Popular Sri Lankan vocalist Umaria Sinhawansa has revealed her private struggles with severe depression, career sabotage, and relentless body-shaming while celebrating two decades in the music industry.
Speaking in an interview on the Mirror Arts YouTube channel with journalist Dinitha Jayaratne, the award-winning artist outlined both her professional achievements and the personal trauma that shaped her career in Colombo.
Reflecting on her early years in the entertainment sector, the singer disclosed that intense bullying over her complexion and body shape led to a year-long battle with severe depression and suicidal thoughts, which she overcame through family support and her commitment to music.
Addressing widespread industry pressure to alter her appearance, Sinhawansa emphasized that she takes pride in the facial features inherited from her Indonesian father and firmly rejects plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures.
Her experiences with body-shaming has prompted her to partner with the One Promise Foundation to advocate for youth mental health awareness.
Turning to her professional milestones, she described performing a live duet with the late Pundit W.D. Amaradeva as one of her greatest honours, while recalling the rigorous physical regimen of singing on a treadmill for six months to build stamina for her recent solo concert.
Her candid disclosures highlight the broader societal necessity of confronting cyberbullying, body-shaming, and mental health stigma within Sri Lanka's creative industries.
Fans can expect the release of the lead single from her debut album in the coming days, ahead of the full album launch scheduled for the final week of August.
