Bennett Rathnayake is a seasoned director who made his debut in 2001 with the crime drama 'Aswesuma' (The Compensation). The film won several awards, including the Best Director award. His second film 'Sulanga' (The Wind) was also well received, winning several National awards and 'Silver Remy' award at the Houston film festival. His third film Ira Handa Yata was no different from his previous films in winning awards. The film won Best Feature Film award at Identity Film Festival, SAARC Film Festival, and Fiji Film Festival. His next release Nela is an adaptation of the novel ''Mariyanela'' by Bento Peroz Galdos.