W. Jayasiri

Weerapullige Jayasiri (1 May 1947 – 22 September 2024), popularly known as W. Jayasiri, was a Sri Lankan actor in film, television and on stage, and who also worked as a script writer and lyricist.

Personal life Jayasiri was born in Hirimbura, Galle on 1 May 1947. He had three brothers. His first school was Kithulampitiya Central Girls' College, before he moved to Matara and studied at Sumangala Vidyalaya. Next he attended St. Thomas' College, Matara until his SSC exam and subsequently attended Vidyaloka College, Galle.

Acting career Jaysiri was also a close friend of renowned director Dharmasena Pathiraja, at that time he used to play cameo roles in stage dramas. According to him, he started to play major roles only after he turned 40 years of age. His maiden stage drama acting came through Harima badu Hayak second edition in 1966. He played roles in de Silva's popular stage dramas such as Dunna Dunugamuwa, Muthu Kumari and then in Pathiraja's Eya Dan Loku Lamyek. He became popular with the films Seilama and Visidela, both directed by H. D. Premaratne.

His critically acclaimed stage drama acting came through stage drama Mara Sade in 1985, which is considered a milestone in the Sinhala theater. He is the lyricist of popular film Bambaru Awith.

Selected stage dramas Dunna Dunugamuwa Muthu Kumari Eya Dan Loku Lamayek Dolahak Guti Kemata Niyamithai Dhawala Bheeshana No Return Makarakshaya Handa Nihanda

Selected television serials

Adisi Nadiya Ado Akala Sandya Arungal Bim Kaluwara Dandubasnamanaya Dhawala Kanya Dambulugala Sakmana Gajamuthu Girikula Haye Pahara Idorayaka Mal Pipila Kadulla Koombiyo Kumarayaneni Laabai Apple Mage Kaviya Mata Denna Manikkawatha Mini Muthu Nagenahira Weralin Asena Neela Pabalu No Parking Nonagathayaka Nimawa Ran Kira Soya Sadgunakaraya Sanda Mudunata Sidu as Chief monk Sihina Samagama Suddilage Kathawa Sulanga Matha Mohothak Tharu Ahasata Adarei Theth Saha Viyali Thimiragira Thumpane Uthuwankande Sura Saradiyel Valavettuwa Vishwanthari Wanawadule Wasanthaya Wassana Sihinaya

Radio plays Tharuwan Saranai Alayaka Damanaya

As a lyricist The first song "Sulan Hamai Lowa Nalawei" wrote by Jayasiri was recorded in the early 70s for a solo concert by the singer Sanath Nandasiri. The he wrote a song titled "Asuna Wedi Hadak" for the stage play Dhawala Bheeshana produced by Dharmasiri Bandaranayake. In 1978, he worked in the blockbuster film Bambaru Avith and made the critically acclaimed song "Udumbara Hinahenawa" where music composed by Premasiri Khemadasa.

Filmography Jayasiri started his film career with a minor role in 1973 film Dahakin Ekak directed by Meril Albert. He contributed to several critically acclaimed films such as Seilama, Wisidela, Bawa Duka, Duwata Mawaka Misa, Sankranthi and Gamani.

Year Film Role Ref. 1973 Dahakin Ekek Club drunk fighter 1976 Diyamanthi Caldera's thug 1978 Bambaru Awith Micheal 1980 Para Dige 1980 Hansa Vilak 1981 Soldadu Unnahe 1982 Ridee Nimnaya 1994 Handana Kinkini 1995 Mee Haraka Mansoor 1995 Seilama Marcus 1995 Chitti 1995 Ayoma 1997 Duwata Mawaka Misa 1997 Bawa Duka Officer 1997 Bawa Karma 1997 Mother Teresa Mr. Goma 1997 Visidela Gunapala 1999 Surangana Yahana 1999 Mandakini 1999 Sathyadevi Jinadasa 2000 Pem Kekula 2001 Daru Upatha 2001 Me Mage Sandai 2002 Sathkampa Benjamin 2002 Arumosam Wahi 2002 Mamath Geheniyak 2003 Thani Thatuwen Piyabanna Doctor 2003 Sudu Kaluwara Arachchi 2004 Mille Soya 2007 Sankranthi Dr. Gerad 2009 Rosa Mal Sayanaya 2011 Gamani Sumedha, chief monk 2013 Abhinikmana Chief monk 2014 Swaroopa Gregory Samson 2014 Que Sera Ananda 2014 Death in a Noble Day 2015 Suhada Koka Minister Gajanayake 2016 Sakkarang Jeramiyas 2016 Weerawarna Ivan Salgadu 2017 Kaala Wattaka Nilame 2017 Aloko Udapadi Jain Nighantha Giri 2018 Punchi Andare 2019 Asandhimitta Old Wickramasekara 2019 President Super Star Minister 2020 Nim Him 2020 Soosthi Soosa's father 2022 Night Rider 2023 Swara TBD Anora TBD Akarsha TBD Elakandiye Marcus TBD Suvisi Vivarana

Awards He won a Presidential Film Award for the Best Supporting Actor for his role in the movie Duwata Mawaka Misa in 1997.