Navaratne Bandara Raja Sumanapala (born 1936 – died 2003 as රාජා සුමනපාල) [Sinhala]), popularly known as Raja Sumanapala, was an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television.[1]
Raja Sumanapala රාජා සුමනපාල | |
|---|---|
| Born | Navaratne Bandara Raja Sumanapala (1936-Missing required parameter 1=month!-00)Missing required parameter 1=month! , 1936 Palmadulla, Sri Lanka |
| Died | 2003(2003-00-00) (aged 70–71) |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Education | Gankanda Central College, Pelmadulla |
| Occupation | Actor, Dramatist, Musician |
| Years active | 1963–2003 |
| Spouse | Rathna Sumanapala (m. 1965) |
| Children | 4 |
He was born on 1936 in Pelmadulla. He completed education from Gankanda Central College, Pelmadulla.[2]
He was married to popular actress Rathna Sumanapala. The couple has two daughters - Waruni, Manjula - and two sons - Prabash and Mahesh.[3][2]
Grandchildrens - Dushantha Deshan Samayamanthri , Dulhan Tanishka Sumanapala , Bisandi Laknara Sumanapala , Dulan Hansaja Sumanapala , Dinali Shenara Sumanapala , Bihandu Yethmin perera , Vidusha Sumanapala
He worked in Pelmadulla Art Forum in music department where he met future wife Rathna.[3]
He has acted in several popular television serials in the early periods. His character as "Ali James" in Kopi Kade was highly popularized.[4]
Sumanapala started his film career with 1977 film Pembara Madhu directed by Sugathapala Senarath Yapa.[11] Some of his popular cinema acting came through Mangala Thegga, Wadula, Palama Yata, Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli and his final film Parliament Jokes.
| Year | Film | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Pembara Madhu | Win doubter | |
| 1978 | Selinage Walawwa | ||
| 1980 | Jodu Walalu | ||
| 1980 | Sinhabahu | ||
| 1981 | Induta Mal Mitak | ||
| 1982 | Adhishtana | ||
| 1983 | Manik Maliga | ||
| 1984 | Wadula | Fisherman | |
| 1987 | Mangala Thegga | Eranda | |
| 1987 | Kiwulegedara Mohottala | Cave meeting onlooker | |
| 1989 | Siri Medura | Siri supporter | |
| 1990 | Palama Yata | Mudalali | [12] |
| 1991 | Golu Muhude Kunatuwa | Pappa mahaththaya | |
| 1993 | Chaya Maya | ||
| 1993 | Ordinary Magic | Sabish | |
| 1994 | Ambu Samiyo | ||
| 1994 | Sandamadala | Gramasevaka | |
| 1996 | Thunweni Aehe | ||
| 1997 | The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli & Baloo | Buldeo's servant | [13] |
| 1997 | Apaye Thappara 84000k | ||
| 1998 | Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli | Guney | |
| 1998 | Aege Vairaya 3 | Larry | |
| 2000 | Rajya Sevaya Pinisai | Shot shop owner | [14] |
| 2002 | Parliament Jokes | Guneris | [15] |
| 2010 | Kshema Bhoomi | Mendis |