Alanki Kishani Perera is a prominent figure in Sri Lanka, recognized for her diverse roles as a media personality, actress, presenter, and entrepreneur. Her journey to stardom began with memorable performances in Films and teledramas such as “Anithya” (2013), where she played Chethana, “Hithata Wahal Weemi” (2010), portraying Dhammi, and “Adaraye Namayen” (2008) as Duleeka. These roles showcased her versatility and talent, quickly making her a household name.
Beyond her acting career, Alanki’s academic achievements are equally impressive. She attended the prestigious Colombo International School and graduated with a Law degree (LLB) from the University of London through the Royal Institute of Colombo. This academic background laid a strong foundation for her multifaceted career, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of both the entertainment and business worlds.
In 2019, Alanki conceived the idea of a YouTube talk show. With years of experience in the media as an actress, she wanted to share her voice and provide a platform for others to discuss current affairs and issues important to all Sri Lankans.
After years of portraying different characters as an actress, Alanki revealed, “The whole point of ‘Conversations with Alanki’ was for me to be myself and engage in conversations with others. Having conversations is exactly what I love to do, and through this show, I can shed light on current affairs and important topics that benefit society.”
While her show primarily focuses on current affairs, Alanki often deviates to cover issues she finds particularly relevant, such as deforestation and its impact in Sri Lanka. She also addresses topics considered taboo, like HIV and how society treats those living with the condition.
‘Conversations with Alanki’ stands out by adhering to the high production standards of traditional TV shows, resulting in episodes that surpass the quality of others in its niche. Alanki collaborates with a team of seasoned professionals, using the latest equipment to ensure TV-quality production. She plays an active role in post-production, meticulously crafting trailers, captions, and fine-tuning every detail of how the episodes appear online.
“Our production is not small-scale at all. We have a professional crew that handles the recordings. Most of them are young but highly experienced, and the equipment they use is up-to-date and of the best quality,” Alanki explained.
This dedication to quality is not without its costs. Contrary to the common perception that YouTube production is inexpensive, Alanki highlights the significant expenses involved in hiring professional crews and equipment, as well as the costs of post-production. These financial demands can make finding sponsors a challenge.
Content-wise, Alanki primarily focuses on current affairs, featuring personalities with the expertise to comment on them. However, she also takes an unconventional approach in selecting her guests, aiming to provide a platform for voices not often heard.
“I want ‘Conversations with Alanki’ to be useful, informative, and insightful. I’m not likely to feature someone who appears on many other programs,” she explained. “I prefer to look for people who don’t always have the opportunity to be on a show. As someone with a background in law, I often have lawyers on the show to discuss the legal system and necessary reforms. I’ve also interviewed leading politicians and diplomats, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe shortly before he became President.”
Among her many impactful conversations, some episodes have garnered particular attention. She had the privilege to interview a diverse range of influential figures including the President of Sri Lanka, world leaders, diplomats, economists, and prominent business figures. Her interview with President Ranil Wickremesinghe became the most-watched English interview she had ever done. Another significant episode featured economist Nishan de Mel, who accurately predicted many aspects of the economic crisis just before it began.
Through ‘Conversations with Alanki,’ Alanki Perera continues to provide a high-quality, insightful platform that addresses important issues affecting Sri Lanka and its people.
Alanki’s entrepreneurial venture, Radha Sarees, marks a significant milestone in her career. It was her moms initial idea to open a saree boutique due to her undying love for sarees. Purely based on her mom Mrs. Samanthi Rochelle Perera, Alanki eventually decided to start this venture. As her mom and Alanki are Co – Founders, she has successfully merged her passion for fashion with her commitment to humanitarian efforts. Radha Sarees a brand reflects her belief that fashion can be a vehicle for positive change, offering elegant and culturally rich sarees that resonate with her audience.
From a young age, Alanki exhibited a strong desire to help the less fortunate. She recalls organizing Christmas carol concerts with her cousins to collect donations and going door-to-door with a small collection box to gather funds for underprivileged children. This innate compassion has persisted into her adulthood, driving her to support various charitable initiatives focused on children’s welfare.
Alanki’s transformation from a celebrated media personality to a successful entrepreneur is truly inspiring. Her work with Radha Sarees stands as a testament to her belief in the power of fashion to make a difference. By combining her love for fashion with her commitment to social causes, she continues to inspire and empower others, proving that success and compassion can go hand in hand.
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