Chandrasiri Kodithuwakku Explained

Chandrasiri Kodithuwakku
චන්ද්‍රසිරි කොඩිතුවක්කු
Other Names:Abilin
Birth Date:December 27, 1949
Birth Name:Kodithuwakku Arachchige Chandrasiri
Birth Place:Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
Death Place:Gampaha Base Hospital, Gampaha
Nationality:Sri Lankan
Education:Sambodhi College, Kelaniya
Years Active:1969–2016
Spouse:Daya Stella Kodituwakku
Children:2
Occupation:Actor, Dramatist

Kodithuwakku Arachchige Chandrasiri (born 27 December 1949 – died 15 January 2016 as චන්ද්‍රසිරි කොඩිතුවක්කු) [Sinhala]), popularly known as Chandrasiri Kodithuwakku, was an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television.[1] He played "Abilin" in the television serial Kopi Kade.[2]

Personal life

He was born on 27 December 1949 in Pethiyagoda, Kelaniya. He was educated at Sambodhi College, Kelaniya. Before entering drama, he went to work in a chili powder mill.[3]

He was married to Daya Stella Kodituwakku and the couple has two sons, Janaka.[4]

Kodithuwakku had been treated for kidney and breathing related illnesses for a long period of time. In 2016, he was admitted to Gampaha Base Hospital due to respiratory and cardiovascular problems.[5] He died on 15 January 2016 at 7.20 am at the age of 67 while receiving treatment in the ICU. His remains were kept at his residence at No. 2, Meegahawatte, Delgoda. The funeral took place on 17 January 2016 at Gonahena Public Cemetery.

Career

After finishing school times, he wished to join the theater school conducted by Dhamma Jagoda. However, due to economic hardship, he could not join the theater school.[6] In the meantime, he followed an acting course at the German Cultural Institute. He then participated in the short drama festival conducted by "Moratuwa Nawa Magaka Yanno". His short drama won the awards for best script and best make up.[7]

He made his acting debut in 1969 with the stage drama Sokkano Rajano produced by Sathischandra Edirisinghe. Then he acted in many stage plays such as Kekille, Deshapaluwa, Manape, Bedde Goranaduwa, Baka Thapas, Devlo Doni and Uthure Rahula. In 1973, he accompany by Jayasekara Aponsu and Ranjith Perera started miming art.

In 1981, Kodithuwakku studied acting under the supervision of Thevis Guruge. Then he was selected to the television serial Kopi Kade by Guruge. His role as "Abilin" became highly popularized among the public and he was usually known by his character name rather than real name.[8] He appeared in the series from the beginning which first aired on 1 April 1987.[9] He continued to act in the series for 30 consecutive years. Due to his character as a village gossiper, named "Abilin" he was nickname for those who speak gossip in Sri Lanka.[10]

He was also a B-Grade singer at Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. He sang duet songs with fellow actresses Susila Kuragama such as Lanka Lanka, Oba Dakkoth Hari, Lassana Sande and Esuru Kala Kalaye.

He made his maiden cinematic appearance in the 1973 film Hondata Hondai directed by J. Selvarathnam.[11] Since then, he acted a few minor roles in cinema.[12] [13]

Filmography

Year Film Role Ref.
1973 Hondata Hondai
1977 Sudu Paraviyo
1978 Selinage Walawwa Evicted resident
1984 Kekille Rajjuruwo Puwak Badilla
1993 Juriya Mamai
1995 Edath Chandiya Adath Chandiya Neighbour
1996 Naralowa Holman Mortuary casket purchaser
1996 Hitha Hondanam Waradin Na
1999 Seetha Samire
2001 Oba Magema Wewa
2009 Leader

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Veteran actor Chandrasiri Kodithuwakku passes away. Ada Derana . 15 March 2020.
  2. Web site: ‘Abilin’ passes away. Daily Mirror . 15 March 2020.
  3. Web site: Abilin left Kopi Kade forever . Silumina . 15 March 2020.
  4. Web site: Farewell to Abilin of Kopi Kade . Dinamina . 15 March 2020.
  5. Web site: Kopi Kade Abilin admitted to Gampaha Hospital. Divaina . 15 March 2020.
  6. Web site: Four farewells in two days. Sarasaviya . 15 March 2020.
  7. Web site: Abilin Uncle bids farewell . Divaina . 15 March 2020.
  8. Web site: Funeral of Veteran actor Chandrasiri Kodituwakku . Divaina . 15 March 2020.
  9. Web site: Kopi Kade . 2010-08-14. Sunday Times.
  10. Web site: Those who have left us from Kopi Kade . lifie . 16 March 2020.
  11. Web site: Chandrasiri Kodithuwakku filmography . Sinhala Cinema Database . 15 March 2020.
  12. Web site: Chandrasiri Kodithuwakku. IMDb . 15 March 2020.
  13. Web site: Chandrasiri Kodithuwakku remembrance. Daily Mirror . 15 March 2020.