A competitive swimmer who even holds a national level record, Walimuni Mudiyanselage Menaka Hemal Rajapakse, popularly know as Menaka Rajapakse is a Sri Lankan sports person-turned-actor. Menaka began his career in 2005 with the teledrama Sanda Mudunata. It was during the SAAF games of 2005 that he was first spotted by producer Samy Pavel, who then introduced him to the TV industry. A few years later he was cast in the lead role in the teledrama Muthu Kirilli. Subsequently, the actor appeared in Amanda, Bharyawo, and Situ Medura.
In 2011, he made his feature debut with the sports film Sinhawalokanaya directed by Suneth Malinga Lokuhewa. Menaka essayed the role of a cricket all-rounder who revives his failing career after an incident. Sri Lankan cricketing ace Tillakaratne Dilshan made a guest appearance in the movie as well. The movie which became a blockbuster hit in Sri Lanka was, however, panned by the critics.
Menaka married Virangi Siriwardena in 2008 and the couple has a daughter together as well. However, after six of their marriage, in 2014, the couple filed for a divorce owing to Menakas affair with the TV actress Nehara Pieris. Menaka and Nehara got married on 28th January 2014.