ASHOKA PONNAMPERUMA

The 19th death anniversary of popular yesteryear film star Ashoka Ponnamperuma falls today, April 2.

Colombo-born Ashoka, studied at Ananda College, Colombo where his passion for acting grew. In the late in fifties he was chosen to play a dual role in ‘Suneetha' and from there onwards he was part of several films in which he played the main lead.

Among the most popular films he acted in were Sundara Birinda, Semiya Birindage Dewiyaya, Ran Rasa, Suhada Divi Piduma, London Hamu, Senasili Suwaya, Shanthi, Sinawai Inawai, Sithaka Mahima, Sunila, Sweep Ticket, Indunila, Hengi Hora and several other movies. He later directed ‘Pradeepa' based on his own story. He also sang for London Hamu and Pradeepa.

Ashoka who possessed a unique acting style passed away on April 2, 1993.

- Ramesh Uvais