Palitha Silva

Garanduwa Baarage Palitha Silva (born August 30, 1967, as පාලිත සිල්වා) [Sinhala]) is a Sri Lankan actor, dramatist, producer, director, scriptwriter, and author. He started his career at 15 when he was chosen to train at the Professor Solomon Fonseka's school of Acting. Silva has acted in more than 400 television serials and is best known for his roles in the teledramas Keetaya, Deweni Inima, and as the lead actor in the biographical film Anagarika Dharmapala Srimathano.

In June 2019, he was awarded the honorific title Maanava Hithavadee Keerthi Sri Veeraputra Deshabandu and then Kalaashubana Janaranjana Keerthi Sri Deshamanya in July 2021 for his service towards Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Personal life He is married to his longtime partner, Namalee Silva. She is the Deputy Chief Superintendent of the Marketing Division of Sri Lanka Insurance. She went to Holy Family Convent in Bambalapitiya and Devi Balika Vidyalaya in Colombo. Then Namalee graduated with a marketing degree from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, London. She knew Palitha since 10 years of age. They both lived in the same village, Mount Lavinia and both attended the same Dhamma School, Mount Lavinia Dhammodaya Dhamma School.

Theater career His entry to theater and drama came through Dharmasiri Bandaranayake's drama Ekadhipathy. Winning his first state youth award for script writing, directing and acting in Thawath ek wiroopiyek, at the young age of 16, in 1983, at 18 years old, he went on to act in Sri Lanka's most critically acclaimed stage drama Sargent Nallathambi alongside Nihal Silva. . Silva also studied and acted under the directorship of Helena Lehtimäki in her productions of Bertolt Brecht's Mr Puntila and his Man Matti and William Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dreams. In 1988, Silva was nominated for the best actor award at the National State Drama festival for playing the character of Estragon in a production of Samuel Beckette's Waiting for Godot. In 1994, Silva won the Best Actor Award at the State Drama festival for Kaspa.

In 1984, his maiden theater direction came through the play Ballangen Pravesam Wenu., Sihina Deshayen Saree Gete Caspaar - accompany with German dramatist Sihina Rangahala

Television career In 1998, Silva directed the tele film, Amuththek Awith which won awards. In 2000, he directed Thrasthawadinge Ghathanaya for Swarnavahini.

Notable works

Abhisamaya Ada Ada Ei Maru Adaraneeya Amma Ahasin Watuna Gahaniyak Ambu Daruwo Apuru Sahodaraya Asanwara Wessak Athma Senehasa Chanchala Rekha Chandra Vinsathi Dambulugala Sakmana Dedunu Sihina (2008) Deweni Inima as Ekanayake Sir (2016-2019) Diya Sewaneli Diya Suliya Durganthaya Eka Iththaka Mal Gamane ya (2020) Ganga Addara Kele Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli (2014) Golu Hadawatha Guru Geethaya Ira Awara (2015) Jeewithaya Horu Aran Kadupul Mal (2002) Kampitha Vill (2008) Katu Imbula as Sugatha Banda Keetaya 1,2,3,4 Kinnara Damanaya Kiripabalu Vila Mahathala Hatana (2007) Magul Sakwala (1998) as Senaka Manikkawatha Maya Ranaga Maya Roo (2010) Mayura Asapuwa Meeduma (2003) Mini Palanga (2003) Nidikumba Mal Nil Mal Viyana (2004) Nim Walalla Once Upon a Time in Colombo (2021) Paata Kurullo (2024) Pethi Ahulana Mala Piniwassa Ran Poruwa Roda Hatara Manamalaya (2004) Romeo And Dante (2012) Samanalayano Sanda Gomman Re (2007) Sanda Sanda Wage Sayaweni Patumaga Senakeliyay Maya Shoba (2007) Sikuru Udanaya (1998) Sinasenna Mata Sisila Ima Situ Gedara Sivusiya Gawwa (2001) Sudu Kaluwara as Dingiri Banda (2003) Suseema as Ranga (1980s) Suwanda Hamana Manamali Thalaya Soyana Geethaya (2005) Urumayaka Aragalaya (2018) Visi Ekwana Horawa Wanawadule Wasanthaya (2000) Wara Peraliya (2005) Wes Benduma (2003) Yuga Wilakkuwa (1997)

Beyond acting He worked as the Workshop director of The Young Learners' Center at the British Council. He stated that his greatest ambition is to be a writer. He has published two novels, E Deegeka Giyaya in 1998 and the Athek Barata Henduvak on 8 October 2004. His most popular cinema acting came through films Sir Last Chance, Anagarika Dharmapala Srimathano and Maharaja Ajasath. The role in Maharaja Ajasath as Arahat Devadatta was highly praised by the critics. He was also cast in the international film Shadow of the Cobra starring Art Malik, Michael Woods and Arthur Dignam.

Year Film Role Ref. 1987 Kawuluwa 1993 Sargent Nallathambi Nanapala 1994 Ekada Wahi 1994 Nohadan Landune 1995 Edath Chandiya Adath Chandiya 1995 Maruthaya Dinesh 1996 Sihina Desayen 1996 Hiru Sanduta Medi Wee 1998 Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli Willie 1999 Seetha Sameere Janaka 2000 Sanda Yahanata 2000 Anuragaye Ananthaya Kamal Kanchana Swarnadipathi 2003 Le Kiri Kandulu Prosecutor 2003 Sudu Kaluwara Dingiri Banda 2005 Sulanga Siripala 2006 Ammawarune AGA officer 2008 Walapatala Chartin 2009 Sir Last Chance Don Ladan 'George Washingpowder' 2010 Kshema Bhoomi Anura Suriyabandara 2010 Ira Handa Yata Lieutenant Silva 2010 Kawulu Dora 2011 Sinhawalokanaya Heen Appo 2012 Kusa Pabha King Madu 2012 Daruwane Doctor 2012 Prathiroo Buddhist monk 2013 Siri Parakum King Vijayabahu III 2014 Anagarika Dharmapala Srimathano Anagarika Dharmapala 2014 Parapura Police officer Sathyapala 2014 Api Marenne Na Manoj Amarajeewa 2015 Maharaja Ajasath Rev. Devadatta Thero 2016 Sinhaya Sabhapathithuma 2017 Nilanjana Dananjaya 2017 Nimnayaka Hudekalawa Army officer 2018 Nela 2018 Nidahase Piya DS F. R. Senanayake 2019 President Super Star 2022 Hithumathe Jeewithe Marasinghe 2024 Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli 2 Nihal Jayashan's Father Heavies

Awards and accolades He has won several awards at the local stage drama festivals and television festivals, both for acting and direction.

Awards