The Public Outcry Following the Split Between Isuru and Deshani

An intense controversy erupted after popular actress Deshani Nehara (24) and popular actor Isuru Lokuhettiarachchi (42) revealed their romantic relationship during the recent Sumathi Awards night. This announcement sparked a “battle for love” between Isuru and his former partner, Tarindi. At one point, Tarindi even held a mock wedding ceremony, which Isuru publicly criticized.

From the beginning, these romantic sagas were viewed by many as part of a scripted performance. However, recent developments on social media have generated a mix of humor and sadness. Deshani recently shared photos showing injuries to her nose, confirming that their relationship has come to an end.

Social media discussions have reignited as information surfaced suggesting that the conflict between the two was not a common lovers’ quarrel, but a serious incident involving physical assault and violence. This became the dominant topic on platforms like Facebook after Deshani Nehara posted an emotional note on her official accounts alongside photos of her facial injuries. Reports have since emerged alleging that Isuru assaulted Deshani, causing severe damage to her face.

Following this incident, Deshani herself confirmed that their long-term relationship has officially ended. In a lengthy Facebook post, she detailed the bitter experience she endured, seeking to inform the public about the “true nature” of the person she once loved.

Deshani Nehara Breaks Her Silence: “Love Made Me Blind”

According to the sentiments shared by Deshani Nehara, she expressed with deep pain that some people enter our lives in disguise, hiding their true nature. She stated that such individuals play with sincere hearts under the guise of love, noting that she encountered such a “soul” during a specific period of her life.

With profound shock, she recalled how she loved this person unreservedly and placed limitless trust in him, never hesitating to sacrifice the most valuable things in her life for his sake. Deshani mentioned that while she was in this relationship, many people blamed and criticized her, which even resulted in her parents facing insults. However, she expressed her gratitude to everyone who tried to advise her by pointing out the good and the bad, admitting that she had been “blinded by love.” She also gratefully remembered even strangers who tried to show her the truth for whatever reason.

Critique of Character and Infidelity

In her post, she further questioned why some people behave as if they lack even a spark of humanity, regardless of how much value, love, and respect they are given. She strongly criticized men who behave like animals, failing to value the humanity of an honest love. She pointed out that men who seek out other women for various motives while their own woman is by their side possess a “very low mentality.”

Deshani described such individuals as having weak personalities, unable to remain faithful to one heart or respect responsibilities and commitments. She drew a sharp comparison to Isuru’s behavior by using the proverb: “The leopard does not change its spots, even if the jungle changes,” a statement that has garnered significant public attention.

Final Request to the Public

She concluded by stating that although this is a personal matter, she decided to post this note because it had become a topic of national discussion for several days. Finally, she requested the public to refrain from asking any further unnecessary questions regarding the matter.

Key Cultural Nuance

The phrase “කැලේ මාරු වුවද කොටියාගේ පුල්ලි මාරු නොවන බව” is a Sinhala idiom equivalent to the English proverb “A leopard can’t change its spots.” In this context, she is implying that despite new surroundings or new relationships, a person’s fundamental (and in this case, negative) character remains the same.

This text describes the widespread social media backlash against Isuru, the support for Deshani, and the broader conversation regarding domestic violence and toxic relationships. Here is the English translation:

Public Backlash and Solidarity: The Aftermath of the Deshani-Isuru Incident

Following the incident, many within the arts community and across social media have rallied behind Deshani, while a wave of intense opposition has emerged against Isuru. Critics have labeled Isuru as a “womanizer” and a deceiver, suggesting that his recent behavior is unsurprising. Social media users have drawn parallels to a similar incident three years ago involving an actress named Tarindi, who was also in a relationship with Isuru. Reports state that Tarindi struggled to escape the relationship and had even posted on Facebook at the time regarding her ordeal. By comparing the two situations, many point to a recurring pattern in Isuru’s behavior. Another commentator, Manohari, noted that if respect is not present in a relationship, one should leave rather than stay.

Voices from the Industry

Actress Maheshi Madushanka, returning to social media after some time, addressed the issue via a live video. She expressed a mix of sarcasm and sadness, remarking that some men in Sri Lanka have reached a pathetic state; she noted that while Deshani shared photos of her actual injuries, some men have resorted to mocking the situation by posing with pieces of paper stuck to their faces. Recalling her own past bitter experiences, Maheshi warned those who once laughed at her that they too might face similar trials soon. She strongly condemned men who raise their hands against women and expressed solidarity with Deshani. Notably, Isuru’s side has yet to issue a response to these allegations.

Messages of Empowerment and Caution

Social media activist Sasindu Sahan Tharaka issued a poignant message to the public. He argued that if a relationship ends with one partner being beaten until their face is wounded, it is a serious sign to re-evaluate who they were with in the first place. He called it tragic that a victim has to resort to tagging an abuser on Facebook to express their pain. Sasindu noted that he has witnessed such violence not just among celebrities but in everyday life—including instances at Galle Face Green where men publicly assaulted their partners.

His advice to the public was firm:

• There is no need to stay and endure verbal or physical abuse from anyone.
• One must try to understand a partner’s true character before or during the relationship.
• The moment a “red flag” or sign of danger appears, one must leave.
• Do not wait for others to protect your dignity; you must protect it yourself.
• Failing to leave could lead to tragic extremes (like suicide, symbolized by “searching for Kaneru seeds”), where the ultimate pain is felt by the family and friends left behind.

Sacrifice and Betrayal

Activist Thilini K. Wimalaweera also stood up for Deshani, highlighting that women are often ready to sacrifice everything for love. She pointed out that Deshani even sacrificed her career for the sake of this relationship. However, she noted that men who are habitually unfaithful never appreciate the value of such sacrifices. Thilini urged “gossip pages” to stop mud-slinging and causing further distress to Deshani, reminding the public that any woman could fall victim to deception in love.

Conclusion

The series of events makes it clear that the love Deshani trusted—at the cost of the most valuable things in her life—left her with nothing but physical and mental trauma. This incident has reignited a broad national conversation about violence against women and the prevalence of deception within both the celebrity world and general society.