NILMINI SIGERA Voice & Virtue
Since the advent of television in Sri Lanka more than three decades ago, we have seen and heard hundreds of television presenters and programme hosts, but if one is asked to recall the name of a few – this name will also be among them. She is none other than Nilmini Sigera. For several years she brought the message of fortune via the Mahajana Sampatha Lottery results on TV while winning the hearts of the audiences as a pleasing television personality on ITN and Rupavahini. “Besides TV programmes I also anchored several glamour events like the Sumathi and Swarna Sanka award ceremonies, “she told Impulse.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A TV PRESENTER?
I joined Kelaniya Gurukula Vidyalaya where my mother was teaching, to do AL arts. During that period I met Seelaratne Senarath who encouraged me to take up announcing. Accordingly I joined ITN and Rupavahini. During my school career I acted in school dramas and also studied dancing. In 1981 I acted in Somalatha Subasinghe’s ‘Vikurthi’ while the male role was played by Chandani Seneviratne. I won the best actress for that role at the inter school drama competition. I later acted in public shows as well.
Initially I studied at Badulla Vihara Mahadevi Vidyalaya and then joined St. Paul’s Milagiriya where I studied science subjects. I joined Gurukula because of my passion to study arts. Then I joined the Colombo University. I got my first teaching appointment in 1991 to Lumbini Vidyalaya where I teach Logic even today.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A TELE ACTRESS?
In 2003, Nalaka Swarnathilaka offered me a role in the ‘Anne’ tele drama and later I acted in his stage play ‘Danga Malla’ in 2011. I also acted in Harold Wijesinghe’s tele serial ‘Saranga’. However, I like the stage because of the instant audience feedback we get. Since I have two sons, I will consider good offers in tele dramas. I am a great stage lover too. I never miss good plays and especially children’s drama festivals.
YOUR FAMILY?
I am the eldest in the family. My only brother is a doctor in Scotland. My sons are Yasith Randula Abeysinghe and Thadas Nimnitha Abeysinghe.
BUT YOU ARE NOT SEEN ON TV NOW?
“It was around 2002 when I developed a throat ailment which forced me to move away from theTV scene. After it was cured there were opportunities, but I opted to continue with my teaching career. I know how much people remember me as a TV personality even today.”
YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A PRESENTER?
I am fortunate to have associated with veterans like Premakeerthi de Alwis, Lucian Bulathsinhala and others who guided me on the right track. Among my colleagues were Ravi John and Faizal Bongso.