In the world of reality television, few contestants leave a lasting impression quite like Upendra Siriwardana. The 33-year-old vocalist from Monaragala has become a sensation on The Voice Finland, captivating audiences with her powerful performance of a Sinhala song Maamini Maa Deiya while dressed in a vibrant batik Kandyan sari. It was a moment that not only showcased her extraordinary talent but also celebrated her Sri Lankan heritage.

“Walking onto that stage in Porvoo, I knew this was my one chance to make a statement—not just with my voice, but also by representing my roots,” Upendra shared during an exclusive interview with Life.

Her appearance on the show has sparked a wave of excitement, with one of the judges pressing the buzzer within five seconds of her performance—a historic first in the 14 years of the competition.

Upendra’s journey to Finland began in the small town of Monaragala, where she was born into a family steeped in the performing arts. Her father, Shiyan Siriwardana, a businessman and founder of a unique band called The Teacher’s Unplugged fostered her love for music from an early age. “My father assisted by my mother Pushpa Kumari also ran a performing arts academy and organized open-air stage shows with renowned Sri Lankan musicians” Upendra reminisced. “He recognized my talent early on and would have me perform on stage with veteran artistes from the time I was just three years old.”

By the age of five, Upendra had already completed the Praveeshika level of the Bhathkande Visharad examination in music, and by 20, she had achieved her Visharada degree and enrolled in a Bachelor of Fine Arts program. However, it wasn’t just academia that honed her craft. Upendra gained practical experience competing in Sri Lankan reality TV shows such as Derana Dream Star and The Voice of Sri Lanka, reaching the final 12 and the live round, respectively.

“These competitions were stepping stones,” she said. “They gave me the confidence to release my first solo single, Vijja Devi, in 2022.” The song, which has garnered thousands of views on YouTube, marked the beginning of her recording career.

Fate intervened when  Upendra married Deshan Gamage. After the nuptials, Upendra moved to the outskirts of Colombo and took up a teaching position in Maggona. Deshan's pursuit of a Master’s degree led the couple to Finland. Settling in a city named Kouvola, Upendra quickly immersed herself in   Monikultturikeskussaaga, a local youth and community centre. Her performances there caught the attention of the organisation’s executive director, Taina Talvala,  who encouraged her to audition for The Voice Finland.

“At first, I was hesitant,” she admitted. “I’d just started learning Finnish, and the idea of competing in a foreign language was daunting. But  Taina Talvala insisted I did, even threatening to submit my application if I didn’t!”

Upendra submitted her demo tape just hours before the deadline and was soon invited to the initial audition. "The other auditionees and I were briefed that the judges would not give us feedback and they wouldn't have any reactions to our performances. I sang a Sinhala song first, followed by Let It Go. I could see the judges’ surprise, and when I finished, all they said was, ‘Wow!’"

Weeks later, Upendra found herself at the blind audition, where she stunned the panel in her Kandyan sari. “That sari was my way of saying, ‘This is who I am, and this is where I come from,’” she explained. Her performance not only secured her a spot among the top 48 contestants but also made her an ambassador for Sri Lanka on Finnish television.

Beyond the glitz of reality TV, Upendra is fiercely proud of her heritage and determined to share it with her new community in Finland. Her efforts extend to a local exhibition organized by the town’s Museum, where she has curated a collection of Sri Lankan artefacts, including Spa Ceylon wellness products, Siddhalepa for its healing properties, Ceylon tea, and items showcasing the island’s wildlife.

“This exhibition is deeply personal to me,” she said. “It’s my way of introducing Finland to the beauty and richness of Sri Lanka.” The exhibition, set to run for a year starting in February, is yet another platform for Upendra to bridge cultures.

While Upendra remains tight-lipped about the ongoing competition, her early success has already made waves. “I can’t reveal much about what’s to come, but I’m just grateful for this opportunity,” she said.

Her story is one of determination, talent, and cultural pride. As she continues to enchant audiences with her voice and vibrant personality, it’s clear that this superstar from Monaragala is on the brink of something extraordinary.

“The Voice Finland is not just about singing for me,” Upendra concluded. “It’s about representing Sri Lanka, sharing our culture, and showing the world what we have to offer.”

With her incredible journey and unwavering passion, Upendra Siriwardana is undoubtedly a name to watch—both in Finland and beyond.