Jayalath Manorathna passes away

Jayalath Manorathna passes away

It is with sorrow that we have had to announce today (12) with sorrow the demise of distinguished artiste Jayalath Manorathna. He was ailing during the past at his home at Boralesgomuwa and was 71 years old at the time of his death. He was an accomplished artiste who displayed his skills in a wide range of artistic activities such such as stage-drama, tele-drama, the
cinema and poetry. 

He had his early education at Dehipe Primary School and Poramadulla Madhya Maha Vidyalaya and later initiated acting from Sunil Sriyananda's 'Aspa gudung' stage-drama who was the drama teacher of the school. Subsequently he connected himself with professor Ediriweera Sarachchandra of Peradeniya university. Jayalath Manorathna began his stage-acting from the drama Prematho Jayathi Soko and later participated in 37 stage-dramas such as Vessanthara, Mahasara, Kada Walalu, Elowa Gihin Melowa Aawa. 

Jayalath Manorathna who stepped into cinema in the year 1976 has acted in over 40 films. Handaya, Satha Kanya, Punchi Suranganavi, Suriya Aruna, Samanala Thatu, Hiripoda Wessa, Bambara Walalla Pravegaya, Hogana Pokuna, Soom, A Level are some of those films. Mr. Jayalath Manorathna acted in over 35 teledramas too. Bodima, Doodaruwo, Madolduwa, Veedurumal and Kandegedera are some of those. 

He was well-known as a poet during the time he spent at campus and was also the script-writer of stage-dramas he produced. He completed the B.A. degree in Peradeniya university and thereafter obtained his M.A. at Sri Jayawardenepura university. He also is the recipient of doctor of philosophy degree at Peradeniya university. 

He won Sarasaviya awards for the Best Supporting Actor in the years 2004, 2007, 2015 and award for the Best Actor at Raigam Teles in 2009. Final rites are expected to be conducted on Wednesday (15).