Thushani de Silva killed as she was swept away by strong currents
A 27-year-old popular Sri Lankan actress drowned while swimming in the Kelani River in Kithulgala area.
Thushani de Silva who played a variety of roles in many television serials and films was swept away by strong currents as she swam towards the middle of the river against the advice of her family members who accompanied her on a sight-seeing tour to celebrate the Sinhala New Year.
Ginigathhena police officers who rushed to the scene of the accident said that there were signs warning visitors not to swim in that particular part of the river.
The stretch of the river snaking through scenic Kithulgala mountains is popular with white water rafters and tourists, and it was also where British film director David Lean shot his celebrated Second World War drama Bridge on the River Kwai. The actress’ body was recovered a little distance away from where she drowned on April 17 around 1.30 in the afternoon. Early media reports said that the woman who died was a mother of one child.
Thushani lived in Kandy and her parents who also joined in the holiday tour were said to be at loggerheads over the trip due to some unknown reasons, according to police sources. Thushani had acted in teledramas like Monara Kirilli, Himahansi, Raja Daruwo, Diyaniye and Ransayura. According to Sinhala media, several TV serials are ready for future release.
Last year, in an interview with Sarasaviya film weekly, Thushari said she had shown acting skills from her childhood and began her showbiz career against vehement opposition from her father. She studied under Anoja Weerasinghe, a popular film actress who conducts classes and workshops in acting.
In the same interview the actress said she designed saris in her leisure time as her earnings from acting were not sufficient to make both ends meet, adding that she was helping her family members financially. Thusari was well known for her role she played in Monara Kirilli and, in fact, fans started calling her Tanya, the name of her character in the drama.
