Miss Personality and Best National Costume, showcasing her talent on an international stage.
The following year, in 2013, Gayesha continued to shine, competing in the Miss Supranational pageant in Belarus, where she secured a place among the Top 15 contestants.
Her remarkable achievements have etched her name in Sri Lankan history as one of the few beauty queens to represent her country at multiple prestigious pageants, bringing honor and glory to her homeland.

## Controversy

In 2010, Gayesha's movie *Flying Fish* provoked controversy in Sri Lanka, primarily due to its portrayal of the Sri Lanka Army. The government banned the film, claiming it brought shame to the Army.
Gayesha appeared at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Sri Lanka Police a couple of times for questioning about her role and acting, as well as any suspected involvement behind her performance.
Despite the controversy, Gayesha's acting received high praise, and the film won several awards at various film festivals around the world. Years later, Gayesha's role was nominated for Best Actress at the Derana Film Awards 2024, eleven years after the film's ban. and with Perera's entry into politics, her controversial character in this movie brought her critical notice.

## Politics

Gayesha Perera entered Sri Lankan politics after gaining attention due to her controversial character, which made headlines when her movie was banned. She began her political career with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and comes from a political family actively involved in politics in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia. She served as the Chairperson of the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia SLFP Women’s Wing and was also a member of the SLFP National Women’s Wing. Throughout her career, she held various positions within the party.
In 2014, she attempted to run for the Western Provincial Council elections, but her nomination was rejected due to the controversial influence of party rivals. In 2017, she successfully ran for the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council under the SLFP.
Gayesha is also well-known for her outspoken advocacy for women's and children's rights. She has actively campaigned against corrupt politicians and continues to fight for these causes in her political career.

## Filmography

| Year | Film | Role | Director | Other notes |
| 2009 | Rama's Bridge | Seetha | Alexander Yuryevich Volkov | Russian Documentary Film |
| 2010 | Flying Fish | Wasana | Sanjeewa Pushpakumara | Banned in Sri Lanka |
| 2015 | Bonikka | | Louie Vanderstraeten | Sinhala Romantic Film |
| 2024 | Sihinayaki Adare | | Donald Jayantha | Sinhala Romantic Film |
| 2024 | Bambara Wasanthe | Nirasha | Donald Jayantha | Sinhala Romantic Film |

## Teledrama

| Teledrama | Role | Director | Broadcast |
| Nim Walalla | | Kristi Shelton Fernando, Bennat Ratnayake | |
| Pas Mal Pethi | | | Sirasa TV |
| Oba Mageya | | Janaka Suranjith | |
| Kinduru Kodewwa | | Saman Fernando | |
| Denuwara Kirana | | Saman Fernando | |
| Samanalee | | Kumarasiri Abayakoon | |
| Kindurangana | | Kumudu Wellassage | Sirasa TV |
| Sihina Sithuvam | | | Sirasa TV |
| Adara Ridma | | Sanath Abeysekara | |
| Samanalunta Wedi Tiyanna | | Pradeep Darmasiri | |
| Bonda Meedum | Minoli | Chandika Wijayasena | ITN |
| Dooli Pintaru | Leesa | Santhusa Liyanage | Rupavahini |

## TV programs

| Year | Program | Broadcast |
| 2009-2010 | Rasata Rasak | Sirasa TV |
| 2010 | Rasa Meewitha | Siyatha TV |
| 2010-2011 | Netra | Sirasa TV |

## Music videos

| Song | Artist |
| Adare Ma Niwalai | Amila Perera |
| Igilenna Thahanam Nam | Nirosha Wirajani |
| Pini Muthu Sulange | Uresha Ravihari |
Gayesha Perera also appeared in Sirasa Dancing Stars reality show. And participated to Derana Star City season 1 reality show.