LIONI KOTHELAWELA Versatile character actress

Lioni Weerasinghe (Kothelawala) who studied at Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena started singing at Radio Ceylon as a seven-year-old kid. But as she grew up destiny made her a versatile character actress who made a name for herself on stage, films and tele dramas.

“I made my debut as an actress in GDL Perera’s ‘Sama’ and followed it up with roles in dramas like Mehew Lokaya, Thotupala, Magul Mathaya, Rathu Rosa and others. Then GDL made the movie ‘Sama’ offering me the lead role. That paved the way for me to act in movies like Chandali Pipena Kumudu, Vajira and Raja Daruwo. Recenly I acted in Sanath Gunathilake’s first film direction ‘Ekamath Eka Rateka’. I have so far acted in about 25 films,”

YOUR SMALL SCREEN ENTRY?

Lucian Bulathsinhala offered me my first tele drama role in his single episode drama ‘Somage Sihinaya’. Then I was getting several offers in the tele scene. In 1988 I won the UNDA award for the best tele drama actress for ‘Kumarihamy’. I like to play roles with substance. I remember the blind role I played in ‘Samanala Vasanthaya’. I will continue to act as long as I am wanted. I am grateful to all my fans.

WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR SINGING CAREER?

Well I was ranked as an A Grade singer in 1969.

AWARDS YOU WON…?

I won several awards for my lead roles in stage plays. I was born and bred on stage as an actress. My contemporaries were Prema Ganegoda, Sobani Amarasinghe, Kithsiri Perera, Nawanandana Wijesinghe, H. D. Kulatunga, Ruby de Mel and others.

THE ROLE YOU CHERISH MOST?

Of course it’s ‘Sama’. The feedback I got was tremendous.

YOUR FAMILY AND HOBBIES?

I was married to photographer Tissa Kothelawala who passed away 13 years ago. I have four sons who are residing overseas. Whenever I find time I spend time with my grandchildren. I love their company.

A WORD OF ADVICE FOR NEWCOMERS?

Respect your seniors because you can learn a lot from their experiences.