As a student at Sri Dhammaloka Vidyalaya Kelaniya, Sunil received his first award among dozens an interschool solo singing competition. He continued to receive awards at interschool competitions in account of his wonderful ability, and was placed 3rd at the singing competition of 'Maliban guwan totilla' - an amateur radio program of  music.

In 1983 he received the President's award for play back singing in the film " Adhishthanaya" for singing its theme song "Maya Miriguva Pirunu Lo Tale". (Lyrics - Thalangama Premadasa) The film was directed by Satischandra Edirisinghe, and its music directed by P.Hemapala Perera. This was the first national award  received by him.

In 1986 he was awarded the "Vindana Prasada Pranama" from the Vindana Kala Kendra of the University of Colombo,  for his contribution in delivering the massage of truth to people through Sinhala songs.

In 1987 he received the "Swarna Sankha" award  the best play-back singing in the film "Mangala Thegga" for the Song - 'Thurulaka Hurathal'. The film was directed by H.D.Premaratne, and the music directed by H.M.Jayawardane and lyrics were composed by Kularatne Ariyavansha.

In 1988 he received the "Sarasavi award" as the best play back singer, for the song "Thidasa Pure" in the film - "Sandakada Pahana" in which the music was by  Premasiri Kemadasa and the lyrics byRathnasiri Paranawithana.

In recognition of his place as a real treasurer in the arena of national music and for his invaluable contribution the course of Sri Lankan music, he was honored with an award in the National Music Festival organized by the Department of  Cultural Affairs & Board of Fine Arts in 1999.

In the year 2002 he again received the Sarasavi Award as the best play-back singer in the film " Poronduwa" of which the lyrics were composed by Wasantha Kumara Kobavaka, and the music directed by Rohana Weerasinghe.

Above all he receives accolades from  millions of  his admires who love his songs and from all his friends who know him to be a  true friend. That is the most precious award anyone can aspire for.