Gamini Samarakoon passes away

Veteran actor Mr. Gamini Samarakoon, who rendered an unparalleled service to the Sri Lankan arts field, has passed away. He, who won the hearts of audiences through the fields of stage, cinema, and tele-drama for decades, was an artist who left an indelible mark in the memory of fans through the eternally popular song "Sobawa De Mepura – Siri Wisithuru" from the stage play "Tharawo Igilethi."

Mr. Samarakoon, who displayed an exceptionally prominent acting talent in stage drama, gained the most popularity by bringing to life the character of Prince Maname in Professor Ediriweera Sarachchandra's timeless creation, the play 'Maname'. Not limiting his acting prowess to the stage, he also equally excelled in cinema and the small screen, successfully captivating audiences. In addition to acting, he also made a name for himself in the field as a talented Kandyan dancer.

Looking back at his long artistic career, apart from Maname and Tharawo Igilethi, he contributed his acting talents to numerous famous stage plays such as Nari Baena, Kadawalalu, Sakkaya Ditthi, Ambu Samiyo, Deshapaluwa, Vishesha Komisaris, Uthure Rahula, Madura Jawanika, Pokuru Wassa, and Asatha Manthare. Furthermore, films that graced the silver screen such as Ge Kurullo, Malata Noena Bambaru, Muhudu Lihini, Alu Yata Gini, Bherunda Pakshiya, Doringe Sayanaya, Ira Sewaya, and Sudu Appachchi are prominent among the creations that showcased his cinematic acting prowess.

He also contributed by portraying various characters in numerous tele-dramas that were very popular among small-screen audiences, such as Ranmasu Uyana, Eka Mawakage Daruwo, Thara Devi, Gamperaliya, Nidikumaba Mal, Kumarayaneni, Bedde Senehasa, Gal Pilima Saha Bol Pilima, and Kala Handa. In addition to being an artist, Mr. Gamini Samarakoon, who served for a short period in the Hatton Police during the early part of his professional life, was also an exemplary figure who taught knowledge to many while serving as a teacher at Wesley College, Colombo.