When most people think of cosplay, they imagine vibrant costumes and larger than life characters. For Chami Senavirathne, however, cosplay is more than dressing up it’s a performance, a story, and a reflection of creativity that has captured hearts across Sri Lanka. Her journey began in 2017 when a family conversation sparked curiosity. “My akki first told me about cosplay after hearing from her friend. She suggested we should try it the following year,” Chami recalls. In 2018, she stepped into the world for the first time as Harley Quinn (Prisoner version – Suicide Squad), marking the start of a passion that would later define her as a rising name in Sri Lanka’s creative scene.

Becoming Astrid

It was at the 2024 Comic Expo that cosplayer Kavinda Prasad suggested Astrid, the fearless warrior from How to Train Your Dragon, would be a perfect fit for her. At first, Chami hesitated, balancing studies and work left little time for costume making. But with Kavinda’s encouragement and his help in crafting the axe and shoulder armour, she brought Astrid to life in just two weeks.

The result was nothing short of magical. Her performance struck such a chord that fans felt like they were seeing their childhood hero come alive. “That comment really touched my heart because I felt like I had won as a cosplayer in Sri Lanka,” she shares.

Cosplay as Storytelling

For Chami, cosplay is not just about accuracy; it’s about conveying a story. “Many people in Sri Lanka didn’t even know about cosplay until my Astrid portrayal went viral. To me, cosplay is performance art, wearing costumes and accessories to represent a character, but also creating a harmony with that character.”

And while she takes pride in designing her own costumes, challenges are inevitable. “The toughest part was the skull details on Astrid’s armour. I rated everything else a ten out of ten, but I gave those skulls only a five!” she laughs.

What Sets Her Apart

Chami believes her strength lies in how naturally her expressions align with her characters. “Astrid suited my face and personality so well. The random choice ended up looking like a live-action version of the character.”

Beyond the artistry, cosplay has transformed her confidence. “It brings out a lot of creative ideas. Even though I’ve only done four characters since 2018, Astrid going viral is my most memorable moment yet.”.

Facing Challenges & Finding Strength

Like any performer, she has faced criticism — but she takes it with grace. “Even if it’s 100% perfect, there will always be one or two people who criticise. That’s just human nature. But if we’re happy with what we’ve done, then what others say doesn’t really matter.”

She acknowledges the emotional pressure of unveiling a new cosplay, especially in a country where the culture is still emerging. But her philosophy is clear: “Cosplay is not about whether the character suits us. It’s about whether we love the character and can bring it to life.”

Looking Ahead

For now, Astrid remains in her defining performance, but she’s not stopping there. “I definitely want to cosplay more characters in the future, though I haven’t decided who yet,” she teases.

As for advice to newcomers, “I was shy at first, too. My advice is simple, come and see cosplay for yourself one day. Once you experience it, you’ll understand, and maybe even find the courage to start.“

The Message She Wants to Share

At its heart, Chami views cosplay as a celebration of creativity. “Start small with one character you like. Soon you’ll discover how much joy it brings, not only to you but to everyone who sees their favorite characters come alive.”

From Harley Quinn to Astrid, Chami has shown that cosplay is more than costuming, it’s about storytelling, courage, and artistry. And in her hands, it’s also about inspiring others to step boldly into their own creative journeys.

Now it positions her 2025 cosplay as a viral breakthrough moment, which also makes the article feel more current and newsworthy.

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