Hemasiri Sellapperuma (born 25 October: ), is a Sri Lankan screenplay writer, editor and filmmaker in Sri Lankan cinema. He is a prolific director who directed the second most films in Sri Lankan cinema with thirty-six films in various genres.
Personal life He completed education from St. Anthony's College, Panadura. During school, he achieved a medal of Queen as a Scout. He is also the chairman of the Lions club in Egodawatta. In addition to that, he is also a Justice in Peace.
His cousin son Rajitha Hiran is also a renowned comedy artist.
Career While in the school, he worked as an editor at the institute of Serendib. He first directed a short film Saara Poro Jelivet. After completing education, he joined with his mentor, Consistence Cooray. He is first person to produce films for children in Sri Lanka. Under Consistence, Sellapperuma worked as an assistant director for his films such as: Samaja Sevaya, Gami Kolla and Asaranaya.
Later he worked as an assistant editor in the film Punchi Baba saha Nari Latha directed by Tissa Liyanasooriya. Then he joined with K. A. W. Perera and worked as an assistant director in several films including: Bicycle Hora, Seeye Nottuwa, Kathuru Muwath, Aparadhaya Saha Daduwama and Lokuma Hinawa. Meanwhile, he passed the written examination to register as a director and editor in National Film Co-operation by directing the film Sara Polowa Jaya Bimai.
In 1981, he made his debut cinema direction with the black and white film Jeewanthi. After the success of the film, he made the second film Sathweni Davasa which became a blockbuster of that year. In 1982, at the Malaysian Film Festival, the film won the Golden award for the Best Commercial Film in the Asia. In 1989, he made the blockbuster film Nommara 17. The film broke several commercial records, where the film screened record 210 days at the 'National' cinema hall in Maharagama as well as screened in the opening cinemas for 200 days. However, before the screening, the lead actor Vijaya Kumaranatunga was assassinted. There was a big uproar in the cinema halls during the screening of the film. People were at queue at cinema halls from 8 am to witness Vijaya's last film. There have even been stabbing incidents recorded in 'Gemunu' and 'Manel' cinema theaters as well. In 18th Sarasaviya Awards in 1990, Nommara 17 won the award for the Most Famous Film with 40,535 votes.
He was honored with the 'Kala Jothi' Award as well. In 2015, he directed his last film Sanjaana.
Filmography
Year Film Roles Ref. 1981 Jewanthi Director, Screenwriter, Film Editor, Art Director 1981 Sathweni Dawasa Director, Film Editor 1983 Senehasaka Kandulu Director, Technical Advisor 1988 Chandingeth Chandiya Director, Producer 1988 Newa Gilunath Ban Chun Director 1989 Nommara 17 Director 1991 Uthura Dakuna Director, Screenwriter 1991 Asai Bayai Director 1991 Love In Bangkok Director, Screenwriter 1991 Salambak Handai Director, Screenwriter 1992 Bajar Eke Chandiya Director 1992 Sakkara Suththara Director, Screenwriter 1992 Malsara Doni Director 1992 Sinha Raja Director, Screenwriter 1992 Kiyala Wadak Na Director, Screenwriter 1993 Sandareka Director, Screenwriter 1993 Lagin Giyoth Ehek Na Director 1993 Sura Veera Chandiyo Director 1994 Rajawansen Ekek Director, Screenwriter 1994 Abhiyogaya Director 1994 Nohadan Landune Director 1994 Okkoma Hondatai Director, Screenwriter 1994 Hello My Darling Director, Screenwriter 1995 Pudumai Eth Aththai Director 1995 Vairayen Vairaya Director 1996 Manamohini Director, Screenwriter 1996 Hiru Sanduta Madivi Director 1996 Mal Hathai Director, Screenwriter 1997 Surayo Wadakarayo Director, Screenwriter 1999 Ayadimi Sama Director, Screenwriter 2000 Danduwama Director, Screenwriter 2001 Oba Koheda Priye Director 2003 Vala In London Director, Screenwriter 2008 Duplicate Director 2015 Sanjaana Director, Screenwriter
References
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