Hemasiri Sellapperuma

Hemasiri Sellapperuma (born 25 October: ), is a Sri Lankan screenplay writer, editor and filmmaker in Sri Lankan cinema. He is a prolific director who directed the second most films in Sri Lankan cinema with thirty-six films in various genres.

Personal life He completed education from St. Anthony's College, Panadura. During school, he achieved a medal of Queen as a Scout. He is also the chairman of the Lions club in Egodawatta. In addition to that, he is also a Justice in Peace.

His cousin son Rajitha Hiran is also a renowned comedy artist.

Career While in the school, he worked as an editor at the institute of Serendib. He first directed a short film Saara Poro Jelivet. After completing education, he joined with his mentor, Consistence Cooray. He is first person to produce films for children in Sri Lanka. Under Consistence, Sellapperuma worked as an assistant director for his films such as: Samaja Sevaya, Gami Kolla and Asaranaya. In 1982, at the Malaysian Film Festival, the film won the Golden award for the Best Commercial Film in the Asia. The film broke several commercial records, where the film screened record 210 days at the 'National' cinema hall in Maharagama as well as screened in the opening cinemas for 200 days. However, before the screening, the lead actor Vijaya Kumaranatunga was assassinted. There was a big uproar in the cinema halls during the screening of the film. People were at queue at cinema halls from 8 am to witness Vijaya's last film. There have even been stabbing incidents recorded in 'Gemunu' and 'Manel' cinema theaters as well. In 18th Sarasaviya Awards in 1990, Nommara 17 won the award for the Most Famous Film with 40,535 votes.

He was honored with the 'Kala Jothi' Award as well.