10 Nalan Mendis Teledramas That ’90s Kids Loved.

When it comes to family teledramas, we '90s kids know no one better than the award-winning director, Nalan Mendis. He has been making a significant difference in the arena of tele-arts since the '80s, with some simple, beautiful and more importantly, realistic storylines that anyone can relate to, which is probably why these creations have taken deep roots inside our memory. 
Image Source : nalanmendis.com
It's a time that most of us have plenty of time to drown in nostalgia. So jump on the bandwagon with us as we refresh our memories of ten Nalan Mendis teledramas we loved growing up. 

Passe Gena Manamaali

Image Source : nalanmendis.com

One of the oldest creations of Nalan Mendis, Passe Gena Manamali featured a number of veteran actors like H.A. Perera, Geetha Kanthi Jayakody, Sriyani Amarasena and Jayalath Manoratne. 8-year-old Damitha Abeyratne made her acting debut through this teledrama, and we also got to see the kiddie version of Ama Wijesekara here. Both of them have come a long way in the industry since then.

Doo Daruwo

Image Source : sundaytimes.lk

Occasional conflicts among the siblings aren't something uncommon in any family. They might have grown up together sharing the same plate of rice, but after getting married and having their own families, such issues tend to appear out of nowhere. It's because we're human, but no matter how deep that feud is, it's only a matter of time until they reunite. It could be because of a family member who is in some sort of danger/ trouble, or because of a common threat that can only be fought off as a family. 

Doo Daruwo captured this perfectly, through many different characters like Dulsi Aachchi, Sudu Seeya, Deepthi, Priyanwada, Nandani, Punsiri and Sudharma. In fact, Doo Daruwo is one of the longest-running teledramas in Sri Lankan tele-history, which aired for five whole years; from  1990-1995. According to reports, it managed to draw about 8 million viewers at its peak.

Ape Aththo

Image Source : nalanmendis.com

Telecasted in 1993, Ape Aththo allowed us to see the talents of a whole bunch of young actresses and actors on the small screen again, like Chandani Seneviratne, Sriyantha Mendis and Yashodha Wimaladharma, along with the veterans like H.A Perera. The conflict between traditional values and modern-day ambitions was the baseline of this story.

Naadaayo

Image Source : nalanmendis.com

This revived our memory of Doo Daruwo mainly because we got to see Irangani Serasinghe and Henry Jayasena in the same family again. In addition to that, this teledrama was made vibrant by many experienced actors and actresses like Manel Jayasena, Janak Premalal, Wijeratne Warakagoda, Deepani Silva and Avanthi Aponso, as well as the young talents like Yashodha Wimaladharma.

Senehewanthayo

Image Source : nalanmendis.com

Remember Leelasena who runs like hell to the kitchen as Siripinahami yells "Leelaseno" from the top of her voice? We met these characters through Senehewanthayo in 1997, which was also known as the most popular teledrama of the year. Leelasena's character is so well remembered even to this day due to its wonderful performance by Saman Hemaratne, while Deepani Silva played Siripinahami. Actors like Mahela Jayantha, Hemasiri Liyanage, Channa Perera and Manel Jayasena also had characters in this one.

Hiru Kumari

Image Source : nalanmendis.com

Hiruni is a young, beautiful and talented girl, who is, unfortunately, suffering from cancer. She is in love with her piano teacher, but her family doesn't entertain this relationship, and thus she ended up marrying a guy called Clifford. Even though he shows off himself as a richie rich, Clifford is, in fact, a bankrupted businessman who agrees to marry Hiruni solely because of the money her family has.

This story came to us in 1997, through Hiru Kumari. Yashodha Wimaladharma's performance as a cancer patient was well-received back then, while the other cast members included Kamal Addararachchi, Chandani Seneviratne, Priyankara Ratnayake, Manel Jayasena and Malini Weeramuni.

Bonikko

Image Source : nalanmendis.com

No bond in the world is equal to the love between a child and a mother. And this story, Bonikko, was able to encapsulate that love in the most heart touching way. In fact, it's based on the chithra kathaawa (picture-based story) called "Thuththirimal" by Janaka Ratnayake.

This story revolves around Sujatha, a 25-year-old girl who is suffering from a mental breakdown due to separation from the child she had out of wedlock, and a five-year-old girl who lost her mother due to her parents' divorce. Yashoda Wimaladharma's wonderful acting soon made Sujatha's character so popular.

It was further enhanced by the rest of the cast, including Sriyantha Mendis, H.A. Perera, Gamini Hettiarachchi and Manel Jayasena.

Sathpura Wasiyo

Image Source : nalanmendis.com

The most popular teledrama in the year of 2000 was Sathpura Wasiyo, which told us the love story of Ahinsa and Pathum.

Ever since she can remember, Ahinsa was living in an orphanage. But later on, she gets to live with a wealthy family, a kind gentleman and a lady who has been living alone in a gigantic house, as their three children are all grown up and live separately due to studies and jobs. Pathum is one of their sons, who falls in love with Ahinsa, and that's when all the problems began.

The characters of these two love birds were portrayed by Yashodha Wimaladharma and Channa Perera, while the rest of the cast included Irangani Serasinghe, Wilson Gunaratne, Srinath Maddumage, Deepani Silva, Prasannajith Abeysooriya, Priya Ranasinghe and Hasanika Karaliyadda. 

Sooriya Daruwo

Image Source : susilaproductions.lk

Loku Akka, who suffers from the loss of her one true love, Podi Akka who lives the perfect family life, Loku Ayya who gives into nothing but work, and the youngest in the family, the playful Poddee; four lifestyles in a single family, but it took only a minute to turn their world upside down when Podi Akka's husband was found dead. 

As usual, we enjoyed the performance of Yashoda Wimaladharma here as well. Sunita Wimalaweera, Roshan Pilapitiya, Wijeratne Warakagoda, Srinath Maddumage and Chathurika Peiris contributed their talents to this teledrama alongside her.

Tharu Kumari

Image Source : archives.dailynews.lk

Three main families, many different relationships, moments, encounters and problems. But in the end, everything turns out for the best. It's a story that can give you hope, amid the darkest of times that any family might go through. Janaka Kumbukage, Yashodha Wimaladharma, Jagath Chamila, Sujani Menaka, Manel Weeramuni, Priya Ranasinghe, Deepani Silva and Lal Kularatne are some of the many actors/actresses who took part in telling this story to us.

These are only ten of the many teledramas directed by Nalan Mendis that we immensely loved growing up. Even today, his talents and creativity haven't diminished, and his recent teledramas like Senehasa Kaviyak (2006), Senehasata Adarei (2009), Prarthana Mal (2010), Waasana Wewa (2010), Isuru Sangramaya (2011), Doowaru (2012), Angana (2013) and Muhunu Potha (2014) are enough proof of that.

What's your favourite Nalan Mendis teledrama? Do let us know in the comments.

Cover image source: nalanmendis.com
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Sri Lanka’s First Hotpot Conveyor Belt Launches at We Ai Family in Colombo

Colombo has just welcomed an exciting new culinary experience with the launch of Sri Lanka’s

Highlights Kamu Trending

A Vintage Affair at Sky Lounge

An Evening of Fine Wine and an Italian Touch The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites you to

Highlights Kamu Trending

Taste the World: 7 Cuisines in 7 Days

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

The Avenue, Colombo – Review

From the moment you walk in, the space offers a sense of comfort. Its simple

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Tea Trails & Tastes: : Best Eats in Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

By Fathima Rukaiya, Let’s take a flavorful journey through the culinary landscapes of Ella and

Highlights Kamu Trending

Trending.

Churros at The Kingsbury Celebrates World Chocolate Day

The Kingsbury Colombo's beloved pâtisserie, Churros, marked World Chocolate Day in true decadence with an

Highlights Trending

Sri Lanka’s First Iris Photography Experience by Eye Craft

On June 29th, the iconic Virticle by Jetwing hosted the grand launch of Eye Craft,

Trending

Hilton Named Best Workplace in Sri Lanka

This milestone marks the first time the hospitality company is recognized as the top employer

Trending

Bello Beach Bar by Browns Hotels & Resorts Redefines Coastal Leisure on Sri Lanka’s East Coast

Pasikuda’s coastline, known for its calm waters and untouched beauty, welcomed a refreshing new addition

Trending

MasterChef Franchise Makes Landmark Debut in Sri Lanka with Star-Studded Launch

Global culinary hit commissioned in 71 territories following latest Banijay Rights dealRs 3 Million, a

Trending

Sri Lanka’s Most Acclaimed Japanese Restaurant, Nihonbashi, Celebrates 30 Years

Marking three decades of popularizing "Washoku" in Sri Lanka, Chef Dharshan Munidasa’s flagship restaurant celebrates

Trending

Yamu Guide.

A Curated List of 9 Japanese Restaurants in Sri Lanka

1.Salmon and Maki - Thalawathugoda Japanese Fusion Cuisine 11.00 AM - 10.30 PM (everyday) Visit:

Highlights Yamu Guide

Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka (Including Hidden Gems)

By Fathima Rukaiya, There are many beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, but are you unsure

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

The 2025 High Tea Round-Up

Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing high tea? Whether you're into sweet

Highlights Yamu Guide

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2025

By Linara Wimalaweera Father's Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and influence of

Yamu Guide

Top Must-Try Restaurants in Ahangama for 2025

Ahangama, a charming surf town on Sri Lanka's southern coast, is becoming a popular spot

Highlights Yamu Guide

8 Gift Ideas to Celebrate Your Mom This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special time set aside to honor the amazing women who shape

Yamu Guide