BAPTIST FERNANDO

The second death anniversary of multi-faceted film personality Baptist Fernando fell on February 1. Wennappuwa-born Baptist who started his career playing a small role in Perakadoru Bena in 1955, rose to become a much sought after villain and later a hero, film producer and director. He played the role of villain in several films including Satha Panaha, Ohoma Hondada, Sahanaya, Thushara, Kawuda Raja, Hondata Hondai and others while he played the hero in ‘Duppathage Hithawatha’ - the first film he produced. He later played hero in films like Tikira and Sudu Ayya while directing ‘Angulimala’ in 1988. Baptist also acted in Cyril Malli, Deviyani Oba Kohida, Chin Chin Nona, Sally, Subhani, Mamai Raja, Shakthiya Obai Amme and others.