REMEMBERING HENRY JAYASENA

The tenth death anniversary of Henry Jayasena who contributed immensely towards enriching the local arts in various spheres, falls on November 11. In a career spanning almost five decades, Henry Jayasena made an indelible name for himself as a committed English teacher, dramatist, film and tele drama actor and author.born on July 6, 1931 in Gampaha, he studied at Lorenz College, Gampaha and Nalanda College, Colombo. As a schoolboy Henry acted as Prince Rohitha in the stage play ‘Harischandra’ and later played key roles in dramas like Janelaya (1962), Thavath Udesanak (1964), Manaranjana Wedawarjana (1965), Ahas Maliga (1966), Hunuwataye Kathawa, Kuweni (1967), Apata Puthe Magak Nethe (1968), Diriya Mawa (1972), Makara (1973) and Sarana Siyoth Se Puthini Habha Yana (1975). Sisira Kumara Manikkarachchi was instrumental in getting Henry Jayasena into the film scene with ‘Gehenu Geta’. He later followed it up with other movies like Sri 296, Wena Swargayak Kumatada, Suhada Sohoyuro, Gamperaliya, Heta Pramada Wediy, Sigiri Kashyapa, Dahasak Sithuwili, Atheethayen Kathawak, Madol Duwa, Palangetiyo, Maruwa Samaga Wase, Handaya, Hansa Wilak, Ganga Addara, Beddegama, Soldadu Unnehe, Kaliyugaya, Suriyakantha, Himakathara, Ammai Duwai, Sandakada Pahana, Suranganawi Punchi and Ran Diya Dahara. Henry Jayasena played unforgettable roles as Piyal in Gamperaliya, Azdak in Hunuwataye Kathawa, Sudu Seeya in Doo Daruwo, Lalith in Dahasak Sithuwili, Douglas in Hansa Wilak, Arachchila in Baddegama, Willie in Soldadu Unnehe and other creations. He also acted in several tele dramas including Nedeyo, Doo Daruwo, Situwarayo, Manawa Warana and others and authored books like Minisun Woo Daruwo, Karaliyaka Kathawak, Nim Nethi Kathawak and Balga Gilano. He received several awards including the Presidential, Sarasaviya, Sumathi, OCIC and State Drama awards.

Henry Jayasena made an indelible name for himself as a committed English teacher, dramatist, film and tele drama actor and author