Asoka Peiris

Asoka Peiris (born 1942 – died 24 December 2007 as අශෝක පීරිස්) [Sinhala]), was a Sri Lankan actor in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television. A highly versatile actor who mainly appeared in dramatic roles, Peiris is best known for the roles in Amba Yahaluwo and Guru Gedara.

Personal life Ashoka Peiris was born in 1942 in Moratuwa, Colombo. His father died when he was about 16 years old. His preliminary education was at Presbyterian Girls' High School, Dehiwela and Ferguson's Girls' High School under Ms. Brooks. Then he attended S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia for secondary education. He was married to Chithra Peiris and the couple had two sons, Prakash and Eshantha, and one daughter, Menaka. After the marriage, he worked at Wellawatta Spinning and Weaving Mills, where he met Lester.

He had 6 grandchildren. Amrith, Dharaka and Amandhi are the children of his older son Prakash. Emma is the daughter of his second son Eshantha. Meshaak and Mareesha are the children of his daughter Menaka.

He died on 24 December 2007 due to a heart attack at the age of 65. His funeral took place in Holy Emmanuel Church Moratuwa. He was buried at the Holy Emmanuel Church Cemetery on 29th Friday, 2007 at 3 pm.

Acting career In 1959, he produced a Sinhala play called Karolis and Porolis along with his friend Marapana during his last year at school.

He started his acting career with the stage play Pala Malla staged in 1965 with the main role. In 1967, he directed the drama Sarana. In 1993, he won the Best Actor award at Sarasaviya Film Festival for his role in the film Guru Gedara.

In 1994, Peiris won the award for the Best Actor at Sarasaviya Film Festival for the role in Guru Gedara. He continued acting in some foreign movies such as Shadow of the Cobra and Death Stone. Some of his most critically acclaimed roles came through films including, Yuganthaya, Baddegama, Yahalu Yeheli, Viragaya and Maruthaya. His most notable television acting came through Amba Yahaluvo as Nelum Bandara, which became a cult in Sri Lankan television.

In 1994, he founded The Moratuwa Arts Forum (MAF), which launched many projects to identify Moratuwa talents and promote music. He worked as the chartered president of the forum from 1995 to 1996.

In 2004, he worked as the music composer of Jolly Boys and Haadu Wassak films. Asani Wasi Awasan Horawa Duvili Maliga Jeewa Chakra Mindada Rankira Soya Sathya Senehase Nimnaya Sihinayak Paata Paatin Wara Peraliya

Filmography Year Film Role Ref. 1966 Delowak Athara Factory walker 1981 Baddegama Mr. Perera 1982 Thana Giravi Doctor 1982 Yahalu Yeheli Simeon 1984 Maya Bandu 1985 Yuganthaya 1987 Sathyagrahanaya Journalist Dharme 1987 Death Stone 1987 Viragaya Sammy 1989 Manika, une vie plus tard 1990 Dese Mal Pipila 1990 Hima Hira 1991 Ali Baba Saha Horu Hathaliha 1992 Sisila Gini Gani Frank Dunuwila 1993 Guru Gedara Principal Ariya Bandara 1993 Surabidena Dunwila 1994 Pawana Ralu Viya 1995 Maruthaya Wickramaratne 1996 Anantha Rathriya Wickie Fernando 1998 Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli Oscar 1999 Mandakini 2000 Saroja Boutique owner 2000 Chakrayudha 2001 Kinihiriya Mal Renuka's father 2001 Poronduwa Doctor Ajith 2002 Thahanam Gaha Roland Wijewardena 2007 Nisala Gira 2010 Kawulu Dora 2010 Kshema Bhoomi Bandara