Unforgettables

POLEE MUDALALI

The third death anniversary of veteran actor and dramatist Martin Gunadasa who was better known as Polee Mudalali following his trademark role in the ‘Kopi Kade' tele serial, falls on February 9.

Martin Gunadasa who acted in 1192 episodes of Kopi Kade bade farewell to the nation last year – just one day prior to his 80th birthday.

Matara-born Martin Gunadasa started acting in Vesak and Poson dramas from his schooldays and his love for acting brought him to Colombo where he joined the Government Press. He later became a fiery trade unionist who lost his job in the July strike in 1981.

Martin Gunadasa scripted and directed several stage plays and made his film debut via ‘Sarawita'. Later he acted in Hathara Maha Nidhanaya, Hathara Wate, Kapatikama, Indunila, Kalana Mithuro, Sinawai Inawai, Pick Pocket, Ada Mehemai and other movies. He was also a good singer and musician too.

SUSIL PREMARATNE

The third death anniversary of veteran artist and singer Susil Premaratne falls on February 10. Susil who was 85 at the time of his death served at the Lankadeepa newspaper of the old Times of Ceylon, but he shot to fame with his songs like Roo Rese Andina Lese, Somnasa Ho Santhapaya Hamuwe and Ko Ada Menika.

PATHIRAJA L.S.DAYANANDA

The third death anniversary of actor, director and dramatist Pathiraja L. S. Dayananda falls tomorrow. Pathiraja who was born in Kelaniya where he studied at Gurukula Vidyalaya entered the field of arts with ‘Yanki Hatana' in 1956. Later he acted in Wanagatha Kolla the following year.

He later acted in films like Rena Giraw, Hathdinnath Tharu, Ahas Gawwa, Wasthuwa, Ganga, Sikuru Dasawa, Selinage Walawwa, Jodu Walalu and others. He also directed movies including Hathdinnath Tharu, Ganga, Selinage Walawwa, Sinhabahu and others.

BANDUMUNASINGHE

The 8th death anniversary of yesteryear stunt actor Bandua Munasinghe falls tomorrow.

Bandu who was born in Rajagiriya was known as a fine boxer. Having served a stint in the Navy, Bandu made his acting debut in Wedibima. He also became the first Sri Lankan stunt director with the film ‘Ma Alaya Kala Tharuniya' directed by Sirisena Wimalaweera in 1959. He acted in a large number of films under various directors. He passed away on February 5 in 2005 at the age of 69.

- Ramesh Uvais