Bandula Vithanage

Bandula de Silva Vithanage was born on September 11th, 1940 in Gonagala, Srilanka. He was an eminent figure in the Sri Lankan film industry. He was popularly known as a talented director, actor, and dramatist. He is also recognized as a competent scriptwriter for films, television shows, and stage theatre. He was one of the first foundational figures of Sri Lankan art and drama. His primary education was at Athuruwella Elementary School. After that, he pursued further education and completed G.C.E O/L from Carrey College, Colombo. In Columbo, he was influenced by the campus theatrical circle of renowned dramatist Ediriweera Sarachchandra Bio coming soon... >> Read More... . Later, from Dharmasoka College in Ambalangoda, he completed his A/S studies.

His interest in education and his cleverness led him to pursue a postgraduation degree in dramaturgy and acting. After his studies, he debuted in a stage drama titled Rathnavali in 1963. Megha Garjana in 1965 was the first play he produced. His debut film was Dahakin Ekek directed by Merril Albert in 1974. He co-produced "Romaya Gini Gani-2" in 2011 with actor Roger Seneviratne Bio coming soon... >> Read More... , based on Cooney's play "Caught in the Net." In addition, he directed television comedy series such as "I Love Jennie" in 2007 and "Paththara Gedara" in 2008. Vithanage brought Shakespearean theatre to Sri Lankan audiences and produced many critically praised plays, including "Veniciye Velenda," "Macbeth," "Twelfth Night," "Hamlet," and "Romeo and Juliet." Regarding his personal life, he has a son named Nalaka Vithanage. He is an acknowledged director. Apart from his son, his legacy is also upheld by his niece named Yashoda Wimaladharma.

He is a well-known actress in Sinhala television and cinema. He died on September 1, 2014, at the age of 73, while he was receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital. His remains were preserved in the Jayaratne Funeral Parlour in Borella and then ceremonially buried in the Borella cemetery. His fame highlights a five-decade career in which he produced numerous critically acclaimed television serials and stage tragedies. At the State Drama Festival, he received accolades and honors for his work, including Best Production, Best Script, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor. Bandula Vithanage's contributions to the arts and legacy live on in Sri Lanka's cultural environment.