Jayathilaka’s tribute to Tony

Geevandarage Jayathilaka is an actor who is popular among the masses following his role as ‘Sando’ in the Paba tele drama and will be remembered for his body full of permanent tattoos of various designs.

This tattoo star who joined Impulse for a brief chat said he was still grieving following the recent loss of his British business partner Tony Edwards ending a close working relationship exceeding 25 years.

Jayathilaka is basically a businessman involved in tourism. Yet his passion for arts and especially acting had been welling up in his mind from his childhood.

“It was Srina who got in contact with Mahesh Rathsara Maddumarachchi and got me this role in Paba and from day one I became a known face. I also acted in the tele serial ‘Wessa Numba Wage’ and some others. I am glad that people still remember me for my role as Sando. When I meet people on the roads, they ask me details about that role,” he said adding that he acted in a few films too.

“Tony Edwards was a retired Air Lanka pilot. He was a gem of a gentleman. Though he was a Britisher he was in Sri Lanka for several decades,” said Jayathilaka recalling the good times they spent together. He has even created a life size statue in memory of Tony in his home and there are garlanded photographs of Tony in every floor of his house.

Pix courtesy Amith Senaratne

“Though he is gone, Tony will always remain my world. I will resume acting once I make up my mind and most importantly when I receive roles with some substance” JAYATHILAKA TOLD