Ananda Fonseka bids farewell

Well-known photographer, actor and director Ananda Fonseka passed away recently and his funeral took place at the Borella General Cemetery yesterday.

Ananda, the brother of screen queen Malani Fonseka and father of popular actress Samanalee Fonseka, was 70 at the time of his death.

Wanniarachchige Gunasiri Ananda Fonseka who was born on February 22, 1950 had his education at Gurukula Vidyalaya, Kelaniya. Having made his mark as a still photographer, he entered the cine world as an assistant director in Timothy Weeraratne’s ‘Sangeetha’.

He acted in movies like Thilaka Saha Thilaka, Eya Dan Loku Lamayek, Tikira, Anupama, Wasanthe Dawasak, Major Sir, Seetha, Bamba Ketu Hati, Hondama Naluwa, Thakkita Tharikita, Ahinsa, Batti and others.
He produced and directed the movie ‘Umayangana’ while directing the tele drama ‘Kemmura’ that won him the Sumathi best director award.

Child artiste Kushenya Saumi Fonseka who plays the key role in ‘Rookada Panchi’ is the grand daughter of the late Ananda Fonseka.

• Having made his mark as a still photographer, he entered the cine world as an assistant director in Timothy Weeraratne’s ‘Sangeetha’