Deepanath Channa Perera (born 16 August 1974 as [Sinhala]) is an actor in Sri Lankan cinema and television as well as a filmmaker and screenplay writer.
Channa Perera was born on 16 August 1974 as the eldest of four sons. His father Piyasena Perera was a Director of Education who was in-charge of special education in Sri Lanka. His mother, Vineetha Piyasena, was a teaching instructress. Perera was educated at Sri Sumangala Boys' School, Panadura and then from Royal College Colombo. He completed A/L from bio stream and then took over a Banking job.
He is married to popular actress Gayathri Dias. He met Gayathri during the teledrama Makara Vijithaya. They got married on 26 September 1996. The couple has two daughters - Maleesha Parindya and Duasha Adithya. Elder daughter Maleesha completed education from Musaeus College.Duasha is currently studying at Royal Institute.
His maiden cinematic experience came through 1994 film Sujatha directed by Daya Wimalaweera. Since then, he acted in many dramatic roles particularly in romantic supportive roles. His has acted in many popular serials including Golu Hadawatha, Sathpura Wesiyo, Senehewanthayo, Sath Mahala, Sakwa Lihiniyo and Sooriya Daruwo.
He entered in film direction with the 2006 blockbuster Anjalika. The film won many awards at local film festivals. He introduced Kollywood actress Pooja Umashankar to Sri Lankan film industry with title character in Anjalika. He directed his first television serial, Punchi Weerayo, which became a cult in Sri Lankan television. His next directorial film Sanda Diya Salu, which is an Indian-Sri Lankan joint production was planned to release for nearly 30 theaters of NFC Ridma circuit cinemas, ten Tamil and Telugu copies. But the screening was postponed by many disputes.
He has won several awards at the local film festivals and television festivals, both for acting and direction.
|- || 2006 ||| Anjalika || Most Popular Actor ||
|- || 1998 ||| Thimira Pauwa || Merit Award || |- || 2001 ||| Punchi Weerayo || Best Creative Director || |- || 2001 ||| Peoples' vote || Most Popular Actor || |- || 2002 ||| Peoples' vote || Most Popular Actor || |- || 2003 ||| Peoples' vote || Most Popular Actor || |- || 2004 ||| Nannadunannee || Best Supporting Actor || |- || 2016 ||| Rathu Ahasa || Jury Special Award ||
|- || 2009 ||| Anjalika || Best Direction ||
|- || 2008 ||| Anjalika || Best Visualized film song ||
|- || 2008 ||| Anjalika || Most Popular Film ||
|- || 2014||| Senasuru Maruwa || Best Actor ||
|- || 2014||| Senasuru Maruwa || Best Actor ||