Suraj Mapa

Mapa Mudiyanselage Suraj Laksiri (born on 2 January 1980 as සුරාජ් මාපා) [Sinhala]), popularly known as Suraj Mapa, is an actor in Sri Lankan cinema and television as well as a Teledrama producer, model, dancer, and a choreographer. Mapa is best known for the roles in many television serials such as Olu, Pooja, and Haara Kotiya. Apart from acting, he owns partnership in the brand named Elsa Clothing.

Personal life He was born on 2 January 1980 in Kandy, Sri Lanka as the youngest of the family with two elder sisters. His father was a businessman and his mother was a housewife. He completed education from Trinity College, Kandy and did his Advance Level examination in 1999. and mother Dayani Mapa died on 17 August 2018 by a blood clot in the brain. His mother's sister, Suneetha Ratnayake was a popular dancer. During the very early stage of his career, he appeared in the serial Suriya Daruwo in 2002, which made him popular. In the serial, he was starring a role of a young English Teacher named "Asanka". Later he won the award for the Most Popular Actor in both Sumathi Awards and Raigam Tele'es awards in 2005 In 2005, he won the award for the most popular Sri Lankan actor in the UAE. Sapumali, Poojasanaya, Ridee Siththam, Sepalika, Muthu Wessak, and Mage Sanda Oba. In 2016, he acted in the serial Kalu Araliya by performing multiple roles as famous actor Vishwa Disanayaka, servant Muni and a disabled person. Then he was nominated for the best actor award for the serial as well. In 2017, he acted in the sci-fi serial Lokantharayo

Mapa started his film career with a supportive role in 2004 comedy film, Clean Out directed by Roy de Silva. He also acted in Belgium film Semi Tower. In 2019, he appeared in the film Uththara.

Apart from television serials and films, he also acted in several single episode teledrama such as Sansara Sewanali - Podi Hamuduruwo and Thunkal Sihinaya as well the telefilm Mathaka Sihina.

Notable television serials

Aathma Senehasa Amuthu Rasikaya Chuttey Daangale Degammediyawa Haara Kotiya Handewa Heenayaki Me Adare Indrachapa Isuru Bawana Jeewa Chakra Kaluaraliya Lokantharayo Mage Sanda Oba Muthu Wessak Nethra Pini Pinikunatuwa Pooja Poojasanaya Sanda Siththam Sepalika Sihinayak Paata Paatin Sihina Cinderella Sihini Suddilage Kathawa Surya Daruwo Tharu Malee Tharu Prabha Uthum Pathum Veeduru Mal

Dancing career Mapa started dancing at school age and excels in Latin American dance. He studied dancing under Neomi Rajaratnam and performed at many events both locally and internationally such as "Footwork Dance Sport 2002". and in 2018 Hiru Mega Stars telecast by Hiru TV. In the same year, he learned Kandyan dance traditions under Kulasiri Budawatta and became a Ves Kandyan dancer in 2014.

In 2015, Mapa started Suraj Dance Academy where he conducts workshops in Colombo & Kandy.

Other work Mapa contributed as a producer for the serial Dagammadiyawa. He was also starring in it and was awarded a Merit Award in Sumathi Awards Ceremony. In 2008, he hosted the reality shown Sirasa Dancing Stars season 1 together with Nirosha Perera, which later won the most popular award in 2008. Apart from that, he acts as the Head of Sales & Marketing for Elsa Clothing brand which was launched together with 2 other partners.

Filmography

Year Film Role Ref. 2004 Clean Out Pathale Sudha 'Sam' 2007 Sikuru Hathe Vidyartha 2008 Akasa Kusum 2010 Uththara Shanilka 2011 Suseema Ranga 2015 Singa Machan Charlie Romeo 2018 Yama Raja Siri In item song 2019 Ginnen Upan Seethala Vijitha Ranaweera 2026 Father

Awards and accolades Sumathi Awards