Veteran actor Gnananga Gunawardena, who has worked in the cinema, television, and stage productions for over a half-century, passed away on May 4 while receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital.
Gunawardena, who was gifted in acting and speech since his school days, began his career as a stage actor before making his film debut in Parakrama de Silva’s ‘Hewanali Eda Minissu’.
He has acted in numerous films and teledramas and he rose to prominence as a television actor. It is noteworthy that he has never appeared in a commercial during his professional career.
He was 78 at the time of his death. Gunawardena has three children and four grandchildren. The veteran actor is the younger brother of Environmental Lawyer Dr. Jagath Gunawardena’s mother. His final rites were performed at the Borella Cemetery at 3.00 p.m. yesterday.