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
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.
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
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
- Sumathi Merit Award at Sumathi Awards 2000 — Hathe Wasama[15]
References
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.