Unforgettables

Timothy Weeraratne

The 75th birth anniversary of veteran filmmaker and cinematographer Timothy Weeraratne who contributed immensely to the Sinhala cinema industry, falls on Wednesday August 22.

Timothy who followed in his father’s footsteps as a photographer put up his own studio - Timothy Studio and Production, in 1957. He made steady progress ever since, not only by being successful in running 10 studios islandwide but also by supporting and guiding his actress daughter Sangeetha Weeraratne who is one of the leading film stars in the Sinhala silver screen. Timothy commenced his career as a cameraman for Robin Thampoo and was the co-producer, director and cameraman in the Indo-Lanka coproduction “Nangooram” in 1979. Later he produced and directed Sinhala movie hits like Devena Pipasaya, Sangeetha, Me Desa Kumatada and others. Timothy Weeraratne will always be remembered for his humility.

Nihal Jayawardana

The eighth death anniversary of Nihal Jayawardana – one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent artistes who excelled as a singer, actor and dubbing artiste – falls on Saturday, August 25.

The multi-talented personality becomes special to us for more than one reason.

He is probably the only singer who has rendered his playback voice to his father Dommie Jayawardana in two films – Monarathenna and Singapore Charlie and also dubbed for his father in ‘Landaka Mahima’. He is the singer who has sung the longest title song in a Sinhala film. The 12-minute song came in Romeo Juliet Kathawak. As a dubbing artiste he was also the most sought after male voice.