Lionel Danthanarayana (born 24 August 1940 – died 30 July 1994 as ලයනල් දැරණියගල) [Sinhala]), popularly known by his stage name Lionel Deraniyagala, was an actor in Sri Lankan cinema and theater. One of the most popular villain artists ever in Sri Lankan film history, he had a career for more than three decades as the antagonist.
Personal life He was born on 24 August 1940 in Galle as the youngest of the family with three siblings. He completed his education at Mahinda College, Galle.
He was married to fellow actress Thilaka in 1973. The couple has one daughter, Priyanthi Shyamali, and one son, Chulananda.
In 1975, he was working in the batik industry with his wife. In 1981, he went Middle East for a job. He returned to Sri Lanka in 1983 and continued on business.
Deraniyagala fell ill at Ragama rehabilitation hospital after an accident on February 4, 1994. He died on 30 July 1994 at the age of 53.
Career He has acted in minor roles on the school stage. At the age of 14, he met popular film actor and filmmaker B. A. W. Jayamanne along with his closest friend and eventual film actor Senaka Perera. At that time, Jayamanne was preparing for the film Kale Handa and was looking for a young man to play the role of "John Jayapala". Although Senaka introduced Deraniyagala to Jayamanna, it was age that mattered. Jayamanne informed Deraniyagala to meet him after finishing school times. After completing his studies, he came to Colombo to find a job at the age of 20. In 1960, he was selected for the lead role in the film Ekolos Ginna directed by Gilbert Hewavitharana. Hewavitharana changed his birth name Danthanarayana to Deraniyagala. Although the film was not produced, he was left with the name "Deraniyagala".
While working as a booking clerk at Lionel Ceylon Theaters, he met filmmaker Roland Amarasinghe. Amarasinghe asked him to come to Navajeewana Theater for the screen test. He was selected for the lead role of "Udeni" in the 1966 film Kolamba Hadayo with the new actress Shirani Gunatilleke. Meanwhile, he was selected to the stage play Abhimanaya produced by Sudas Masakorala. Then in the 1969 film Mee Masso, he acted along with Gamini Fonseka and Sonia Disa.
Deraniyagala emerged as an antagonist in the 1971 blockbuster film Hathara Denama Soorayo directed by Neil Rupasinghe. After the film, popular actor Eddie Jayamanne appreciated his villain role and said that "You are the best villain after Dommy Jayawardena". Since that, he received several villain roles in popular films Rena Giraw, Ran Onchilla, Rajagedara Paraviyo, Edath Suraya Adath Suraya, Gijulihiniyo, Kesara Sinhayo, Ridee Thella, Kasthuri Suwanda and Raja Kello. He played the lead role in the 1979 film Sawdan Jema bringing a sense of humor. He also played a caricature in the 1973 film Sinawai Inawai and then Deraniyagala played a different role as Gamini Fonseka's brother in the 1978 film Apsara.
Deraniyagala acted with his wife in few films including Gijulihiniyo, Vanarayo and Raja Kollo. After had children, his wife quit acting.
He acted in a few stage plays such as Suli Sulang and Rella. The film, titled Neethiyada Shakthiyada, was released on 13 January 1995 and was screened as Inspector Geetha, where Deraniyagala was the producer.
In 1990, Deraniyagala won a Merit Award for the film Randenigala Sinhaya at the Sarasaviya Film Festival.
Filmography Year Film Role Ref. 1966 Kolamba Hadayo Udeni Deraniyagala 1967 Manamalayo 1969 Hari Maga Percy 1969 Mee Masso 1969 Hathara Peraliya 1970 Akkara Paha Doctor 1971 Kesara Sinhayo Sankara 'Kesara Sinhaya' 1971 Pujithayo Sidney 1971 Ran Onchilla 1971 Hathara Denama Surayo Harry 1971 Samanala Kumariyo 1972 Edath Suraya Adath Suraya Dickie 1973 Suhada Pethuma 1973 Sinawai Inawai 1973 Hondai Narakai 1974 Kasthuri Suwanda Bandara Hamu 1974 Rodi Gama Kirivanthey 1975 Pem Kurullo 1975 Gijulihiniyo 1975 Rajagedara Paraviyo 1975 Sadhana 1975 Hadawathaka Wasanthaya 1975 Hitha Honda Minihek 1976 Nayana 1976 Vanarayo 1976 Haratha Hathara 1977 Hithuwakkarayo 1977 Hariyanakota Ohoma Thamai 1977 Sajaa 1977 Chin Chin Nona 1978 Madhuwanthi Ashok 'Manager' 1978 Apsara 1979 Raja Kollo Pala 1979 Sawdan Jema Raja 'Sawdan Jema' 1979 Visihathara Peya Amare 1980 Sinhabahu 1980 Sabeetha Mr. Sirisena 1981 Sathkulu Pawwa Wilbert 1981 Ridee Thalla 1981 Dayabara Nilu Superintendent 'Loku Mahaththaya' 1982 Anuradha 1982 Sumithuro Suranga 1983 Loku Thaththa 1985 Mawbima Nathinam Maranaya 1989 Sinasenna Raththaran 1989 Mamai Raja Ranjith Weerawardena 1989 Randenigala Sinhaya Hamu 1990 Chandi Raja 1990 Jaya Shakthi 1990 Yukthiyata Wada Mr. Samaraweera 1991 Paaradise 1991 Cheriyo Doctor Chance 1991 Aibaba Saha Horu Hathaliha 1991 Bambara Kalapaya 1992 Sathya 1992 Malsara Doni 1992 Sinha Raja 1993 Sasara Sarisarana Thek 1993 Surayan Athara Veeraya Rohitha 'Boss' 1994 150 Mulleryawa Jamis Jayatunga 'Mudalali' 1994 Mawbime Veerayo 1995 Chandiyage Putha Corrupt Inspector 1995 Cheriyo Captain Partygoer 1995 Inspector Geetha Ravi 1995 Deviyani Sathya Surakinna Rex Mayadunna 'Rathu' 2000 Undaya Seram 'Hamu' 2001 Kolamba Koloppan 2006 Supiri Balawatha 2007 Hai Master
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