Uppalavannā (蓮華色比丘尼)was considered to be amongst the two chief female disciples of the Buddha, the other being Khema.

She was the daughter of a wealthy merchant and was known for her great beauty. Her name means "one with the hue of the blue lotus".

She was the daughter of a businessman from Savatthi (Shravasti). She was named Uppalavanna because her complexion was that of a blue lotus. She was so beautiful that when she came of age, powerful and wealthy suitors sent messengers to her father asking for her hand. Not wanting to displease so many people, he suggested that she become a bhikkhuni. She agreed and became a nun. She quickly progressed in meditation and became an Arahant (fully liberated).

Buddha declared her to be the foremost in supernormal powers among the nuns.

Samyutta Nikaya V.5, the Uppalavanna Sutta, is attributed to her:

Vishvanath Buddhika Keerthisena, also known as Boodee Keerthisena is an award winning Sri Lankan filmmaker. He is well known as an artist began his career with drawing comics. Quietly he moved into painting, dress designing and visual arts and into music in the late 80s. He performed in a band called "Boo-Dee and the Woo-Zees" ( 1986–1992 ) as the lead singer.

In 1987, he went to New York to study film. After a year in Adelphi University in Long Island, he transferred to study at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. For his graduation in 1995, he presented his feature film "Veils of Maya" (Sihina Deshayen - 1993 ) as his thesis. The film won 31 awards in many festivals including best director and best film.

In 1997 he started shooting "Buongiorno Italia" (Mille Soya) and completed its shooting in Sri Lanka and Italy with a crew from 8 different countries. The film was released in 2004 and was in 16 festivals and won 15 awards including best picture and best director.

In 2008 he co-wrote the screenplay and directed "Alone in A Valley" (Nimnayaka Hudakalawa)which is in post production currently.