Nethuli Sanaya Methsuki is a talented 14-year-old from Matugama who’s capturing hearts on screen. 

Currently studying in Grade 9 at C.W.W. Kannangara Central College, Matugama, Nethuli is not only a dedicated student and school prefect but also a budding actress. 

She stars in ‘Akurata Yana Welawe,’ a popular drama being telecast at present. Her natural charm and talent shine in this role, earning her fans all over.

Beyond acting, Nethuli is a passionate dancer trained in traditional Sri Lankan dance styles and an enthusiastic swimmer. 

However, her greatest love is for animals. Nethuli dreams of becoming a veterinarian so she can help animals in need, especially those

without homes.  

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? 

I’m Nethuli Sanaya Methsuki, and I’m 14 years old. I live in Matugama with my mother, father, and two dogs. 

I have a younger cousin, Sisida Noyesh, who is like my own little brother since he’s an only child too.

I go to C.W.W. Kannangara Central College in Matugama, and I’m in Grade 9, studying in the English medium. 

I joined this school after passing the Grade 5 scholarship exam. Before that, I studied at St. Mary’s College in Matugama. I’m also a school prefect. 

You mentioned having pets. Can you tell us more about them? 

I have two dogs named Shadow and Brown. They’re both brown-coloured, and they love playing with me all the time. They’re like my little security guards, always watching over me. 

Besides my dogs, I have some cats and fish at home too. It’s like a mini zoo, and I really enjoy spending time with all of them.

Do you have any hobbies?

I love dancing, acting, and playing with my dogs. Dancing and acting let me express myself, and spending time with my pets always makes me happy.

Is dancing only a hobby for you?  

It is a hobby, but I also study it seriously as part of my school’s aesthetic subjects. I’m learning traditional Sri Lankan dance styles like ‘Udarata’ (upcountry or Kandyan) and ‘Pahatharata’ (lowcountry), and also ‘Bharatanatyam’. 

My school teachers, Mr. Asanka Ranawira Withanage and Ms. Sureka Damayanthi, help me a lot. I also go to the Sankhanadi Dancing Academy in Matugama for extra training. The academy is run under the guidance of Asanka Sir. 

Have you tried any Western dance styles? 

Not yet! Right now, I’m focusing only on traditional styles.

Which dance style do you like the most?  

‘Pahatharata’ is my favourite! I love the costumes and jewellery that go along with it. They’re so beautiful, and it’s exciting to dress up like that for competitions.  

Have you participated in any dance competitions?

Yes, I’ve taken part in a few competitions at school. I made it to the provincial level twice, and in Grade 1, I went all the way to the all-island level. It was a wonderful experience to compete and represent my school.

Besides dancing, have you participated in any other competitions?

Yes, I’ve also competed in speech and singing events at school, and I swim too!

Do you do swimming as a sport?

Yes, swimming has been a sport for me since Grade 4. It’s a great way to stay active and healthy.

Tell us about your experience in acting.

I’ve acted in three telefilms and appeared in five commercials. 

Right now, I’m playing a role in a teledrama called ‘Akurata Yana Welawe’. In the drama, I play the best friend of the main character, which is a really fun role.

Do you have any funny memories from acting? 

Yes! My best friend in real life doesn’t get along with my on-screen best friend. My school best friend often complains about her, which is funny because they don’t even know each other. 

I try to explain things, but I don’t think it’s working too well!

What’s your dream for the future?

I want to become a veterinarian because I love animals. I especially want to help street animals and hope to treat them for free someday. 

We already help animals at school by feeding them and giving them medicine when they’re sick. Recently, we even brought in a vet to treat a sick dog near our school. I want to do this kind of work on a bigger scale.

Do you plan to continue acting?

Being a vet is my top priority, but I’d love to keep acting too if I get more opportunities.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

I’d like to thank my mom, dad, friends, and relatives for all their support. 

I’m also grateful to the ‘Akurata Yana Welawe’ team, especially the director, Kasun Tharinda, cameraman Sudesh Dammika, and scriptwriter Sudath Devapriya. 

Special thanks are due to Aunty Nadeesha Ramanayaka, who gave me the chance to join the teledrama.