Kodithuwakku Arachchige Chandrasiri (born 27 December 1949 – died 15 January 2016 as චන්ද්‍රසිරි කොඩිතුවක්කු) [Sinhala]), popularly known as Chandrasiri Kodithuwakku, was an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television.[1] He played "Abilin" in the television serial Kopi Kade.[2]

Personal life

He was born on 27 December 1949 in Pethiyagoda, Kelaniya. He was educated at Sambodhi College, Kelaniya. Before entering drama, he went to work in a chili powder mill.[3]

He was married to Daya Stella Kodituwakku and the couple has two sons, Janaka.[4]

Kodithuwakku had been treated for kidney and breathing related illnesses for a long period of time. In 2016, he was admitted to Gampaha Base Hospital due to respiratory and cardiovascular problems.[5] He died on 15 January 2016 at 7:20 SLST, while receiving treatment in the ICU. His remains were kept at his residence at No. 2, Meegahawatte, Delgoda. The funeral took place on 17 January 2016 at Gonahena Public Cemetery.[4]

Career

After finishing school times, he wished to join the theater school conducted by Dhamma Jagoda. However, due to economic hardship, he could not join the theater school.[6] In the meantime, he followed an acting course at the German Cultural Institute.[3] He then participated in the short drama festival conducted by "Moratuwa Nawa Magaka Yanno". His short drama won the awards for best script and best make up.[7]

He made his acting debut in 1969 with the stage drama Sokkano Rajano produced by Sathischandra Edirisinghe.[4] Then he acted in many stage plays such as Kekille, Deshapaluwa, Manape, Bedde Goranaduwa, Baka Thapas, Devlo Doni and Uthure Rahula.[7][6] In 1973, he accompany by Jayasekara Aponsu and Ranjith Perera started miming art.[3]

In 1981, Kodithuwakku studied acting under the supervision of Thevis Guruge.[3] Then he was selected to the television serial Kopi Kade by Guruge.[6] His role as "Abilin" became highly popularized among the public and he was usually known by his character name rather than real name.[8] He appeared in the series from the beginning which first aired on 1 April 1987.[9] He continued to act in the series for 30 consecutive years. Due to his character as a village gossiper, named "Abilin" he was nickname for those who speak gossip in Sri Lanka.[7][10]

He was also a B-Grade singer at Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.[3] He sang duet songs with fellow actresses Susila Kuragama such as Lanka Lanka, Oba Dakkoth Hari, Lassana Sande and Esuru Kala Kalaye.[7]

He made his maiden cinematic appearance in the 1973 film Hondata Hondai directed by J. Selvarathnam.[11] Since then, he acted a few minor roles in cinema.[12][13]

Filmography

Year Film Role Ref.
1973 Hondata Hondai
1977 Sudu Paraviyo
1978 Selinage Walawwa Evicted resident
1984 Kekille Rajjuruwo Puwak Badilla
1993 Juriya Mamai
1995 Edath Chandiya Adath Chandiya Neighbour
1996 Naralowa Holman Mortuary casket purchaser
1996 Hitha Hondanam Waradin Na
1999 Seetha Samire
2001 Oba Magema Wewa
2009 Leader

References

  1. ^ "Veteran actor Chandrasiri Kodithuwakku passes away". Ada Derana. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  2. ^ "'Abilin' passes away". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Abilin left Kopi Kade forever". Silumina. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  4. ^ a b c "Farewell to Abilin of Kopi Kade". Dinamina. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  5. ^ "Kopi Kade Abilin admitted to Gampaha Hospital". Divaina. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  6. ^ a b c "Four farewells in two days". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  7. ^ a b c d "Abilin Uncle bids farewell". Divaina. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  8. ^ "Funeral of Veteran actor Chandrasiri Kodituwakku". Divaina. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  9. ^ "Kopi Kade". Sunday Times. Retrieved 2010-08-14.
  10. ^ "Those who have left us from Kopi Kade". lifie. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  11. ^ "Chandrasiri Kodithuwakku filmography". Sinhala Cinema Database. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  12. ^ "Chandrasiri Kodithuwakku". IMDb. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  13. ^ "Chandrasiri Kodithuwakku remembrance". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
Allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandrasiri_Kodithuwakku
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