Remembering Gamini 77TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY FALLS THIS WEEK

The 77th birth anniversary of Sri Lanka's colossal film legend Gamini Fonseka falls on Thursday, March 21.

Gamini - the legendary actor, director, artist and lyricist was a product of S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia. He entered the film world in the early fifties as a member of the technical crew of Dr. Lester James Peries. His first screen appearance came in Rekhawa in a crowd scene and later portrayed a considerable role in Lester's Sandeshaya taking him to unparalleled and unimaginable heights in the cinema world. In fact Dr. Peries had insisted that Gamini should play the lead role in Sandeshaya but the producers had wanted a popular face for the lead role. Gamini was given the role of Thammita. Though a small character, he proved his prowess within his capacity, making the country realize his potential.

Filmgoers would never forget the memorable roles played by Gamini in films like Parasathumal, Welikathara, Chandiya, Nidhanaya, Soora Chawraya, Athma Pooja. Hulawali, Sagarayak Meda, Uthumaneni and several others.

Almost a hundred films he acted in were box office hits especially during the sixties and seventies. Gamini also sang a popular song for the Radio Ceylon with Christie Leonard Perera. The song ‘Hitha Yana Atha Yannata' penned by Karunaratne Abeysekara was set to tune by Mohamed Sally. The award-winning star, who was 68 at the time of his demise, was also a fine lyricist who penned some impressive songs like 'Ahimi Unath Numba Lande', 'Bambarindu Bambarindu' and 'Sudo Mang Adarei'. His credentials as a director were highlighted beyond doubt in Parasathumal (1966) and then he followed it up with more controversial cinematic creations like Sagarayak Meda, Uthumaneni, Sakwithi Suwaya, Koti Waligaya and Mayurige Kathawa.

- Ramesh Uvais

almost a hundred films he acted in were box office hits especially during the sixties and seventies. Gamini also sang a popular song for the radio ceylon with christie leonard perera. The song ‘hitha yana atha yannata’ penned by karunaratne abeysekara was set to tune by mohamed Sally.