About Aruni
Journey Ahead
Aruni Kalupahana is a Sri Lankan-born, Canada-based author, artist, and creative entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in storytelling across literary, visual, and digital mediums. Her work spans fiction, journalism, illustration, branding, and social impact, earning her recognition as one of Sri Lanka’s emerging creative voices.
She began her career in national newsrooms in Sri Lanka, later expanding into creative writing and marketing within agency environments. Alongside her media and communications work, she has published multiple books, including the bestselling novel Rasthiyadukara Cinderella.
Aruni holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a BTEC Higher National Diploma in Art and Design (Creative Advertising), a Post-Degree Diploma in Sustainable Business from the College of the Rockies in Canada, and an MBA in Marketing from London Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom. She also holds a Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing, a Diploma in Writership and Communication, and is a Certified Applied Market Researcher in Sri Lanka, reflecting her foundation in both creative practice and strategic research.
Professional Life
Aruni launched her career as a journalist at a young age, advancing to editorial leadership roles including tabloid editor, deputy editor, and editor-in-chief at leading Sri Lankan media outlets. Trained in investigative journalism, she covered political, social, and youth-related issues before transitioning fully into authorship and the visual arts. Her work has been featured in national and international publications such as Ceylon Today, The Sunday Observer, and The Colombo Post, where she has been praised as “a catalyst who knows what she needs and gets what she wants.”
As a bestselling author, Aruni gained wide acclaim for Rasthiyadukara Cinderella (“A Loitering Cinderella”), a socially reflective novel that blends literary depth with cultural critique. She has published four books to date, including poetry, l fiction, and children’s stories. In 2023, she represented Sri Lanka at the SAARC Writers and Literature Festival in India.
Creative Identity
Writer Since Childhood
A lifelong storyteller, turning imagination into words.
Illustrator by Passion
Turning imagination into art, guided by passion.
Entrepreneur by Purpose
Creating with purpose, driven by passion and impact.
" A catalyst who knows what she needs and gets what she wants"
- The Colombo Post -
Beyond Books
Through her creative studio Stories by Aruni, she writes, illustrates, and publishes original works, while also creating canvas art, ceramic pieces, and storytelling visuals. Her portfolio includes collaborations with regional and international clients, and she has contributed to award-winning creative projects and campaigns throughout her career in Sri Lanka.
Aruni is also a dedicated volunteer with over a decade of involvement in community initiatives. She is currently engaged with the Cranbrook Arts Gallery in Canada as a volunteer and consigning artist. Deeply committed to storytelling, visual art, ceramics, and creative entrepreneurship, she continues to explore the connection between art and education through research, workshops, and public engagement. A lifelong learner and advocate for the arts, Aruni draws inspiration from nature and uses her work to encourage curiosity, connection, and meaningful expression.
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Where imagination takes root. 🌸🌿 Books • Stickers • Custom Artwork
Looking to Collaborate on a Creative Project?
Whether you are a reader with thoughts to share, a publisher with an opportunity, or a collaborator with a creative idea, your message is always welcome. She values meaningful conversations, feedback, and new connections from readers around the world. Fill out the form and she will get back to you as soon as possible.
