One of Sri Lankas most sought after actors and directors, Ranjan Ramanayake made his debut in 1987 with the movie Obatai Priye Adare, following which he went on to appear in over 75 Sinhalese movies. Winning the Slim Nielsen Peoples Actor of the Year consecutively for ten years from 2007 to 2017, Ramanayake has movies like Jonsun and Gonsun, Rosa Wasanthe, Chandi Raja, Christu Charithaya, Maweela Penewi Obe Rupey, and Awaragira to his credit. An established actor, he made his directorial debut in 2002 with the movie Parliament Jokes, which went on to receive immense praise, following which he directed the movies One Shot and Leader, which were also declared hits. In 2010, the actor and director contested for elections and was elected to the Parliament from Ratnapura District from United National Party. During his five-year-long tenure, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Social Services and Livestock, and the Deputy Minister of Social Empowerment and Welfare. However, even while serving the government, Ramanayake continued to be a part of movies and was seen in Kiwwada Nahi Nokiwwada Nahi, Jeevithe Lassanai, Sri Siddhartha Gautama, Raja Horu, Ranja, and Parapura.