Jayalath Manoratne, the award-winning actor and dramatist, passed away following a brief illness. He was 71 at the time of his demise. He had been receiving treatment over an illness for the past few days.
Manoratne has won awards ranging from OCIC, Presidential, Sarasavi, Raigam Tele’es, Sumathi and the State Literary and Drama awards. He was adjudged the best actor back to back in 1991 and 1992 for his performance in Socrates and Dvitva.
Manoratne began his career with the stage play ‘Aspa Gudung’ in 1966.
His career spanning more than five decades, includes contributions to theatre in creations like Sinhabahu, Maname, Mahasara, Dunna Dunu Gamuwe, Rathu Hettakari, Naribena. He also produced his own plays like Thalamala Pipila, Puthra Samagama, Andarela, Guru Tharuwa, Mayadevi, Sudu Redi Horu and others.
Having commenced his acting career in 1976 with the film ‘Thilaka Saha Thilaka’, Manoratne contributed his talents to many award-winning films and tele dramas.
This veteran actor and dramatist will be most remembered for his roles played in tele dramas such as Gamperaliya, Doo Daruwo, Hiruta Muwawen, Manik Nadiya Gala Basee, Sindu Bindu, Gajaman Puwatha and many others.
He is a recipient of Kalasuri and Kala Keerthi titles due to his enormous contribution to the Sri Lankan entertainment industry.
Funeral arrangements would be notified later.