Gonakumbura Pangukarage Shalani Tharaka WIjayabandara the well known actress, model and dancer who would be recognized easily as shalani tharaka was born in the area of Balangoda on 15th of november 1990. Her father who is a businessmen in profession is Susantha Wijayabandara by name while her mother is Suraji Fernando a beautician.
She had her primary education at St Agnes Convent, Balangoda where she was the primary head prefect and also involved her self in extra curricular activities in the school in netball team and the winning art competition being a multi talented character. Ever since shalani was a child she started indicating features of a talented personality and of course by now she has proven it true.
After the primary education she moved to her mother’s hometown Negombo and had her higher education there onwards at Newstead Girls College which was an opportunity to brighten up her dancing skills in both western and kandian styles. Shalani doesn't stop her extra curricular activities from there, she also participated in the broadcasting unit in her school and made endless maximum opportunities out of her school life. Shalani also makes time during her leisure reading books. Also shows interest in writing, dancing, singing.
The turning point of her life or the start of her celebrity life began with the pagent Sirasa kumariya. Her first step in the industry was kept in the drama Poojasanaya by Mr.Sherly P. delankawala, and her talents take her further in the field to Isuru bawana, Hansi,Samanalee, Api Api Wage 1 & 2 teledramas which became popular among all her fans. And of course the coming up Ganga Addara n Sanda Sanda wage also being contributed by Shalani’s roles.
Apart from teledramas she also has contributed in the TV commercials Hero Honda, Raino, Janet. Shalani going ahead in her career did not stop there; she also contributed in music videos Prihans Oya dese, mata oya D n S, Wasthuwe shafee ft Delon.