Gamini Fonseka facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hon. Gamini Fonseka MP
Gamini Fonseka
3rd Governor of North Eastern Province
In office 13 January 1995 – 20 October 1998
Preceded by	Lionel Fernando
Succeeded by	Asoka Jayawardena
Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka
In office 9 March 1989 – 24 June 1994
Preceded by	Norman Waidyaratne
Succeeded by	Anil Moonesinghe
Member of Parliament for Matara District
In office 9 March 1989 – 24 June 1994
Majority	19,618 Preferential Votes
Personal details
Born	Sembuge Gamini Shelton Fonseka (1936-03-21)21 March 1936 Dehiwala, Sri Lanka
Died	30 September 2004(2004-09-30) (aged 68) Ja-Ela, Sri Lanka
Political party	United National Party
Spouse	Dorothy Margaret Valancia (m. 1962)
Children	6
Education	S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia
Occupation	Actor, film director, politician
Known for	Crowned king of Sri Lankan cinema

Sembuge Gamini Shelton Fonseka (born March 21, 1936 – died September 30, 2004) was a famous Sri Lankan film actor, director, and politician. Many people consider him the greatest actor in Sinhala cinema. He was very popular in the 1960s and 1970s, winning many "Best Actor" awards. Besides acting, he also served as the Deputy Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament from 1989 to 1994. Later, he became the Governor of the North-Eastern Province from 1995 to 1998.

Gamini Fonseka is often called the "King of Sri Lankan cinema". He was the first of three actors to be given this special title.

About Gamini Fonseka

Early Life and Education

Gamini Fonseka was born on March 21, 1936, in Dehiwela. He was the third child of William and Daisy Fonseka. He first went to a Presbyterian school, then moved to S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia.

When he was young, Gamini was known for being good at imitating teachers and other important people at school. He also did very well in Sinhala language and literature. He even won a prize for Sinhala literature, which was given to him by D. S. Senanayake, who later became the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. Gamini was also a talented cricket player.

Family Life

In 1962, Gamini Fonseka married his girlfriend, Dorothy Margaret Valencia, who was also known as "Tina". They had four children: Chamila, Thanuja, Dammith, and Ishara. Later, he also had two more children, Kaushalya and Poornima. He remained married to Tina until he passed away.

His son, Damith, also became a popular film actor in the 1990s. Damith acted in many successful movies like Chandi Rejina and Cheriyo Darling.

Gamini Fonseka died on September 30, 2004, at his home in Ja-Ela. He was 68 years old.

Gamini Fonseka's Film Journey

Starting in Cinema

Gamini Fonseka stopped his school education early to join the film industry. He first wanted to be a cameraman. He worked as a second Assistant Director on famous movies like David Lean's Bridge on the River Kwai and Lester James Peries's Rekava (1956). Gamini first appeared on screen in Rekava as part of a crowd scene.

Becoming a Star

Gamini Fonseka's first acting role where he was credited was in Daiwa Yogaya (1959). He played a small part in this film. He got his first main role in Lester James Peries's Sandesaya (1960). After this, he became very popular with movies like Adata Wediya Heta Hondai, Ranmuthu Duwa, and Getawarayo. These films made him a big box-office draw, meaning many people went to watch his movies.

Gamini didn't just want to do popular movies. He also took on serious roles. For example, he played Jinadasa in the important film Gamperaliya (1964). In Titus Thotawatte's Chandiya, Gamini played the first "anti-hero" in Sri Lankan cinema. An anti-hero is a main character who doesn't have typical heroic qualities. In 1964, he won his first "Best Actor" award for his role in Gamperaliya.

Directing Films

Gamini Fonseka also became a film director and received many awards for his work. His first film as a director was Parasathu Mal, which was very well-liked. He also directed Sagarayak Meda, which was a political satire. Other films he directed include Koti Waligaya and Nomiyana Minissu. He even acted in television shows and won an award for his role in Kalu Saha Sudu.

Most Famous Roles

Two of Gamini Fonseka's most celebrated roles were Willie Abeynayake in Nidhanaya (1970) and ASP Wicrema Randeniya in "Welikathara". Both of these films are considered among the top 10 best Sri Lankan films. In 1980, he played a Jaffna Tamil clerk named Nadarajah in Sunil Ariyaratne's Sarungale. He also wrote some songs for movies like Sarungale and Mayurige Kathawa. Overall, he acted in 108 films.

Gamini Fonseka's Political Career

In 1989, Gamini Fonseka decided to enter politics. He joined the United National Party. He was elected to the Parliament in 1989, representing the Matara District. He received the most votes in his district. Because of his success, he was appointed as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka.

Later, President Chandrika Kumaratunga appointed him as the Governor of the former North-East Province. He served in this role from 1995 to 1998.

Awards and Recognition

Gamini Fonseka won many awards throughout his career for his acting and directing. Here are some of his notable awards:

Films Directed by Gamini Fonseka

Gamini Fonseka directed 10 films across different types of stories:

• Parasathu Mal (1966)
• Uthumaneni (1980)
• Mayurige Kathawa (1980)
• Sagarayak Meda (1981)
• Ra Manamali (1981)
• Sakwithi Suwaya (1982)
• Koti Waligaya (1986)
• Nomiyena Minisun (1994)
• Anthima Reya (1998)