UNFORGETTABLES
DHAMMIKA SIRIWARDANA
The third death anniversary of well known film producer and director Dhammika Siriwardana (Alankulama Films) who made box office hits like Asai Mang Piyambanna, Suwanda Denuna Jeewithe, Paya Enna Hiruse, Rosa Kele and several popular tele dramas, falls on December 15. Dhammika who initially entered the tele drama and film scene as a producer, later moved into direction of tele dramas like Sidangana and the box office hit movie ‘Suwanda Denuna Jeewithe’. The renowned Anuradhapura-based businessman was also a self-made story and screenplay writer. He later spread his wings to Colombo and excelled in his business ventures Family Super and Caserolle in Mount Lavinia. Most of the tele dramas which were directed by other directors were based on his own stories. His son Basuru Siriwardana who had been involved in his father’s films, is now working on his debut movie production on behalf of Alankulama Films.
SARATH WIMALAWEERA
The 23rd death anniversary of veteran broadcaster and lyricist Sarath Wimalaweera falls on December 11. Having joined the Lake House as a translator in 1948, Sarath Wimalaweera switched his career path by joining Radio Ceylon as an announcer in 1951. He penned lyrics for songs that came in films including ‘Daiwa Yogaya’, ‘Perakadoru Bena’, ‘Kawata Andare’ and ‘Anusha’. Well-known lyricist Sunil Wimalaweera is the younger brother of the late Sarath Wimalaweera.
MAURICE DAHANAYAKE
The 87th birth anniversary of veteran film actor and singer Maurice Dahanayake falls on December 11. In a career spanning several decades Maurice Dahanayake played crucial roles in maintaining high standards in the local arts. His songs like ‘Onna Olu Malak’, ‘Sudo Poddak Andanna’, ‘Meth Mal Pibidewa’ and ‘Muthu Mitak Piriee Eththe’ are some creations that will linger in our memories forever. Having made his film debut in Pravesam Venna, he went on to act in several other movies like Para Walalu, Adare Hithenawa Dekkama, Hondama Welawa, Hondai Narakai, Lassan Kella, Unnath Dahai Malath Dahai, Kolompoor and others. Having worked at the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, Maurice later rose to become its Chairman too. He is the brother of popular dancer Padmini Dahanayake.
SIR CHITTAMPALAM GARDINER
The 58th death anniversary of Ceylon Theatres Ltd. founder Sir Chittampalam Abraham Gardiner falls today, December 10. Gardiner who was born on January 6, 1899 was a member of the Senate of Ceylon. Gardiner who had studied law, pioneered the cinema business in Sri Lanka and established The Ceylon Theatres Limited on September 29, 1928. Gardiner was made a Knight of St. Sylvester in 1947 for his services to the Roman Catholic Church. He was also a Knight of St. Gregory. He was appointed to the Senate of Ceylon in 1947 and knighted in the 1951 New Year Honours. He passed away on December 10, 1960.