the first sumathi awards ceremony was celebrated in 1995, where 32 awards were given at the ceremony under 4 categories. in the best award category, sumathi award for the best teledrama actor was won by buddhadasa vithanarachchi and best teledrama actress was manel jayasena. in popular award category, kamal addararachchi won the most popular actor award, whereas nilmini tennakoon won the most popular actress award. out of 32 awards given, teledrama "dandubasnamanaya" won 12 awards, including best actor, supporting actor, television series, director and music director.