[9] Attanayake joined with "Ranga Shilpa Shalika" at Lionel Wendt Art Centre to start stage drama acting.
[9] In 1979, Attanayake engaged as an A-grade singer in Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation with a versatile range of singing in Noorthi, Nadagam and Classical.
She was honored with the title "Moratuputra Abhinandana" award at the "Sahithyangali" Literary Festival held by Moratuwa Municipal Council in 2017 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the field of stage drama.
She acted in many popular serials including Palingu Manike, Ella Langa Walawwa, Yashorawaya, Parana Tawuma, Nelli Gedara, Anu Nawayen Nawaya, Mihikathagē Daruvō, Manōmandira, Sandagala Thænna, Nomærena Minissu, Niyaṁ Kurullō and Medi Sina.
Some of her popular films are Niliyakata Pem Kalemi, Seilama, Parliament Jokes, Ridee Nimnaya, Birinda, Mangala Thǣgga, Okkoma Rajavaru, Vana Bambarā, Esaḷa San̆da, Surabidena, Sujāthā, Dhavala Puṣhpaya, Sūra Daruvō, Sathkampā, Saptha Kanyā, Yakaḍa Pihāṭu and Gindarī.