A daunting challenge to a teacher

The responsibility of looking after three grown up girls and giving them in marriage falls on a poorly paid teacher. Athula and unmarried teacher had take up the responsibility of three of his nieces when his brother mets with an untimely death. This is the story of ‘Theertha Tharanaya’ the latest teleplay of Chandana Hewapathirana the award winning teledrama director. It is being now telecast every Saturday and Sunday at 7.30 pm on ITN. The 43 episode teledrama shows the struggle Athula undergoes to provide fraternal security and provide them good lives.

“The teledrama is based on a true story and I tried to add challenges and struggles faced by people in our society. The responsibility of grown up girls is still a challenge in our society. When a poorly paid teacher had to suddenly take this responsibility, it becomes impossibly difficult,” said Chandana. The teledrama is

played by Lal Kularatne, Madhini Malwattage, Sarath Kotalawela, Hemantha Iriyagama, Dilini Lakmali, Bhagya Hettiarachchi, Dayana Iroshani and Sanketh Wickremage.

Camera direction is by Sanjeewa Kumara, editing Chamara Modarage, music Kapila Pugalarachchi, make up Priyantha Ishwara, art direction Saman Ambagahawatte and production executive Somadasa Maldeniya.

Screenplay and direction is by Chandana and Theertha Tharanaya is produced by Lal Kularatne.

“I got an immense support from the cast and the crew and even the villagers in Baddegama and Galle,” Chandana said speaking about the production. An award winning screenplay writer who joined the miniscreen with ‘Hirubara Tharuwa’, Chandana Hewapathirana joined Prasanna Vithanage to direct a series of minifilms for television.