| Raja Sumanapala රාජා සුමනපාල | |
| Birth Name: | Navaratne Bandara Raja Sumanapala |
| Birth Place: | Pelmadulla, Sri Lanka |
| Nationality: | Sri Lankan |
| Education: | Gankanda Central College, Pelmadulla |
| Years Active: | 1963–2003 |
| Spouse: | Rathna Sumanapala (m. 1965) |
| Children: | 4 |
| Occupation: | Actor, Dramatist, Musician |
Navaratne Bandara Raja Sumanapala (born 1936 – died 2003 as රාජා සුමනපාල) [Sinhala]), popularly known as Raja Sumanapala, was an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television.[1]
Sumanapala was born in 1936 in Pelmadulla. He completed education from Gankanda Central College, Pelmadulla.[2]
He was married to popular actress Rathna Sumanapala. The couple had two daughters, Waruni and Manjula, and two sons, Prabash and Mahesh.[3]
His grandchildren are: Dushantha Deshan Samayamanthri, Dulhan Tanishka Sumanapala, Bisandi Laknara Sumanapala, Dulan Hansaja Sumanapala, Dinali Shenara Sumanapala, Bihandu Yethmin perera and Vidusha Sumanapala.
Sumanapala worked at Pelmadulla Art Forum in the music department, where he met his future wife Rathna.
He acted in several popular television serials in the early periods. His character as "Ali James" in Kopi Kade was highly popularized.[4]
Sumanapala started his film career with the 1977 film Pembara Madhu, directed by Sugathapala Senarath Yapa.[10] Some of his popular cinema acting came through Mangala Thegga, Wadula, Palama Yata, Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli and his final film Parliament Jokes.
| Year | Film | Role | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Pembara Madhu | Win doubter | ||
| 1978 | Selinage Walawwa | |||
| 1980 | Jodu Walalu | |||
| 1980 | Sinhabahu | |||
| 1981 | Induta Mal Mitak | |||
| 1982 | Adhishtana | |||
| 1983 | Manik Maliga | |||
| 1984 | Wadula | Fisherman | ||
| 1987 | Mangala Thegga | Eranda | ||
| 1987 | Kiwulegedara Mohottala | Cave meeting onlooker | ||
| 1989 | Siri Medura | Siri supporter | ||
| 1990 | Palama Yata | Mudalali | [11] | |
| 1991 | Golu Muhude Kunatuwa | Pappa Mahaththaya | ||
| 1993 | Chaya Maya | |||
| 1993 | Ordinary Magic | Sabish | ||
| 1994 | Ambu Samiyo | |||
| 1994 | Sandamadala | Gramasevaka | ||
| 1996 | Thunweni Aehe | |||
| 1997 | Buldeo's servant | [12] | ||
| 1997 | Apaye Thappara 84000k | |||
| 1998 | Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli | Guney | ||
| 1998 | Aege Vairaya 3 | Larry | ||
| 2000 | Rajya Sevaya Pinisai | Shot shop owner | [13] | |
| 2002 | Parliament Jokes | Guneris | [14] | |
| 2010 | Kshema Bhoomi | Mendis |