Kumanayakage Ravindra Yasas (born 20 April 1964 රවීන්ද්ර යසස් [Sinhala]) is an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, theater and television as well as a singer and a radio host.[1] Highly versatile actor mostly engaged in theater and television, he is currently serving as a Western Provincial Councilor.[2]
Ravindra Yasas රවීන්ද්ර යසස් | |
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Born | Kumanayakage Ravindra Yasas (1964-04-20) 20 April 1964 (age 58) Matara, Sri Lanka |
Nationality | Sri Lankan |
Occupation | Actor, Singer, Politician, Dramatist |
Years active | 1984–present |
Political party | Samagi Jana Balawegaya |
Spouse(s) | Kokilani Benaragama |
Children | Kasun Chamara |
Relatives | Jagath Benaragama (brother-in-law) |
Yasas is married to theater director Kokilani Benaragama. The couple has one son, Kasun Chamara is also a renowned actor and singer, who started career with musical program Hapan Padura. Chamara acted with father in few films such as Jim Pappa and Pin Pon. Kokilani is the sister of popular actor Jagath Benaragama.[3]
In 1984, he started his stage drama career with the popular play Abuddassa Kolama. Then he acted in the stage drama Raja Kapuru. His song Suwanda Saban Aga Gala in the play was highly popularized. He started cinema career with the 1995 film Ayoma directed by Parakrama Niriella.[4] Then he acted in many comedy roles in films including Hai Baby Hai, Pissu Puso, Jim Pappa and Kosthapal Punyasoma. In 1999, he won Sumathi Merit Award for the role in Avul Haraya teledrama.
He has portrayed in many political satires on television such as And Company by singing ‘Virindu’, making a mockery of current social and political issues. He has released a music album titled Anda Manda Virindu.[5]
His first involvement in politics was around 1990s as a JVP activist [27] In 2014, he contested for Western Province in provincial council election under Democratic Party led by Sarath Fonseka from Kalutara District.[28] Currently he contest under Samagi Jana Balawegaya leb by Sajith Premadasa.
on 28 January 2019 Kumanayake admitted with minor injuries to the Horana Base Hospital for treatment after his car crashed into a tree at Gammanpila in Bandaragama on the Kesbewa Road.[29][30] The accident happened at about 4:45 am while he was on his way home after attending for a radio program.[31]
Year | Film | Roles | Ref. |
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1995 | Ayoma | ||
1997 | Bawa Duka | Purampiya | [32] |
1998 | Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli | Willie's lookout | [33] |
1999 | Theertha Yathra | Dharmadasa | [34] |
2000 | Kauda Bole Alice | Siri Ayya | [35] |
2000 | Anuragaye Ananthaya | Rape claim supporter | [36] |
2001 | Oba Magema Wewa | ||
2001 | Sellam Kukka | [37] | |
2001 | Hai Baby Hai | ||
2001 | Daru Upatha | ||
2001 | Pissu Puso | Dougie's friend | [38] |
2002 | Surapurata Kanyaviyak | [39] | |
2003 | Pin Pon | Francis | [40] |
2003 | Jim Pappa | ||
2003 | Numba Nadan Apita Pissu | Diesel | [41] |
2014 | Kosthapal Punyasoma | Anton's henchman | [42] |
2015 | Gindari | Secretary Ari | [43] |
2017 | Bandhanaya | Wimalasiri | [44] |
2019 | President Super Star | multiple roles | [45] |