Rathna Sumanapala

Podirathna Manike Abeygunasekara, also known as Rathna Sumanapala (born 10 June 1940 as රත්නා සුමනපාල) [Sinhala], is a highly regarded actress in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama, and television. With a career spanning over five decades, she is widely recognized as one of the most popular television actresses in the country, particularly for her iconic role as "Kopi Kade Hamine" in the television serial "Kopi Kade."

Rathna Sumanapala was born on 10 June 1940 in Lellopitiya, Ratnapura, as the second child in a family of four siblings. She has one older brother, one younger sister, and one younger brother. Her father worked as a school principal, but his salary was insufficient to support the family, leading him to leave his job and become a government contractor. Rathna commenced her education at Ratnapura Baranduwa Junior School and later attended Pelmadulla Central College (now known as Gankanda Central College, Pelmadulla).

She married the renowned actor Raja Sumanapala, and together they had two daughters named Waruni and Manjula, as well as two sons named Prabash and Mahesh. Sadly, Raja passed away in 2003. Rathna is now a proud grandmother to Dushantha Deshan, Dulhan Tanishka, Bisandi Sumanapala, Dulan Hansaja, Dinali Shenara, Bihandu Yethmin, and Vidusha Sumanapala.

Rathna's acting career commenced when she performed in a play called "Andare" at the age of three. Throughout her school years, she participated in several stage productions. She also received training in dancing under Saral Lal. After completing her Advanced Level studies, Rathna joined the Pelmadulla Art Forum in the music department, where she would meet her future husband, Raja. Together with Sugathapala Senarath Yapa, Raja Sumanapala approached Rathna for a dramatic role in the 1962 stage play "Pin Bath," which marked her entry into popular drama. Following the tremendous success of the play, Rathna went on to star in every production by the Pelmadulla Art Forum in the subsequent years. Some notable stage plays in which she appeared include "Idikatta," "Rudiraya Saha Gangawa," "Vap Magula," "Elada," "Seelawathi," and "Seema Bandhana." After taking a long break from stage performances in the 1980s, Rathna made a comeback in 2016 with the stage play "Maha Muhudath Goda Galai." She later acted in the experimental drama "Kundalakeshi," which blended elements of Nadagam and Nurti.

In 1977, Rathna made her cinematic debut in the blockbuster film "Pembara Madhu," directed by Senarath Yapa. Although her role in the film was small, she left a lasting impression as a deranged woman who runs onto the road and grabs the film's lead actor, Vijaya Kumaratunga. She continued to portray supporting roles in numerous films, including "Adhishtana," "Binari Saha Sudu Banda," "Mangala Thegga," and "Gurugedara." In later years, she transitioned into comedic roles in films such as "Hai Hui Babi Achchi," "Parliament Jokes," "Gindari," and "Suhada Koka." Even in her younger years, Rathna often portrayed motherly characters, with her role as a mother-in-law being a notable exception in the film "Uthura Dakuna."

Rathna's television acting career began in 1979 with her appearance in Sri Lanka's first serial, "Dimuthu Muthu." Over the course of four decades, she acted in more than 350 television serials. During this time, she also ventured into radio plays under the guidance of Agnes Sirisena and lent her voice to popular radio productions such as "Handiye Gedara" and "Muwan Palessa."

In 1981, Rathna was selected for the television serial "Kopi Kade" by Thevis Guruge. Her portrayal of the character "Hamine" garnered immense popularity, and she became widely recognized by her character's name rather than her real name. She has been a part of the series since its inception on 1 April 1987 and has continued to act in it for over 30 consecutive years.

In 2011, Rathna showcased her writing skills by publishing a short story novel, which received an award. In 2012, she secured third place in the Sahithya Visharadha Competition. Furthermore, she displayed her talent as a radio and television dubbing artist in programs such as "Oshin," "Koobichchi," "Muwan Palessa," "Handiye Gedara," "Kusumalatha," and "Kanamediri Rathriya."