Sanath Gunathilake
Somsiri Sanath Julien Gunatilake, popularly as Sanath Gunatilake, is a Sri Lankan actor, director, screenwriter and former politician. Known for his versatility across multiple genres, he has had a career in the Sri Lankan film industry spanning over four decades. Gunatilake served as a member of the Western Provincial Council as a member of the United National Party and later held the position of media head for President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.
Early life
Gunatilake was born on 27 October 1955 in Mulgampola, Kandy, Sri Lanka, into a middle-class family. His father, Hector Gunatilake, was a lawyer, and his mother, Grace Goonetileke, was a teacher. He has stated that his father was an avid cinema enthusiast, which influenced his early interest in the arts. Gunatilake received his education at Kingswood College, Kandy.Gunatilake initially worked as a chemistry teacher. He later moved to Colombo in search of new career opportunities, leaving behind his tuition classes in Kandy.
Film career
Gunatilake made his film debut in 1978 with Situ Kumariyo, directed by Vijaya Dharmasiri. However, before its release, his second film, Ganga Addara, was screened, followed by Sathweni Dawasa. After Situ Kumariyo, his next film, Vajira, was released.His breakthrough role came with Ganga Addara, directed by Sumitra Peries, which marked a turning point in his acting career. He later gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Aravinda in Viragaya, a performance that earned him Best Actor awards at every major film festival in Sri Lanka. Gunatilake has appeared in several notable films, including Kedapatha, Palama Yata, Doorkada Marawa, and Rajya Sevaya Pinisai.
In addition to his more dramatic roles, Gunatilake appeared in several mainstream films alongside Vijaya Kumaratunga, Jeewan Kumaratunga, and Ranjan Ramanayake. His film credits include Koti Waligaya, Dinuma, Raja Wedakarayo, Nommara 17, Obatai Priye Adare, and Inspector Geetha.
In 2009, Gunatilake made his directorial debut with Ekamath Eka Rataka. He was one of the first Sri Lankan directors to actively use the internet for film promotion, launching a website for his film in 2009, onceuponamovie.com.
Personal life
In 2025 He was married to former actress and businesswoman Janaki Wijerathne. She is the vice president of Lyca Productions.Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 1980 | Ganga Addara | Ranjith | |
| 1981 | Situ Kumariyo | ||
| 1981 | Vajira | Newton | |
| 1981 | Sathweni Dawasa | Alphonso | |
| 1981 | Sathkulu Pauwa | ||
| 1981 | Saranga | ||
| 1981 | Aradhana | ||
| 1981 | Amme Mata Samawenna | Wasantha | |
| 1982 | Yahalu Yeheli | Pujitharatne | |
| 1982 | Thani Tharuwa | Tharanga | |
| 1982 | Ridee Nimnaya | Rathnapala | |
| 1982 | Nawatha Hamu Wemu | ||
| 1982 | Kiri Suwanda | ||
| 1982 | Kele Mal | Chandana | |
| 1982 | Chathu Madhura | Sunil | |
| 1983 | Sivu Ranga Sena | ||
| 1983 | Sister Mary | ||
| 1983 | Kaliyugaya | ||
| 1984 | Thaththai Puthai | Saliya | |
| 1984 | Shirani | ||
| 1984 | Batti | Surin Hamu | |
| 1984 | Sathi Puja | Kapila | |
| 1984 | Sasara Chethana | ||
| 1984 | Podi Ralahami | ||
| 1984 | Maya | ||
| 1984 | Maala Giravi | ||
| 1984 | Dewani Gamana | Saman | |
| 1985 | Vasity Kella | ||
| 1985 | Mihidum Salu | Doctor Senaka | |
| 1985 | Kiri Madu Wel | ||
| 1985 | Chalitha Rangali | as producer | |
| 1985 | Aya Waradida Oba Kiyanna | ||
| 1985 | Araliya Mal | Chandana | |
| 1986 | Prarthana | ||
| 1986 | Maldeniye Simiyon | Justin | |
| 1986 | Mal Warusa | Jagath Weerasuriya | |
| 1986 | Koti Valigaya | ||
| 1986 | Dinuma | Sarath Jayathilaka | |
| 1986 | Avurududa | Dhanushka | |
| 1987 | Viragaya | Aravinda | Sarasaviya Awards - Best Actor |
| 1987 | Thaththi Man Adarei | ||
| 1987 | Randamwel | ||
| 1987 | Raja Wedakarayoo | Ranjan | |
| 1987 | Obatai Priye Adare | Amith | |
| 1987 | Mangala Thegga | ||
| 1987 | Kawuluva | ||
| 1988 | Satana | ||
| 1988 | Rasa Rahasak | Sanath / Wickrama | |
| 1988 | Chandingeth Chandiya | Dharmadasa | |
| 1989 | Okkoma Rajavaru | ||
| 1989 | Nommara 17 | Naatha | |
| 1989 | Kedapathaka Chaya | Piyathilaka | Sarasaviya Awards - Best Supporting Actor |
| Sebaliyo | Nimal | ||
| 1990 | Pem Raja Dahana | Sargent Ranasinghe | |
| 1990 | Palama Yata | Willie | Sarasaviya Awards - Best Actor |
| 1990 | Madhu Sihina | Suraj | |
| 1990 | Hodin Nathnam Narakin | Lokke | |
| 1990 | Dese Mal Pipila | Sumedha | |
| 1991 | Uthura Dakuna | Sanath | |
| 1991 | Love In Bangkok | Jagath | |
| 1991 | Dhanaya | Athula | |
| 1991 | |||
| 1991 | Cheriyo Doctor | Chaminda Randenigala | |
| 1992 | Sisila Gini Gani | Harris Makalanda | as producer |
| 1992 | Sinhayangeth Sinhaya | Mahesh | |
| 1992 | Sakkara Sooththara | ||
| 1992 | Rumathiyai Neethiyai | as producer/screenwriter | |
| 1992 | Raja Daruwo | Sanath and his father | |
| 1992 | Malsara Doni | Janaka Perera | |
| 1992 | Kiyala Wedek Nae | ||
| 1993 | Sasara Serisaranathek Oba Mage | as producer | |
| 1993 | Nelum Ha Samanmalee | ||
| 1993 | Madara Parasathu | Sirithunga | |
| 1993 | Chaya | ||
| 1993 | Bambasara Bisawu | ||
| 1994 | Sujatha new | ||
| 1994 | Mee Haraka | ||
| 1994 | Hello My Darlin | ||
| 1994 | Aathmaa | ||
| 1995 | Vairayen Vairaya | ||
| 1995 | Inspector Geetha | ||
| 1995 | Cheriyo Captain | Rahal | |
| 1996 | Veediye Veeraya | ||
| 1996 | Sebae Mithura | ||
| 1996 | Bawa Sasara | ||
| 1997 | Duwata Mawaka Misa | ||
| 1998 | Vimukthi | ||
| 1998 | Eya Obata Barai | ||
| 1998 | Dorakada Marawa | Priyantha | |
| 2000 | Sanda Yahanata | Jagath Hathurusinghe | |
| 2000 | Rajya Sevaya Pinisai | Minister Janaka Situbandara | |
| 2000 | Pem Kekula | Jerome | |
| 2000 | Chakraayudha | ||
| 2001 | Oba Koheda Priye | George Madanayake | |
| 2002 | Somy Boys | Sanath | |
| 2002 | Agnidahaya | Ambanwala Rala | |
| 2003 | Wekande Walauwa | Gunapala | |
| 2003 | Sudu Kaluwara | Seemon Fernando 'Mudalali' | |
| 2003 | Sakman Maluwa | Tissa | Sarasaviya Awards - Best Actor |
| 2003 | Le Kiri Kandulu | Asela | |
| 2004 | Kangalal Kaidhu Sei | Pratap | Tamil film |
| 2004 | Selamuthu Pinna | Sanath Sir | |
| 2004 | Randiya Dahara | Colonel Chanuka Hettiarachchi | |
| 2004 | Mille Soya | Sagara | |
| 2004 | Diya Yata Gindara | Sampath Harischandra | |
| 2005 | Sulanga | Senarathne | |
| 2005 | Asani Warsha | Minister Sirimanne | |
| 2005 | Sudu Kalu Saha Alu | Assa Peter | |
| 2006 | Nilambare | Nimal | |
| 2006 | Anjalika | Clifford Imbulgoda | |
| 2006 | Ammawarune | Doctor | |
| 2006 | Naga Kanya | Saman | |
| 2007 | Asai Man Piyabanna | Sapumal Senadheera | |
| 2007 | Aganthukaya | Chief Minister Simon Galagedara | |
| 2008 | Rosa Kale | Mr. Sooriyabandara | |
| 2008 | Pitasakwala Kumarayai Pancho Hathai | ||
| 2008 | Nil Diya Yahana | Minister | |
| 2008 | Adaraye Namayen | ||
| 2008 | Superstar | Ranjith Bandara | |
| 2008 | Siri Raja Siri | Principal | |
| 2009 | Kanyavi | Janaka | |
| 2009 | Ekamath Eka Rateka | as director/screenplay writer | |
| 2009 | Dancing Star | ||
| 2009 | The Road from [Elephant Pass (film)|Alimankada] | Major Kiriella | |
| 2009 | Ali Surathal | Rathnayaka | |
| 2010 | Uththara | Minister Niwanthudawa | |
| 2010 | Suwanda Denuna Jeewithe | cameo role | |
| 2010 | Mago Digo Dai | Minister Sathyapala | |
| 2010 | Kawulu Dora | ||
| 2010 | Hadawatha Mal Yayai | ||
| 2011 | Sinhawalokanaya | Gam Muladani | |
| 2011 | King Hunther | Nayakathuma | |
| 2011 | Gamani | Military Officer | |
| 2011 | Angara Dangara | Principal Pathirana | |
| 2012 | Sihinaya Dige Enna | Father | |
| 2013 | Doni | Bandu | |
| 2013 | Ira Laga Wadi | Saliya | |
| 2013 | Super Six | Preme, Sanath's brother | |
| 2014 | Samige Kathawa | ||
| 2014 | Parapura | Minister Marasinghe | |
| 2014 | Kalpanthe Sihinayak | Mapa | |
| 2015 | Sinhaya | Minister | |
| 2015 | Sinahawa Atharin | Wimal | as scriptwriter and Ddrector |
| 2015 | Pravegaya | Police Officer | guest appearance |
| 2017 | Pani Makuluwo | Ranaweera | |
| 2019 | Sangile | Punchi Malli | |
| 2019 | Thiththa Aththa | ||
| 2019 | Rush | Prof. Madugalle | |
| 2019 | President Super Star | Judge Daham Daranagama | |
| 2021 | Wassane Sihinaya | ||
| 2021 | Uthuru Sulanga | ||
| 2023 | Guththila | ||
| 2023 | Nattami Army | ||
| 2023 | Rider | ||
| 2024 | Ridee Seenu | ||
| 2024 | Kambili | cameo | |
| 2025 | Rani | Lalith Athulathmudali | - |
| 2025 | Mother Lanka | ||
| filming | |||
| post-production | |||