Simion, directed by Dr. D. B. Nihalsinghe and produced by Vijaya Ramanayake for Tharanga Films. This was the first time a Sri Lankan actress won a best actress award at an international film festival. Thereafter she went on to LAMDA in London to further hone her skills and won further accolades, nationally and internationally. She has been honored with the Kohinoor Award by the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Government of Sri Lanka's Kala Suri national award, the Asian Film Center tribute to her in 1994, Munich International Film Festival retrospective of her films, and the state governments of Kerala and West Bengal retrospectives of her films are among the many accolades she has received. Apart from Sinhala films, Anoja played a leading role in the Australian film Island directed by Paul Cox. She has also acted in Pakistani Urdu films like Raththathin Rath Thame, India-Sri Lanka co-production film Hum Se Na Takrana, Agar Tum Na Hote, Suraj Bhi Tamasha, Miss Lanka, Naadani, and Do Haath. After that, she studied music, acting and voice acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (Lamda) in London. After return to Sri Lanka, she started the 'Advanced Performing Arts Institute' on the land belonging to the Bellanwila Rajamaha Vihara adjoining temple. Stage dramas Satana Prashnaya Age Nama Rathi Manaskola Trojan Kanthawo''' Diriya Mawa Saha Age Daruwo Ran Salakuna Memories of Monkey boyAwards She is a recipient of many local, regional and international awards. Presidential Special Award 1984 - Muhudu Lihini Sarasaviya Awards 1985 - Hithwathiya Presidential Award 1985 Merit Award - Hithawathiya Sarasawiya Award 1986 Merit Award - Mihidum Salu Best Actress in 1986 State Awards Best Costume Design in 1986 State Awards Sarasaviya Awards 1986 Best Film - Obata Diwura Kiyannam Best Actress in 1987 Sarasaviya Awards - Maldeniye Simion Best Actress in 1987 OCIC Awards - Maldeniye Simion Best Actress in 1987 Presidential Awards - Maldeniye Simion Rajatha Mayura Award for Best Actress in 1987 Best Actress in 11th Indian International Film Festival - Maldeniye Simion Best Television Actress in 1987 - Thaara Devi Rana Thisara Award in 1987 Kalsuri Award in 1987 Honor Award in 1987 Woman of the Year 1987 - Vanitha Award at Rotary International Club Best Actress in 1990 Sarasaviya Awards - Sirimedura Best Actress in 1987 OCIC Awards - Sirimedura Koinor Rathna Award 1990 Most Popular Actress in 1991 Vanitha Award Best Actress in 1992