Raja Sumanapala


Navaratne Bandara Raja Sumanapala, popularly known as Raja Sumanapala, was an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television.

Personal life

Sumanapala was born in 1936 in Pelmadulla. He completed education from Gankanda Central College, Pelmadulla.
He was married to popular actress Rathna Sumanapala. The couple had two daughters, Waruni and Manjula, and two sons, Prabash and Mahesh.
His grandchildren are: Dushantha Deshan Samayamanthri, Dulhan Tanishka Sumanapala, Bisandi Laknara Sumanapala, Dulan Hansaja Sumanapala, Dinali Shenara Sumanapala, Bihandu Yethmin perera and Vidusha Sumanapala.

Acting career

Sumanapala worked at Pelmadulla Art Forum in the music department, where he met his future wife Rathna.
He acted in several popular television serials in the early periods. His character as "Ali James" in Kopi Kade was highly popularized.

Selected television serials

Hathe WasamaHiru Sandu HamuweHiruta MuwawenLaa Hiru DahasakLokanthayaWetath Niyarath
  • ''Yashorawaya''

Filmography

Sumanapala started his film career with the 1977 film Pembara Madhu, directed by Sugathapala Senarath Yapa. Some of his popular cinema acting came through Mangala Thegga, Wadula, Palama Yata, Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli and his final film Parliament Jokes.
YearFilmRoleRef.
1977Pembara MadhuWin doubter
1978Selinage Walawwa
1980Jodu Walalu
1980Sinhabahu
1981Induta Mal Mitak
1982Adhishtana
1983Manik Maliga
1984WadulaFisherman
1987Mangala TheggaEranda
1987Kiwulegedara MohottalaCave meeting onlooker
1989Siri MeduraSiri supporter
1990Palama YataMudalali
1991Golu Muhude KunatuwaPappa Mahaththaya
1993Chaya Maya
1993Ordinary MagicSabish
1994Ambu Samiyo
1994SandamadalaGramasevaka
1996Thunweni Aehe
1997The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli & BalooBuldeo's servant
1997Apaye Thappara 84000k
1998Gini Avi Saha Gini KeliGuney
1998Aege Vairaya 3Larry
2000Rajya Sevaya PinisaiShot shop owner
2002Parliament JokesGuneris
2010Kshema BhoomiMendis

Awards