Veteran actress Chithra Wakishta, who became well-known by her stage name ‘Somi Nona’ when acting in the Kopi Kade teledrama, passed away today at the age of 83 while undergoing treatment at the Colombo National Hospital, Singers Association (SLASA) President Keerthi Pasquel said.

He told Daily Mirror that she was suffering from cancer for some time.

Chithra was born on December 23, 1936 and started her acting career with the teledrama “Dimuthumuthu.” She has acted in several films such as Sirakaruwa, Yuganthaya, Golu Hadawatha and Gahenu Lamai and also worked as a voice-over artiste for both television and radio.

Her body will be brought to the Jayaratne Parlour at 8.30 am tomorrow and the final rites will be conducted on Sunday at 4.00 pm at the Borella cemetery. (Sheain Fernandopulle)