Ronnie Leitch

Ronnie Luke Leitch (; 19 October 1953 – 1 October 2018), better known as Ronni Leitch and Thattaya , was a Sri Lankan actor, dramatist, comedian, singer, presenter, and social activist. Largely popularized as a comedian, Leitch also gained fame for singing over 350 songs, most notably "Thattaya" and "Kauda Bole Alice".

Family Leitch was born on 19 October 1953 in Dehiwela. His father died on 26 December 2017 and the funeral took place on 27 December at 4:00 PM at the Mount Lavinia Cemetery.

He married his childhood sweetheart Yvette in 1986, and is the father of daughter Keshia and son Keshan. Leitch met Yvette first in 1974 in Bellanvila, when their homes were situated in close proximity to each other. They married on 7 June 1986. Their first child, Keshia, was born on 17 September 1989. Keshia married on 8 June 2017. Keshia is a past pupil of Bishop's College, Colombo and Keshan is an old boy of S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia.He has a sister called Cheryl.

Career Since the age of eight, Leitch made his foray into the entertainment industry by participating in an All Island Talent Contest. He also worked in the Defense Ministry for six years at the time of his daughter's birth. He engaged with many musical bands in the early 1980s, such as Pioneers, Haze, Super Golden Chimes and Super Stars. He had his first overseas tour in 1986 with Super Stars. In 1989, he rose to prominence by singing his most famous solo, "Thattaya". He performed the song by invitation of The Gypsies band leaders Sunil Perera and Piyal Perera. With the huge popularity of the song, he decided to bald his head.

Leitch performed in many duets with Corrine Almeida and Mariazelle Gunathilake, which became popular hits such as "Atha Mita Kasi Panam".

Apart from acting and singing, Leitch entered television hosting with the children's program Poddange Weda which was telecasted by Sirasa TV in 2016.

Leitch was an active social activist where he was involved in charity work and donations all across the country. On 7 August 2010, he performed a musical night A Roaring Evening with Ronnie Leitch organized by The Lions Club of Athurugiriya Millennium City to raise the funds for financing community service projects.

Leitch helped the Old Thomian Swimming Club (OTSC) of S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia in all musical "happenings" for 12 consecutive years, and also at Royal-Thomian Big Match in the OTSC Tent with the band Wild Flowers.

Death Ronnie Leitch died on 1 October 2018 in Perth, while on a musical tour of Australia. The cause of the death was revealed as cardiac arrest. His remains were brought back to Sri Lanka on 10 October and kept at Jayaratne Florists for final rites. The body was finally buried at the Borella Cemetery on 11 October.

Filmography Starting with Athin Athata in 1973, Leitch performed as a comedian in many films. His most notable films are Re Daniel Dawal Migel and Cheriyo film series. His last film acting was in the 2018 film Yama Raja Siri, where he portrayed one of the main protagonists.

Year Film Role Note 1983 Athin Athata Guitarist 1986 Yali Hamuwennai Guitarist 1986 Dushyanthi Jagath 1996 Cheriyo Darling Meda Kess Playback singing 1997 Savithrige Rathriya 1997 Mother Teresa: In the Name of God's Poor Hari 1997 Ninja Sri Lanka 1998 Re Daniel Dawal Migel Cobra helper 2000 Re Daniel Dawal Migel 2 Cobra helper 2000 Pem Kekula 2001 Sellan Kukka 2001 Jack And Jill Playback singing 2001 Kinihiriya Mal Mr. Shopman Playback singing 2001 Hai Hui Babi Achchi Malu Kade Jora 'Wickramabahu Podi Appu' 2001 Jonsun and Gonsun Thatta Sira 2002 Onna Babo Mingwa Playback singing 2002 Love 2002 2003 Sepata Dukata Sunny Charlie 2003 Numba Nadan Apita Pissu Mr. Balthazar 2004 Clean Out Japan Thattaya 2004 Jolly Boys Tricked beachgoer 2006 Rana Hansi 2008 Ali Pancha Mage Mithura 2008 Ai Oba Thaniwela 2009 Leader 2010 Mago Digo Dai Dhanawansa 2010 Thank You Berty Munidasa 2011 Ethumai Methumai 2011 It's a Matter of Love Jennifer's father 2013 Kauda Machan Alice Thattaya Playback singing 2013 Raja Horu Manager 2014 Kosthapal Punyasoma Businessman 2015 Lantin Singho Playback singing 2015 My Name Is Bandu OIC 2016 Natannethuwa Dinna Gunda Playback singing 2017 Jolly Boys 2 Jimmy 2017 Sellam Nethnam Lellam 2017 Dr. Nawariyan Dhanapala 2018 Yama Raja Siri King Yama Last screened film before death 2018 Athuru Mithuru Hari Apuru Police Inspector Posthumous release 2024 Sihinayaki Adare Posthumous release 2024 Buffalo Travels

Discography Albums Thattaya Tharu Wassa

Solo Tracks