Raja Sumanapala
Raja Sumanapala රාජා සුමනපාල | |
|---|---|
| Born | Navaratne Bandara Raja Sumanapala 1936 |
| Died | 2003 (aged 70–71) |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Education | Gankanda Central College, Pelmadulla |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, Dramatist, Musician |
| Years active | 1963–2003 |
| Spouse | Rathna Sumanapala (m. 1965) |
| Children | 4 |
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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]Filmography
[edit]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
[edit]- Sumathi Merit Award at Sumathi Awards 2000 — Hathe Wasama[15]
References
[edit]- ^ "Actor Raja Sumanapala". films.lk. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
- ^ a b "Veteran actress Ratna Sumanapala says she is happy with the award". Divaina. Retrieved 25 June 2020.[dead link]
- ^ a b "Rathna Sumanapala, Kopi Kade Hamine". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
- ^ "Kopi Kade gets stronger with every programme". Daily News. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
- ^ "Hathe Wasama now on Siyatha TV". saaravita. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
- ^ "Hiru Sandu Hamuwe". paradisaya. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
- ^ "Hiruta Muwaven". Torana Video. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
- ^ "Laa Hiru Dahasak". mirrorarts. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
- ^ "The Only Live Television Drama". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
- ^ "Raja Summanapala filmography". IMDb. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
- ^ "All about the film "Palama Yata"". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ "Are Films Using Names in Vain?". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 22 November 2010.
- ^ "'Rajya Sevaya Pinisai' shows a political crisis". Sunday Times. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
- ^ "Ranjan's maiden effort". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
- ^ "Sumathi Award winners in each year". www.sumathiawards.lk. Sumathi Awards. Archived from the original on 25 June 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2024.