Jayantha Chandrasiri
Sri Lankan filmmaker
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Kala Keerthi Jayantha Chandrasiri (ජයන්ත චන්ද්රසිරි; born 1959), is a Sri Lankan journalist, screenplay writer, television director, and filmmaker in Sri Lankan cinema.[2] Chandrasiri's film Agnidahaya won seven golden awards and four silver awards at the Signis International Film Festival 2003.[3] His two teledramas Dandubasnamanaya and Akala Sandhya are rated as two of Seven Iconic Teledramas In Sri Lanka's Television History.[4]
June 1959 (age 66)
Jayantha Chandrasiri ජයන්ත චන්ද්රසිරි | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jayantha Chandrasiri June 1959 (age 66) Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| Occupations | Actor, director, producer, screen writer |
| Years active | 1978–present |
| Spouse | Madhumani Hapuarachchi |
| Children | 3 |
| Awards | Kala Keerthi[1] |
Career
Chandrasiri started his acting career in 1978 under the guidance of German dramatist Dr. Norbet J. Mayer.[5] He completed extensive study on theater by earning scholarships to Norway, Sweden, Germany and the USA.[6] In 1979 he worked as the playwright for the play Saraswathi.[7] Armed with the knowledge gained through these scholarships, he returned home and began directing with stage drama Ath, which led to State Drama Award winners Mora and Oththukaraya.[6] In 2016 he resigned from the post of executive editor of the Divaina newspaper due to political disputes.[8]
He has acted in two films, Sagarayak Meda and Maatha. His maiden stage drama direction came through Hankithi Daha Thuna.[9] His maiden television drama direction came through super hit Weda Hamine. His maiden cinematic direction was Agnidahaya.[10]
Filmography
His first film direction came through Agnidahaya in 2002. His most notable films include Guerrilla Marketing and Samanala Sandhawaniya.[11][12]
| Year | Film | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Agnidahaya | [6][13] |
| 2005 | Guerilla Marketing | [14] |
| 2013 | Samanala Sandhawaniya | [15] |
| 2015 | Maharaja Gemunu | [16] |
| 2018 | Gharasarapa | [17] |
| 2023 | Midunu Vishvaya | [18] |
| TBD | Samaharu Saha Samagama | [19] |
Television
His first television serial is Weda Hamine,[20] which later became a cult classic in Sri Lankan television drama history.[21] His most notable television direction came through Dandubasnamanaya. His television serial, Akala Sandya is credited as the first ever Sri Lankan teledrama to depict the concept of time travel.[22]
Accolades
- Sumathi Best Teledrama Director Award 1995 - Dandubasnamanaya[30]
- SIGNIS Salutation Award for Best Director 2003 - Agnidahaya.[31]
- Presidential Award for Best Director 2003 - Agnidahaya[32]
- Sumathi Best Teledrama Series Award 2009 - Hathara Denek Senpathiyo[33]
- Sumathi Best Teledrama Director Award 2009 - Hathara Denek Senpathiyo[34]