DAYA RAJAPAKSE

The 81st birth anniversary of distinguished artist cum journalist Daya Rajapakse falls on December 7.

Daya Rajapakse was a man of many parts. He was a Sinhala teacher before embarking as a stage play scriptwriter. As a lyricist he has penned several songs for films and to popular singers like Milton Mallawarachchi, Indrani Perera, T.M. Jayaratne, Chandrika Siriwardana and others. He was also the art director in films like Sakwithi Suwaya, Ahimi Dadamang, Niliyakata Pem Kelemi and Podi Ralahamy. In addition this man also acted in films like Sakwithi Suwaya and Thani Tharuwa.

‘Wanarayo’ - the country’s first film based on a picture story (comic) was a creation of Daya Rajapakse and 12 of his stories were made into films while more than fifty have been converted into tele dramas.

Besides these, this seasoned artist has penned scripts for films like Robin Fernando’s Sura Doothiyo, H.D. Premaratne’s Hasthi Wiyaruwa, Malani Fonseka’s Sasara Chethana, Neranjana Nanayakkara’s Waranaga and Sunil Ariyaratne’s Anupama.