Sahan Ranwala

Sahan Ranwala is a versatile actor known for his work in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama, and television. He was born on July 3, 1978. He is also involved in music, composition, and presenting. He works as the managing director at the Lionel Ranwala Folk Art Foundation. Sahan was born in Nugegoda as the second child in a family of three siblings. He began his education at Asoka Vidyalaya in Maradana and later attended Ananda College. During his school years, Sahan actively participated in the Drama Society as the Chairman and served as the Treasurer of the Broadcasting Unit. After completing his A-levels in the commerce stream, he went to the University of Colombo to complete his higher education.

Sahan's elder brother, Chirantha, is also a television announcer and actor. His father, Lionel Ranwala, was a revered figure in the Sri Lankan music industry, particularly known for his contributions to folk music. Lionel was the founder of the Ranwala Balakaya. Sahan himself graduated with a degree in Drama and Theater from the University of Kelaniya. He also studied a Diploma in Journalism from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and a degree from the Sri Lanka Law College. He initially started working under his father's guidance in the folk music group called Ranwala Balakaya.

After his father's passing, Sahan continued his legacy by organizing folk music programs across the country. He presented the folk musical program Yuddetath Awith three years after his father's death. He has also conducted concerts such as Gama Avlanynaan, Ahasei Innawalu, Three, and Mei Avurudu Kaale. He has performed at various local festivals in Galle, Colombo, Jaffna, and international festivals like CHOGM. In 2003, he established the Ranwala Lama Balakaya, catering to youngsters aged 10-15. In 1996, he ventured into television as an announcer on Sirasa TV, hosting the program Kala Kalasa.

He entered the world of acting in 2003 with the television serial Ranga Madala Samuganee, directed by Milton Jayawardhane. His drama titled Velava Keeyada? was selected for the finals of the State Drama Festival in 2009. Currently, he hosts a children's program called Puduma Iskole. In the year 2011, Ranwala Balakaya was awarded with the Best Performing Folk Song Troupe award in Guangxi, China at the Folk Songs Festival. Sahan is also the author of the book Welawa Keeyada. He conducts a course on folk songs in Battaramulla every Sunday. Ranwala Balakaya has released VCD and DVD formats of their performances, including Gama Avulannan and Yuddhetath Evith.

In 2016, he organized Jana Gee Ekassa and Dekassa presentations for children at the Bishop's College Auditorium. He debuted in the film industry with the movie Aadaraneeya Wassaanaya in 2004, directed by Senesh Dissanaike Bandara, where he played a supporting role. He also appeared in the television series Paba in 2006, directed by Mahesh Rathsara Madduma Arachchi, again in a supportive role. On December 1, 2019, Sahan, along with Ranwala Balakaya, organized a folk musical show called Ran Salakuna held at Kularatne Hall, Ananda College. In January 2021, he founded an initiative called Ranwala Lanka e-school, covering a wide range of subjects, including folk songs, performing arts, drumming, and art.

The e-school offers two syllabi, internationally and locally. Among his notable television works are Bharyawo, Deva Daruwo, Deweni Inima Deweni Inima is a 2017 Sri Lankan television seria >> Read More... , Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli, Hadawathe Kathawa Story soon >> Read More... , Iskole, Jeewithaya Lassanai, Millewa Walawwa, Paba, Rajini, Ranga Madala Samuganee, and Yaso Mandira. Sahan Ranwala received the Best Upcoming Actor award at the Sumathi Awards ceremony in 2003 for his role in Ranga Madala Samuganee. Sahan is married to Melani Ranwala, and the couple has a son named Seth Ranwala.