Leticia Peiris

Meemanage Mary Magdalene Leticia Peiris (born 18 October 1934 – died 31 October 2013 as ලැටීෂියා පීරිස්‌) [Sinhala]), popularly known as Leticia Peiris, was an actress in Sri Lankan cinema, theater and television. One of the earliest pillars in Sri Lankan film history, Peiris had a career that spanned more than five decades. She is the last acting link of the Jayamanne lineage.

She died on 31 October 2013 with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 80.

Personal life Peiris was born on 18 October 1934 in Pallansena village, Kochchikade area in Colombo. She completed education from Negambo Dalupotha Vidyalaya and Harischandra National College, Negambo. Her elder sister Grace Peiris was married to popular actor B. A. W. Jayamanne. Grace met Jayamanne during a film shoot.

Leticia was married to K. Micheal de Silva and wedding was celebrated in December 1957 at the age of 24.

Career Peries started her film career with her sister and brother-in-law B.A.W. Jayamanne. She played the role of "Hilda" in the stage play Kadawunu Poronduwa at the age of 7. She was one of the earliest child actresses in Sri Lankan drama history. She continued to act as "Hilda" for a record 800 times in 10 consecutive years. But she missed out on her chance to become the first child actress of Sinhala cinema by starring in the first Sinhala film Kadawunu Poronduwa due to heavy fever. After the 1952 film Umathu Wishwasaya, Peiris starred in the 1957 film Siriyalatha produced by Eddie Jayamanne and produced by Rukmani Devi and directed by Indian filmmaker S. S. Rajan. She performed excellently in the 1957 film Siriyalatha opposite to Rukmani Devi.

Filmography Year Film Role Ref. 1948 Weradunu Kurumanama 1950 Hadisi Vinischaya Padmini 1951 Segawuu Pilithura Leela 1952 Umathu Wiswasaya Vikata Manika 1957 Siriyalatha Carolina 1968 Bicycle Hora 1969 Pickpocket Pukkala Mudalali's wife 1971 Kathuru Muwath Kathuru Muwath's lover 1971 Seeye Nottuwa 1972 Lokuma Hinawa Regina 1972 Ihatha Athmaya Hilda 1973 Aparadaya Ha Danduwama 1974 Duleeka 1975 Kaliyuga Kaale 1976 Haratha Hathara 1977 Neela 1979 Jeewana Kandulu 1979 Wasanthaye Dawasak Kalu Ethano's shop goer 1979 Akke Mata Awasara Servant 1981 Sathweni Dawasa 1981 Jeewanthi 1981 Bangali Walalu 1982 Wathura Karaththaya Garen 1982 Rail Paara 1983 Sandamali Nimalawathie 'Nimala' 1988 Sandakada Pahana Head Nurse 1996 Mal Hathai 1999 Ayadimi Samaa Granny 2002 Onna Babo