Actor Mahesh Jayasinghe passes away

Veteran artist Mahesh Jayasinghe, a popular actor in Sinhala cinema and tele-drama art, also known by the stage name 'Kadiya' on the concert stage, suddenly passed away yesterday (30) at Marawila Hospital. His demise at the age of 65 caused a great shock in the Sri Lankan art field, and he was respected by many for decades as a popular actor who brought smiles to everyone's faces.

He stepped into the world of art during his school days with the stage play 'Perahera', and entered the silver screen as 'Wadumaduwe Kolla' in Stanley Perera's film 'Sanda'. Mr. Jayasinghe, who acted alongside giants like Freddie Silva, who shaped the golden era of Sinhala cinema in the eighties and nineties, left an indelible mark in the audience's memory with his role as 'Brinjal' in the 1989 film 'Nommara 17', and also in the 1990 films 'Chandi Raja' and 'Yukthiyata Wada'. In addition, his contribution to cinema through comedic and character acting in many films such as 'Jaya Apatayi', 'Rasa Rahasak', 'Nawa Gilunath Ban Choon', 'Shakthiya Obayi Amme', 'Obata Pamanayi Adare', 'Come Go Chicago', 'Salangak Hadayi', and 'Naralowa Holman' was immense.

In addition to films, he contributed his acting talents to many popular tele-dramas over several decades, and managed to connect closely with the general audience through his friendly and humorous acting style. He also showcased his talents as a singer, joining the concert stage through the cassette tape released under the name 'Kadiya', and demonstrated his skills through stage plays such as 'Pension Mahaththaya', 'Haa', 'Horoin', and 'Sara'.

Upon hearing the news of the demise of this veteran artist, fans and fellow artists alike took to social media and various news websites to express their condolences, wishing him "Nivan Suwa Labewa" (May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana) and reminiscing about their past memories with him. The body of Mr. Mahesh Jayasinghe, a father of three in his personal life, is currently placed at his residence on the road behind the church in Ulhitiyawa, Wennappuwa, and the final rites are scheduled to take place tomorrow (02) at 4:00 PM at the Wennappuwa Catholic Cemetery.