Before becoming a film actress, she acted in few ballets. In 1987, along with Channa Wijewardena, she performed the ballet
Ukussa. Ekanayake made her cinema debut in 1991 film
Dedunnen Samanaliyak directed by
Yasapalitha Nanayakkara. In that year, she won the Sarasaviya award for the Best Upcoming Actress. In 1992, she won the award for the Most Popular Actress at the same festival. Her early roles were confined to commercial films. Her ability to dance and her trade mark smile captivated the audiences. She is known as the
Sridevi of Sri Lanka. Her career hit a different trail with her role as an abandoned Tamil girl in the film
Me Mage Sandai by
Asoka Handagama. This serious role paved the way for other remarkable performances in
Sudu Kalu Saha Alu (Shades of Grey),
Mage Wam Atha (My Left Hand) and
Sulanga (Wind). In 2005, she again won the award for the Best Actress for the role
Sudu Kalu Saha Alu at Sarasaviya Festival. In 2007, she won Presidential award for the Best Actress for the role in
Sulanga. and
Deviya Sugala teledramas. ==Awards==