In 1986, Rathnayake followed the cinematography program conducted by the OCIC. At the end of the course, he produced a 25-minute drama called Piyawaru saha Puththu. In 1987, the drama won the award for the best non-serial creation at the O.C.I.C Awards Ceremony. The confidence gained by the award moved him towards National Television and Independence Television channels to produce many television serials in early 1990s including Tharu which was telecast over MTV. He has produced many notable television serials Tharu, Grahanaya, Kalu Hansayo, Makara Vijithaya, Kadumuna, Palingu, and www.com. In 1988, he directed the serial with 5 episodes, titled Sayuren Eha. In 1994, he established his own institution "Ben Films", as a production institute for teledramas and cinema creation.
