Rasanayagam was born to the beautiful coastlines and tropical graces of the island of Sri Lanka. At the age of seven, the ongoing civil war forced Theresa Rasanayagam to flee with her two young children. The small family was given refugee status in the UK. Rasanayagam was since raised and educated in South London, and now bears UK citizenship. After a Catholic school education, he matriculated at the University of East London where he graduated with a BA (Hons) in Graphic Fine Arts. He devoted the following year toward a variety of group art exhibitions and video installations in London. It was during this time that he discovered his absolute passion for film - the openness and accessibility of the moving image.

In 2002, Rasanayagam fled once more. In place of political turmoil and poverty, it was the flamboyant lifestyle and wealth of modern London. And refuge was the wonderful, welcoming atmosphere of Berlin. Its population of artists, abundance of free time, and capacity for international collaboration have enabled Rasanayagam to further practise his craft.