Flowers of the sky represents the effects of economic and cultural globalization on Sri Lankan society, dealing with such issues as HIV, homosexuality and the status of women. The center of the film is Rani, an actress who has been forgotten by the society that once idolized her. She rents out rooms to couples who want a discreet love nest. When one of these trysts is discovered, she is forced to confront her own scandalous past. Rani is played by Sri Lanka’s most famous actress, Malini Fonseka, who is also the director’s sister-in-law. The portrait of a film star who also acts in TV dramas is somewhat autobiographical. The movie was a critical and popular triumph in Sri Lanka and on the festival circuit, winning honors for Fonseka’s performance (Silver Peacock Award, India International Film Festival, Goa) Vithanage’s direction (special Jury Award, 15th Festival International des d’Asie in Vesoul in France), and best film (NETPAC award for Best Asian Film at the third Cines del Sur Festival in Granada, Spain).