Tharu Queen
Tharaka Wasalamudaliarachchi
Who is Tharaka Wasalamudaliarachchi?
Tharaka Wasalamudaliarachchi also known as Tharu Queen is a Sri Lankan Author, Journalist, Actress, Songwriter, TV Producer, TV Presenter. She was born on the 18th of October, 1973 in Matara, Sri Lanka. Her most notable work are Kalu (Book) & Helidarawwa (TV Program) & Charitha (TV Program) She has won many awards. She has been active since 1990s. She is married to Journalist and TV Director Chandana Sooriyabandara. They have 3 children, Gimhan Sooriyabandara (Attorney-at-law), Muniwara Sooriyabandara & Nimna Sooriyabandara.
Books
Andaramandiya (2001)
Andaramandiya was Tharaka’s first book.
Published by Gunasena Publishers in 2001, Andaramandiya is the debut novel of Tharaka Wasalamudaliarachchi — a compelling contribution to Sri Lankan youth literature that combines rural realism with environmental and institutional critique.
Set in a remote village connected to a small lake named Andaramandiya, the novel explores how the fragile balance between nature and human systems can collapse with devastating consequences. The lake, though modest in size, sustains the agricultural life and daily survival of the village — making it both a source of livelihood and a symbol of collective dependence.
The story centres on a village whose survival depends on the small lake that nurtures their land and families. However, the disaster that unfolds is not simply a natural event. It is deeply connected to corruption, fraud, and negligence within the Irrigation Department, whose interference disrupts the lake’s balance and ultimately leads to widespread destruction.
Rather than presenting the flood as an unavoidable act of nature, the novel frames it as the consequence of human misconduct and systemic failure. The suffering of the villagers becomes a powerful reflection of how institutional corruption can devastate vulnerable rural lives.
Dehi (Lime - 2006)
“Dehi” which translates to “Lime” is a book based on the harsh life of farmers who earn their living by cultivating lime in the remote areas of Monaragala. The book was published by Sarasavi Publishers in 2006.
Mati (Clay - 2007)
“Mati” which translates to “Clay” is a book that revolves around a remote village in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, life once revolved around tradition, simple livelihoods, and a strong sense of community. The villagers spoke in their own rural dialect and followed customs passed down through generations. Their world was shaped by deeply rooted beliefs about social order and hierarchy.
In 1977, Sri Lanka introduced the open economy, bringing rapid economic and cultural change. Even this distant village could not escape its influence. People were forced to adapt to new lifestyles, new values, and a system increasingly driven by money rather than tradition.
Yet while the economy changed, social attitudes did not. Caste discrimination remained firmly embedded in daily life. Those considered “upper class” continued to treat “lower class” individuals as inferior. The inequality was visible even in small gestures when a lower-caste person visited a higher-caste home, they were not offered a chair, but a bench. It was a silent reminder of their position in society.
This story captures a village caught between modernization and prejudice, where economic progress fails to erase centuries-old divisions. The book was published in 2007 by Sarasavi Publishers.
Kalu (Black - 2009)
Kalu (Black) is the book that highlighted Tharaka as a Professional Author. Kalu is a book that tackles Mental Health & the Social Stigma Mentally ill people face. While still being a Phycological Thriller “Kalu” follows the life of Chethi, a woman who has lived for many years inside a mental hospital after being diagnosed with schizophrenia. The novel unfolds largely within the confined world of the institution, but the true depth of the story lies inside Chethi’s mind. It was published in 2009 by Sarasavi Publishers. The book won hearts of many and was even Nominated for The Swarna Pusthaka Award (2010) Kalu” was one of the earliest novels in Sri Lankan literature to tackle the serious and often harsh realities of mental health.
Aes (Eyes - 2014)
“Aes” which translates to “Eyes” was published in 2014 by Sarasavi Publishers. “Aes” is one of the earliest examples of Climate Fiction in Sri Lankan Literature. The book was highlighted as a gem to Sri Lankan Literature. The book tackled subjects that no one else dared to.
Aes mainly focuses on nature and the environment, and how human actions slowly destroy or damage it. The book highlights a powerful message: the world is showing clear signs that it needs help, yet people often ignore these Global warming signs and continue living carelessly.
The novel reflects the idea of the “Frog Theory.” This theory explains that if a frog is placed in slowly heated water, it does not realize the danger until it is too late. In the same way, humans fail to notice gradual environmental destruction because it happens little by little. Aes uses this idea to show how dangerous human disregard can be.
Another important fact about Aes is that it was written after a four-year break in Tharaka Wasalamudaliarachchi’s writing career. With novels such as Andaramandiya, Dehi, Mati, she mainly focused on stories about lower-class and rural village communities. And Kalu focused on Mental Health & Mentally Ill people who face social stigma. However, in Aes, she shifts her focus to the upper class and the challenges faced by those within it. The novel also explores the fragile and often broken family connections that exist among members of the higher class . This highlighted her as an author known for creating unique and different stories with each book.
Paata (Colors - 2016)
Another standout in Tharaka’s Literary career was “Paata”. The book tackles the subject of HIV/AIDS. It follows the true story of a girl who has contracted HIV. The book shows the life she has to live with HIV and the Social Stigma she faces as a person who suffers from HIV. The book was published in 2016 by Sarasavi Publishers.
Indrachapa (Rainbow - 2019)
“Indrachapa” a Romantic Comedy book published in 2019 by Sarasavi Publishers. Many people think that love is only for the young. But this book shows that love is much deeper than that. It can bring light into a person’s life, like a flower blooming in the darkness. The story explains that true love between two people is not just about romance. It is about human love — built on understanding, kindness, and care.
Guru (Teacher - 2019)
“Guru“ is a book that gently explores the lives of teachers and the quiet strength they carry. The story beautifully reminds us of the true importance of teachers as guides, mentors, and the shaping force behind every generation. The book was published in 2019 by Sarasavi Publishers.
Kaasi (Coins - 2021)
A coin has no heart, A coin has no eyes, A coin cannot speak, What can a coin really do?
But what if…. a coin could talk?
The book was published in 2021 by Sarasavi Publishers.
Neela Nimna (Happy Valley - 2023)
“Neela Nimna” is a Romantic Comedy that follows the same characters from “Indrachapa” and shows how they fulfilled their happiness & love for each other. The book was published in 2023 by Sarasavi Publishers. Tharaka is still to this day an active author.
