Damitha Saluwadana, originally known as Damitha Turlin Fernando, was a prominent figure in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama, and television. Born on 18 September 1948, she passed away on 27 November 2015, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry.[1][2] Renowned for her role as "Asilin" in the television series "Kopi Kade," Damitha Saluwadana's career encompassed over 300 stage plays, 200 television serials, and 25 films.[3]
Early Life:
Born as the youngest among five siblings, Damitha Saluwadana's education took place at Karagampitiya Methodist School. She hailed from a family with connections to the world of entertainment; her elder sister's husband, Don Sirisena, was a notable comedian in the early Sinhala cinema. She entered into matrimony with Wasantha Saluwadana, and together they had a daughter named Venushka, who later wed Amila Prasad Silva. Her cousin's son, Chanaka Fernando, also embraced acting as a career path.[4]
Health Struggles and Passing:
Damitha Saluwadana grappled with diabetes for nearly three decades. While her diabetes was being managed through medication, an unintended side effect was the impact on her kidneys. She ultimately succumbed to her health issues on 27 November 2015 at the age of 67. Her final rites were conducted at the Thumbowila burial grounds after her remains were kept at Boralesgamuwa Florists on 28 November 2015.[5]
Artistic Journey:
At the age of seven, she embarked on her journey into the arts by studying Manipuri, Kandyan, and Low-country dance forms under the guidance of Sirimathi Rasadari and Grayson Fernando. Her debut stage performance was in the play "Mulaawa," produced by her elder brother, Cyril Fernando. Notably, she also took on roles in productions such as "King Elara" by the Tower Hall Foundation.[4]
Damitha Saluwadana's film career commenced in 1966 with "Hangi Hora," directed by Rohini Jayakody, under the mentorship of her cousin Don Sirisena. Her theater involvements expanded in 1968 with plays like "Dasa Dahasak" and "Raththaran." She became an integral part of the Wallis drama group, frequently performing in Vesak dramas. Her roles extended to plays such as "Apuru Yaluwo" and "Yakada Sapaththu" during this period.[5]
Over time, she garnered recognition for her roles in several well-known stage productions, including "Siwamma Dhanapala," "Sergeant Nallathambi," "Baba Nona," and "Baisage Wadiya."[6] She made her television debut in "Sudda Hami," directed by Chandraratne Mapitigama, and often portrayed maternal figures in both television and film productions.[4]
Notably, Damitha Saluwadana lent her voice as a dubbing artist for popular television serials like "Shanthi," "Swabhiman," "Rosa Achchi," and "Sujatha Diyaniya."[7] Her notable involvement came in 1997 when she joined the cast of the television series "Kopi Kade." Her portrayal of "Asilin" resonated deeply with audiences, leading her character name to become more recognizable than her real name. She remained a key part of the show for an impressive 13 years until her passing.[8]
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