Gamini Fonseka

Kala Keerthi Sembuge Gamini Shelton Fonseka, also known as ගාමිණී ෆොන්සේකා (21 March 1936 – 30 September 2004), was a prominent figure in Sri Lankan cinema, celebrated for his contributions as an actor, director, and politician. Often hailed as the finest actor in Sinhala Cinema, Fonseka left an indelible mark on the industry during the 1960s and 1970s, earning multiple Best Actor awards. In addition to his cinematic endeavors, he served as the Deputy Speaker of the Sri Lanka Parliament from 1989 to 1994 and as the Governor of the North-Eastern Province from 1995 to 1998.

He is widely recognized as the King of Sri Lankan cinema, holding the distinction of being the first among three esteemed actors, including Joe Abeywickrama and Tony Ranasinghe, to pass away.

Personal Life

Fonseka was born on 21 March 1936 in Dehiwela, the third child of William and Daisy Fonseka. He began his education at a Presbyterian institution before enrolling at S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia. As a young student, he gained a reputation for his skillful mimicry of authority figures. Fonseka also excelled in the study of Sinhala language and literature, guided by D. S. Jayasekera, who introduced him to acting in stage plays. He received a Sinhala literature prize and was presented the award by S. Thomas' graduate and Sri Lankan Prime Minister D. S. Senanayake. Fonseka was also a talented cricket player.

In 1962, Fonseka married his longtime girlfriend Dorothy Margaret Valencia, affectionately known as "Tina," and together they had four children: Chamila, Thanuja, Dammith, and Ishara. Later in life, he fathered two more children, Kaushalya and Poornima, with his partner Angela Seneviratne. He doted on his 10 grandchildren: Yasara, Vivek, Indula, Daniel, Tarik, Janik, Hrithik, Ruveka, and Tiasha. Fonseka remained married to Tina until his passing in September 2004.

His son Damith also ventured into the film industry in the 1990s and enjoyed success in commercially acclaimed films like Chandi Rejina, Ira Handa Illa, Chandiyage Putha, Cheriyo Darling, and Raththaran Malli.

Fonseka passed away on 30 September 2004 at the age of 68 at his residence in Ja-Ela.

Film Career

Fonseka's journey into the film industry began when he left his secondary education behind. Initially aspiring to become a cameraman, he worked as the second Assistant Director on David Lean's "Bridge on the River Kwai" and Lester James Peries's "Rekava" (1956). Fonseka made his first on-screen appearance in "Rekava" as part of a crowd. He also contributed to an English television series filmed in Sri Lanka.

His first credited acting role was in "Daiwa Yogaya" (1959), in which he played a minor role. Fonseka's breakthrough came with Lester James Peries's "Sandesaya" (1960), which established him as a lead actor. With films like "Adata Wediya Heta Hondai," "Ranmuthu Duwa," "Getawarayo," and "Dheevarayo," Fonseka became a popular and sought-after actor.

In a quest to diversify his roles, Fonseka portrayed Jinadasa in the groundbreaking "Gamperaliya" (1964), collaborating once again with Peries. He took on the role of the first anti-hero in Sri Lankan cinema in Titus Thotawatte's "Chandiya" and played the character of Jamis Banda, the Sinhala James Bond, in Mike Wilson's "Sorungeth Soru" (1968). In 1964, he received the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Jinadasa in "Gamperaliya" at the inaugural awards ceremony of the United Ceylon Fan Club.

Fonseka also ventured into directing with notable success. His directorial debut, "Parasathu Mal," received warm acclaim. He directed a political satire titled "Sagarayak Meda" and helmed other films such as "Koti Waligaya" and "Nomiyana Minissu." He transitioned into television and earned recognition as the best teledrama actor for his role in "Kalu Saha Sudu."

His roles as Willie Abeynayake in "Nidhanaya" (1970) and ASP Wicrema Randeniya in "Welikathara" are considered his crowning achievements, both receiving Presidential awards and ranking among the top 10 best Sri Lankan films. In 1980, Fonseka portrayed Jaffna Tamil clerk Nadarajah in Sunil Ariyaratne's "Sarungale." He also contributed as a songwriter for the films "Sarungale" (1979) and "Mayurige Kathawa" (1980).

Political Career

In 1989, Fonseka made a foray into politics by joining the United National Party. He was elected to Parliament in 1989, representing the Matara District with the highest number of preferential votes. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Deputy Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament. Later, President Chandrika Kumaratunga appointed him as the Governor of the former North-East Province.