Hyacinth Wijerathne

Threeris Hyacinth Wijeratne (Sinhala: හයසින්ත් විජේරත්න; October 3, 1946 – July 31, 2021) was a prominent figure in Sri Lankan cinema, theatre, and television, showcasing her acting prowess.[1][2] Over a career spanning more than four decades, she gained recognition for her impactful roles in acclaimed works such as Karumakkarayo, Tharaka Mal, and Ho Gaana Pokuna.

Hyacinth Wijeratne was born on October 3, 1946, in Modara, Sri Lanka, as the third child of her family. She received her education at Mary Margaret College in Modara (now known as St. Anthony's College) and pursued further studies at St. James' College, Modara.[3][4] Her family included two elder sisters, a younger brother, and a younger sister.[5] At the age of approximately 15 or 16, she faced a tragic incident where she and her younger sister Niluka drowned in Kala Oya, resulting in Niluka's unfortunate passing while Hyacinth narrowly survived.[6]

She entered into marriage with Ivan Wijeratne and together they had a son named Shirash Wijeratne.[3] Sadly, her husband Ivan passed away in 2019.[7]

Hyacinth Wijeratne's journey in the entertainment realm began when she responded to a newspaper advertisement seeking new talent for a film. Despite initial hesitation, Hyacinth secured a sub-lead role in the film "Pembara Madhu," directed by Sugathapala Senarath Yapa, in 1977. Initially, her husband was opposed to her participation, but with the support of her mother-in-law, she ventured into acting. This marked the beginning of her appearances in numerous films, including titles like Ekṭæm Gē, Surabidena, Hita Honda Gæhæniyak, Ekadā Væhi, Kristhu Charitaya, Thārakā Mal, Hō Gānā Pokuṇa, Guru Geethaya, Appata Siri, and Siri Daḷadāgamanaya.[3]

In the late 1980s, she made history by portraying the character "Udukinda Menike" in the pioneering Sri Lankan teledrama, "Dimuthu Muthu," directed by D. B. Nihalsinghe. Subsequently, she became recognized for her maternal roles in various television serials, such as Daḍabima, Isuru Gira, Kande Gedara, Sankrānti Samaya, Piṭagamkārayō, Brahma Mūhurthaya, Batti, Vīdi Pahan, Sasara Sakmana, Sath Piyavaru, Urumayaka Aragalaya, Senuri, Ilandāri Hændǣva, Emy, Podu, and Daskon.[5] Hyacinth's final appearance was in the teledrama "Divithura," where she portrayed the role of Surya Dayaruwan's grandmother.[3]

Tragically, Threeris Hyacinth Wijeratne's life was cut short on July 30, 2021, at the age of 74, as she succumbed to severe injuries sustained in a fatal road accident in Lindula, Thalawakala.[8][9][10] Reportedly, she was involved in the accident while returning to Colombo after shooting for a television soap opera in Nuwara Eliya.[11][12] The driver of the van, identified as the main suspect, was subsequently arrested in connection with the accident.[13]

Her final resting place became No. 25/10, Mabola, Kattiyawatta, Wattala, her residence, and her last rites were performed on August 4, 2021, at the Mabola Roman Catholic Cemetery, bidding farewell to a remarkable talent and cherished individual.