Lionel Deraniyagala

Lionel Danthanarayana (born 24 August 1940 – died 30 July 1994 as ලයනල් දැරණියගල) [Sinhala]), popularly known by his stage name Lionel Deraniyagala, was an actor in Sri Lankan cinema and theater. One of the most popular villain artists ever in Sri Lankan film history, he had a career for more than three decades as the antagonist.

Personal life He was born on 24 August 1940 in Galle as the youngest of the family with three siblings. He completed his education at Mahinda College, Galle.

He was married to fellow actress Thilaka in 1973. The couple has one daughter, Priyanthi Shyamali, and one son, Chulananda.

In 1975, he was working in the batik industry with his wife. In 1981, he went Middle East for a job. He returned to Sri Lanka in 1983 and continued on business. After the film, popular actor Eddie Jayamanne appreciated his villain role and said that "You are the best villain after Dommy Jayawardena". Since that, he received several villain roles in popular films Rena Giraw, Ran Onchilla, Rajagedara Paraviyo, Edath Suraya Adath Suraya, Gijulihiniyo, Kesara Sinhayo, Ridee Thella, Kasthuri Suwanda and Raja Kello. He played the lead role in the 1979 film Sawdan Jema bringing a sense of humor. He also played a caricature in the 1973 film Sinawai Inawai and then Deraniyagala played a different role as Gamini Fonseka's brother in the 1978 film Apsara.