'Wanshanatha' returns from Australia to take up acting

PERSONALITY: He burst into the limelight through his roles as Wanshanatha in "Nedayo" and Nishantha in "Sathpura Wesiyo".

The villainous characters he portrays on the mini screen however has no resemblance to his real life. His burly figure and menacing looks belies a very friendly, humble and soft hearted individual.

He is non other than, Srinath Maddumage, who has come down from Australia where he has been living for the past one and half years, to work with film producer Udayakantha Warnasooriya' on the latter's latest children's movie.

Srinath is the Sub-Editor of the Sinhala Monthly "Sannasa" published in Australia. The publication depicts the Lankan heritage, culture and cinema.

In addition he also acts as tutor to Sri Lankan children in Australia who are not familiar with their mother tongue. This programme is conducted by the Australian Hume Library.

He is also planning to start a new Sinhala Radio Channel in Australia.

Srinath spoke passionately and with emotion about Sri Lankans domiciled down under. "They are always thinking about their motherland, their native language, friends and relations. Sometimes they feel abandoned in this world. That is why I'm doing all these things for them".

"Everybody asks me why I always portray the 'bad guy'. But I'm happy with all the characters I have done so far.

Actually I don't know why all directors chose me for those type of characters. It may be something to do with my physique," he added with a smile.

He had acted in 20 stage plays and a host of teledramas. "Sathpura Wesiyo", "Nedayo", "Kulawanthayo" and "Suba saha Yasa" are some of the teledramas and "Apooru Soldaduwo" directed by I.N. Hewawasam, "Sura Purata" and "Kanyawiyo" directed by Mario Jayathunga are some of the films he had acted in, which won him a huge fan club.

He was awarded Best Supporting Actor in 1995 for "Depath Nai" directed by Parakrama Niriella, and Best Supporting Actor in the 2005 Sumathi Tele Awards. In 1985, he won the supporting actor award for the first time for his role in "Warenthuwa", a stage drama directed by H.A. Perera.

Srinath has many talents. He is not only a competent actor, but also made his mark as a TV presenter. He had presented Rhythm Chat, Gee Hatha and also contributed with his Muppet shows for Rupavahini, ITN, Swarnawahini.

A little known fact among his many fans is that Srinanth is also a journalist and possesses an external degree and diploma in Journalism from the Sri Jayawardenapura University.

Srinath remembers with affection and gratitude his Gurudeva Tissa Gunawardena, a teacher at his old school, Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa.

While in school he played the role of 'Pandukabhaya' in the play by Simon Navagatthegama. His wife Sriyani is now preparing for her PhD, in Australia and also following a Nursery Assistant course.

After a short break his fans were once again provided with the opportunity to see Srinath on the mini screen in "Kaha Ira Pamula" now being telecast on ITN, in which he plays the role of a Police Officer.

He also did background performances on the mini screen for songs such as "Sanda Sakki Kiyapu Den" by Nirosha Virajini which made a big impact with his fans.

This versatile artiste has also ventured into the music field and is an active member of Alcoholic and Drug Prevention Society. He plays a vital role in this field to wean youth away from the drug habit.

Reflecting on his performances he picks, Kulawanthayo where he gave life to the character of Sumathipala Mudalali as one of his best. The plot revolves around a poor boy who becomes very rich and marries the Mudalali's daughter.

"I acted in "Padhada Asapuwa" with Sriyantha Mendis and had the opportunity to travel to 13 countries in Europe. We received a glowing response from our own people there. We were able to view internationally famous films, dramas and also to meet famous international figures."

Before parting said, "I'm very much satisfied with the progress that I have achieved in my life. I always look forward to living a righteous life according to the teaching of the Buddha. I'm continuing my studies and all the activities that I started".

At the end of my interview I learnt something, that is, we cannot measure people by mere appearance. Srinath Maddumage is not just an actor but one who recognizes his role in society.

- Jananee Weeraratne

Renowned authors' stories to be featured in teledramas shortly

SHORT STORIES: The Muhurath ceremony of 'Vinividimi Andura' single episode teledramas, directed by Christy Shelton Fernando took place at Sudarshi hall, Colombo recently.

Director, Christy Shelton Fernando, Producer Ranjith K. Perera, Prof. A.V. Suraweera, veteran author K. Jayathilaka and Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara inaugurated the ceremony lighting the oil lamp.

These short stories which are referred for higher education shows the gradual improvement of Sri Lankan short stories. This teledrama series is not meant for mere entertainment but for educational purposes.

The series will be on Sinhala short stories written by renowned authors. Some of the stories featured are Martin Wickramasinghe's 'Narak vu piti baduna', W.A. Silva's 'Vierodiya', G.B. Senanayake's 'Kalahaya', Madawela S. Ratnayake's 'Kuhubuwo', Simon Navagaththegama's 'Papochcharanaya', Jayathilaka Kammallaweera's 'Thaththage Malagama', and Arawwala Nandimithra's 'Raththaran Nelum Mal'.

The cast includes Jayalath Manorathne, Cyril Wickremage, Suminda Sirisena, Palitha Silva, Chandani Seneviratne and many other renowned actors and actresses.

Pematho Jayathi Soko for the 2550 - Buddha Jayanthi

DRAMA: It is has been scheduled to stage Professor Ediriweera Sarachchandra's drama "Pematho Jayathi Soko" on the occasion of Buddha Jayanthi - 2550' produced by the Sarachchandra Restore Institute with direction of Lalitha Sarachchandra today and tomorrow at 6.45 p.m. at the Namel-Malani Punchi Theatre, Borella.

The drama "Pematho Jayathi Soko" a distinctive creation of Ediriweeera Sarachchandra who won the "Ashan" International award offered for the poetic skills has been recommended as the usable text in university of Austria.

Music performance of this drama is by Jayantha Aravinda while dancing performances are by Miranda Hemalatha. Lighting of stage and make up are by Lalitha Sarachchandra and ornamental creatings and rhythmical event are by Jagath Pathmasiri while Upali Weerasingha conducts lighting.

Danapala Bogoda functions as Stage Manager and Jude Shrimal functions as the Chief Organiser of the drama "Pematho Jayathi Soko"