Born on 9 May 1940 in Ehelepola village, Matale, Kumari led a remarkable life. She had a son named Pradeep Kumara Abeyratne, who currently resides in Italy.
Tragically, Kumari passed away on 7 August 2013 at the age of 73, due to a sudden heart attack. Her body was placed at the Colombo Art Gallery on 10 August 2013, from 10 am to 4 pm, for mourners to pay their respects. The funeral was held on the same day at the Borella Cemetery, bidding farewell to a beloved individual.
Seetha Kumari Ehelepola, known as සීතා කුමාරි ඇහැලේපොළ in Sinhala, was a highly regarded actress in Sri Lankan cinema, theater, and television. She was considered one of the pioneers of the Sri Lankan film industry and had a career that spanned over four decades. Known for her portrayal of motherly roles in both TV serials and films, she made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry.
Kumari was born on 9 May 1940 in Ehelepola village, Matale. She had a son named Pradeep Kumara Abeyratne, who currently resides in Italy. Tragically, she passed away on 7 August 2013 at the age of 73 due to a sudden heart attack. Her body was placed at the Colombo Art Gallery on 10 August 2013, and the funeral took place on the same day at the Borella Cemetery.
Her journey in the cinema industry began when Ananda Jayaratne noticed her and offered her a role in his film "Adarai Karunavai" in 1968. She was 25 years old at the time and played the role of a servant. Kumari went on to act in over 60 films, with her final appearance being in the 2011 film "Sinhawalokanaya." Some of her notable films include "Desa Nisa," "Wathsala Akka," "Ran Salu," "Akkara Paha," and "Segawunu Menika."
After her successful career in cinema, Kumari ventured into Dhamma Jagoda's stage plays. She showcased her talent in popular stage plays such as "Wes Muhuna," "Weniyan Kalu Weniyan," and "Wessanthara." She received training in dance from Shesha Palihakkara. Although she received offers for lead roles in films like "Ramyalatha" and "Pirimiyek Nisa," she decided to temporarily leave the industry after her father's passing in 1961.
Kumari's television acting debut took place in 1990 with the series "Dath Kekulu Paala," directed by Sriyani Amarasena. Following that, she appeared in numerous popular serials, including "Giju," "Saapa Nokarav Daruwane," "Girikula," "Ramya Suramya," "Maya," "Dussaranayo," and "Ulamage Rathriya." She continued her acting career in single-episode TV serials like "Sansare Piya Satahan" directed by Ananda Abenayake and "Sitha Niwana Katha" directed by Dayaratne Ratagedara, where she played the role of "Granny" on many Poya days.