Kalasuri Dona Meraya Denawaka, a renowned Sri Lankan actress, was affectionately known as "The grand old lady" for her remarkable talent in portraying elderly characters. Born on February 20, 1906, in Imbulgoda, Gampaha, Hamine began her career as a school teacher, but a serendipitous encounter with G. D. L. Perera at a theatrical audition, accompanied by a young actress, led her to win the role of an elderly mother in Perera's play Kandulu. Her masterful performance in this role caught Perera's attention, and he subsequently invited her to join his drama group, Kala Pela.
Within Kala Pela, Hamine played pivotal roles in various productions, including Manamalayo, Sakkarawattang, and Sama, for which she received a merit award at the 1964 Arts Council Drama Festival for her outstanding performance in Totupola. Her debut film role was in the film adaptation of Sama, reprising the role she had popularized in the play. In Sath Samudura, she portrayed the mother of two fishermen, earning widespread critical acclaim and a Best Character Actress Award from a special government council, presented to her on stage by then Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake.
Throughout the 1970s, Hamine took on major roles in notable films such as Tun Man Handiya, Desa Nisa Kolomba Sanniya, and Matara Achchi, solidifying her status as a beloved and respected figure in Sri Lankan cinema.
