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Gayesha Perera (Sinhala: ගයේෂා පෙරේරා; born 24 October 1987, as 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 studied at the Subodha Balika Vidyalaya, Dehiwala and Girls High School, Mount Lavinia. At the Girls High School, Mount Lavinia she was served as a school prefect. She is married to Hasanjith Kuruppuarachchige who is a popular singer & a businessman.

Education

Gayesha holds a Diploma in Governance, Democratization, and Public Policy from the Colombo Institute of Social Sciences.

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

Teledrama

TV programs

Music videos

Gayesha Perera also appeared in Sirasa Dancing Stars reality show. And participated to Derana Star City season 1 reality show.

References

1. "I have never given up on anything in my life - Gayesha Perera". Silumina. Retrieved 2021-06-04.
2. "Gayesha Perera – an assortment of talent". dailymirror.lk. 2012-11-13. Retrieved 2015-01-14.
3. "Heading for Miss International Tourism". island.lk. 2009-08-16. Retrieved 2015-01-14.
4. "Miss Sri Lanka wins Miss Talent at Miss Tourism Queen International 2009". universalqueen.com. 2009-08-18. Retrieved 2015-01-14.
5. "Glitz and glitches at grand finale". sundaytimes.lk. 2011-07-17. Retrieved 2015-01-14.
6. "Miss Sri Lanka Performs @ Miss Asia Pacific World 2012 Grand Finale". tharunayaa.lk. 2012-06-18. Archived from the original on 2015-01-18. Retrieved 2015-01-14.
7. "Sri Lankan government bans 'Flying Fish', action against makers". emirates247.com. 2013-07-20. Retrieved 2015-01-14.
8. "Namal Aiya invited me to politics – Gayesha Perera". ceylontoday.lk. 2014-01-12. Retrieved 2015-01-14.
9. "Gayesha Perera's porno-liberation". ceylontoday.lk. 2014-02-02. Retrieved 2015-01-14.
10. "Dark truths shadow beauty contest on poll catwalk". sundaytimes.lk. 2014-02-02. Retrieved 2015-01-14.
11. "Sri Lanka bans film on Tamil conflict". The Hindu. 2013-07-15. Retrieved 2015-01-14.
12. "I have no connection with the LTTE – Director of banned film 'Flying Fish'". srilankanews.lk. 2013-07-17. Archived from the original on 2013-12-09. Retrieved 2015-01-14.
13. "'Sihina Sithuvam' shows dreams of youth". sundaytimes.lk. 2010-07-25. Retrieved 2015-01-14.
14. "World literature for teleplay". sundaytimes.lk. 2011-09-11. Retrieved 2015-01-14.

External links

• Gayesha Perera's Biography in Sinhala Cinema Database

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