Workshop in memory of H. A. Perera

The third death anniversary of veteran actor, dramatist and musician H. A. Perera falls tomorrow, February 5. A special workshop on acting for children between 14 and 18 years will be held at the Battaramulla Janakala Kendraya today, in memory of H. A. Perera.

Colombo-born Habarakadage Aloysius Perera studied at Modera St. James' College, De La Salle College and Kotahena Madhya Maha Vidyalaya. Having made his entry into the arts field via street dramas, HA, as he was fondly known, played powerful characters in several stage dramas including Wedikkarayo, Spartacus, Sekkuwa, Sthree, Pus Lodang, Sudu Saha Kalu, Vinishchaya, Mawathe Api, Julius Caesar, Galileo, Oththukarayo, Hitler, Warenthu, Ukdandu Ginna and Warna while he directed music for dramas like Sekkuwa, Vinishchaya, Suba Sendewak, Numba Vitharak Thala Elalui, Hitler and Warenthu.

He made his film debut in H. D. Premaratne's ‘Sasaraka Pethum' and continued to ignite the big screen with a variety of characters in Hasthi Viyaruwa, Rejana, Koti Waligaya, Sagara Jalaya Madi Henduwa Oba Sanda, Siri Medura, Palama Yata, Keli Mandala, Kula Geya, Mee Haraka, Dehena, Vimukthi and Indrakeelaya.

He also played key roles in several tele dramas including Yashorawaya, Kada Ima, Passé Gena Manamali, Bumu Thurunu, Situwarayo, Nethra Mangalyaya, Suriya Daruwo, Ingammaruwa, Hummanaya, Muthu Kirilli and others, but he will always be remembered for his role as ‘Dias' in Doo Daruwo.

- Ramesh Uvais