Kumara Thirimadura

Kumara Thirimadura, known as කුමාර තිරිමාදුර in Sinhala, is a versatile figure in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama, and television, encompassing roles as an Assistant Adjunct Professor at SUNY Binghamton, an actor, singer, filmmaker, and journalist. He holds a prominent position among the actors who have left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan Stage, earning recognition from critics.[3]

Early Years:
Born on April 17, 1969, in Rawathawatta, Moratuwa, Kumara Thirimadura is the sixth child in a family of seven siblings. His father, Thirimadura Rantin de Silva, was associated with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, while his mother, Jothimuni Malini Miureen Perera, worked as a cashier in a restaurant. Among his siblings are four elder sisters - Sandya, Udaya, Ramya, Soumya - an elder brother, Kosala, a younger sister, Bhagya, and a younger brother, Chamila. Sadly, his sister Sandya passed away in April 2022. He received his education at Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa.

Early Achievements and Journalism:
His affinity for theater emerged during his school years, winning him accolades in various theatrical works. However, before fully embracing an acting career, he spent 14 years as a journalist with Divaina Newspaper. Even after venturing into acting, his journalistic pursuits continued, although he eventually dedicated himself wholeheartedly to acting. His initial exposure to drama and theater came under the guidance of Tissa Gunawardana. Kumara Thirimadura's first steps in acting took place in street theaters directed by Gamini Haththotuwegama, and he made his debut on the stage with "Sakalajana" by Dhamma Jagoda.[6]

Acting Career:
Kumara Thirimadura's illustrious acting career includes approximately 90 stage plays, 58 films, and several tele dramas. He graces popular stage productions such as "Suba Saha Yasa," "Balloth Ekka Be," "Charithe Horu Aran," "Ko Kukko," "Nari Burathi," "Ang Awoo," "Deiyoth Danne Ne," and notably "Giha Saha Kuma," a collaboration with Gihan Fernando. He made his television debut in Jayantha Chandrasiri's teledrama "Akala Sandhya."

As a television host, he has presented programs like "Maarai Hirai" on TV Derana and "Rasoghaya" on Siyatha TV, alongside Mihira Sirithilaka. He currently hosts the program "Thirimadura Oba Amathai" on ITN.

Kumara Thirimadura commenced his film journey with "Julietge Bumikawa" in 1998, directed by Jackson Anthony. His filmography boasts dramatic and comedic roles in over 35 films up to 2018. His involvement in the film industry extended beyond acting; he served as the Production Manager for the film "Sonduru Dadabima" and was the screenplay writer for "Thanha Rathi Ranga." The latter earned critical acclaim and commercial success, leading to him winning the Award for Best Screenplay at Derana Lux Film Awards in 2014, along with Sarath Kothalawala. He marked his directorial debut with the film "Newspaper," co-directed with Kothalawala, released in June 2020.

In March 2021, a film festival celebrating Kumara Thirimadura's work showcased five of his films at the Liberty Hall, Kollupitiya, bearing the title "Uncrowned Prince's Felt Cinematic Procession."

Musical Pursuits:
Kumara Thirimadura is an A-grade singer at Sri Lanka Radio Corporation, and he unveiled his first solo visual song "Ae Mata Adarei" in June 2016. He also appeared in the music video for the song "Bodima" by Theekshana Anuradha. Furthermore, he hosted a musical show titled "Kumaraya Man - Deveni Gamana," where he introduced his 14-song music album "Ae Mata Adarei."

Kumara Thirimadura's diverse talents and contributions have left an indelible impact on the Sri Lankan arts scene, solidifying his position as a revered figure in the industry.