Gamini bids farewell

The death of award-winning actor Gamini Hettiarachchi last week came as a shock to many in the film, theatre and television industries.Gamini who breathed his last, weeks before he could turn 66 on July 24, was indisputably a talented actor who could fit into any role. He started his acting career as a schoolboy at Nalanda College, Colombo. Among the theatre productions he took part in the early days were ‘Wes Muhunu’, ‘Sekkuwa’, ‘Meepura Wesiyo’, ‘Hitler’ and several others which brought him youth and state awards.

He became a household name with his roles as Sunimal in ‘Yashorawaya’ and Michael in ‘Dadabima in which he played the award-winning role of a mentally handicapped youth.
Gamini also produced plays like ‘Veedi Natya’, Bawalatha and Spartacus.

Over and above his exceptional talents as an actor, Gamini Hettiarachchi will always be remembered for his humility and humane qualities.

Veteran Parakrama Niriella opened the cinema doors for Gamini with his documentary ‘Palaweniya Saha Anthimaya’.

Later he made it big on the silver screen with memorable roles in Ayoma, Aswesuma, Bahubuthayo, Kosthapal Punyasoma, Sinhawalokanaya, Vidhu, Kandak Sema and several others while he played key roles in tele dramas like Yakada Doli, Bawathra, Pehesara, Sidu, Sillara Samanallu and others.

Over and above his exceptional talents as an actor, Gamini Hettiarachchi will always be remembered for his humility and humane qualities. 

Text : Ramesh

Gamini’s last pix captured by Daily Mirror recently