Raja Sumanapala

Raja Sumanapala
රාජා සුමනපාල
Born
Navaratne Bandara Raja Sumanapala

1936 (1936)
Pelmadulla, Sri Lanka
Died2003(2003-00-00) (aged 70–71)
NationalitySri Lankan
EducationGankanda Central College, Pelmadulla
Occupation(s)Actor, Dramatist, Musician
Years active1963–2003
SpouseRathna Sumanapala (m. 1965)
Children4

Navaratne Bandara Raja Sumanapala (born 1936 – died 2003 as රාජා සුමනපාල) [Sinhala]), popularly known as Raja Sumanapala, was an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television.[1]

Personal life

Sumanapala was born in 1936 in Pelmadulla. He completed education from Gankanda Central College, Pelmadulla.[2]

He was married to popular actress Rathna Sumanapala. The couple had two daughters, Waruni and Manjula, and two sons, Prabash and Mahesh.[3][2]

His grandchildren are: Dushantha Deshan Samayamanthri, Dulhan Tanishka Sumanapala, Bisandi Laknara Sumanapala, Dulan Hansaja Sumanapala, Dinali Shenara Sumanapala, Bihandu Yethmin perera and Vidusha Sumanapala.[citation needed]

Acting career

Sumanapala worked at Pelmadulla Art Forum in the music department, where he met his future wife Rathna.[3]

He acted in several popular television serials in the early periods. His character as "Ali James" in Kopi Kade was highly popularized.[4]

Selected television serials

  • Hathe Wasama [5]
  • Hiru Sandu Hamuwe [6]
  • Hiruta Muwawen [7]
  • Laa Hiru Dahasak [8]
  • Lokanthaya
  • Wetath Niyarath [9]
  • Yashorawaya

Filmography

Sumanapala started his film career with the 1977 film Pembara Madhu, directed by Sugathapala Senarath Yapa.[10] Some of his popular cinema acting came through Mangala Thegga, Wadula, Palama Yata, Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli and his final film Parliament Jokes.

Year Film Role Ref.
1977 Pembara Madhu Win doubter
1978 Selinage Walawwa
1980 Jodu Walalu
1980 Sinhabahu
1981 Induta Mal Mitak
1982 Adhishtana
1983 Manik Maliga
1984 Wadula Fisherman
1987 Mangala Thegga Eranda
1987 Kiwulegedara Mohottala Cave meeting onlooker
1989 Siri Medura Siri supporter
1990 Palama Yata Mudalali [11]
1991 Golu Muhude Kunatuwa Pappa Mahaththaya
1993 Chaya Maya
1993 Ordinary Magic Sabish
1994 Ambu Samiyo
1994 Sandamadala Gramasevaka
1996 Thunweni Aehe
1997 The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli & Baloo Buldeo's servant [12]
1997 Apaye Thappara 84000k
1998 Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli Guney
1998 Aege Vairaya 3 Larry
2000 Rajya Sevaya Pinisai Shot shop owner [13]
2002 Parliament Jokes Guneris [14]
2010 Kshema Bhoomi Mendis

Awards

References

  1. ^ "Actor Raja Sumanapala". films.lk. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Veteran actress Ratna Sumanapala says she is happy with the award". Divaina. Retrieved 25 June 2020.[dead link‍]
  3. ^ a b "Rathna Sumanapala, Kopi Kade Hamine". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  4. ^ "Kopi Kade gets stronger with every programme". Daily News. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  5. ^ "Hathe Wasama now on Siyatha TV". saaravita. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  6. ^ "Hiru Sandu Hamuwe". paradisaya. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  7. ^ "Hiruta Muwaven". Torana Video. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  8. ^ "Laa Hiru Dahasak". mirrorarts. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  9. ^ "The Only Live Television Drama". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  10. ^ "Raja Summanapala filmography". IMDb. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  11. ^ "All about the film "Palama Yata"". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  12. ^ "Are Films Using Names in Vain?". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 22 November 2010.
  13. ^ "'Rajya Sevaya Pinisai' shows a political crisis". Sunday Times. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
  14. ^ "Ranjan's maiden effort". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
  15. ^ "Sumathi Award winners in each year". www.sumathiawards.lk. Sumathi Awards. Archived from the original on 25 June 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2024.