Ranjan Ramanayake Explained

Ranjan Ramanayake
Native Name Lang:si
Native Name:රන්ජන් රාමනායක
ரஞ்சன் ராமநாயக்க
Constituency Mp1:Ratnapura District
Parliament1:Sri Lanka
Majority1:59,318 Preferential Votes
Term Start1:22 April 2010
Term End1:26 June 2015
Office2:State Minister of Highways and Road Development
Term Start2:21 December 2018
Term End2:21 November 2019
President2:Maithripala Sirisena
Primeminister2:Ranil Wickremesinghe
Minister2:Kabir Hashim
Constituency Mp:Gampaha District
Parliament:Sri Lanka
Majority:103,992 Preferential Votes
Successor:Ajith Mannapperuma
Term Start:1 September 2015
Term End:7 April 2021
Office3:Deputy Minister of Social Empowerment & Welfare
President3:Maithripala Sirisena
Primeminister3:Ranil Wickremesinghe
Minister3:S. B. Dissanayake
Term Start3:4 September 2015
Term End3:26 October 2018
Office4:Deputy Minister of Social Services & Live Stock
President4:Maithripala Sirisena
Primeminister4:Ranil Wickremesinghe
Minister4:P. Harrison
Term Start4:21 January 2015
Term End4:17 August 2015
Office5:Leader of the opposition of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council
Term Start5:23 August 2008
Term End5:22 April 2010
Birth Name:Sadda Vidda Rajapakse Palanga Pathira Ambakumarage Ranjan Leo Sylvester Alphonsu
Birth Date:1963 3, df=yes
Birth Place:Negombo, Sri Lanka
Nationality:Sri Lankan
Party:Samagi Jana Balawegaya (2020-present)
Otherparty:United National Party (before 2020)
Relations:
Residence:No D 4, MPP Housing Scheme, Madiwela, Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte.
Alma Mater:Maris Stella College
Occupation:Politician
Profession:Film Actor

Sadda Vidda Rajapakse Palanga Pathira Ambakumarage Ranjan Leo Sylvester Alphonsu (born 11 March 1963) (රන්ජන් රාමනායක), popularly known as Ranjan Ramanayake, is a former Sri Lankan politician,[1] actor, film director, singer and script writer who appeared in a number of Sinhala language films. He is a former Member of the Parliament.

He served as the State Minister of Highways and Road Development (2018–2019). He served as the Deputy Minister of Social Services, Welfare and Livestock Development Under Good Govenence in 2015 and Deputy Minister of Social Empowerment and Welfare from 2015 to 2018. Ramanayake has won the Sarasaviya Best Actor Award as well as being the Most Popular Actor consecutively for 16 years. He has appeared in over 75 Sinhalese films in genres ranging from romance to action and comedies, starting his career appearing in theatre, stage and several television series.

Personal life

Ramanayake was born on 11 March 1963 in Negombo. He is the youngest in the family of two children, son of Simon Alphonsu, District Inspector at Sri Lanka Railways Department. He added 'Ramanayake' to his name as a reciprocation to the filmmaker Somaratne Ramanayake who helped him in building up his film career as lead actor.[2]

In August 2019, he appeared in GCE A/L exam again after 1982 to pursue his later career as lawyer.[3] On 27 December 2019, he went viral in the social media as he publicised his A/L results (2S & 1F).[4] [5] Subsequently, he also qualified to study law after obtaining A pass for General English, S passes for Political Science and Communication media studies despite failing in Christianity subject.[6]

Cinema career

Ramanayake's first leading role was in the commercial film Jaya Kothenada but his first film was Christhu Charithaya by Dr. Sunil Ariyaratne, which was in a crowded scene and maintained his status as a commercial film star through the 1990s. Ramanayake has occasionally branched out into more serious roles such as in Lester James Peries' Awaragira but continues to be known for his commercial roles. In 1998, he won the Sarasaviya Award for the Best Upcoming Actor for the film Hima Gira.[7] He continued to be the Popular Actor in Sarasaviya Festival since 2002 to 2016, with a record 14 times.

Recently, he has taken more control over his commercial film roles working as a director and screenwriter on the popular Parliament Jokes, One Shot and Leader, breaking box office records with these films and becoming one of the most successful leading actors and directors of Sinhala cinema. Bandu Samarasinghe and Tennyson Cooray are frequent co-stars of Ramanayake.

He has sung in several films including Jaya Kothenada, Naralowa Holman, Love in Bangkok and others. His song "Ran Samanala Joduwa Wage" was a well-received among other songs.[8]

He acted few television serials.

Television serials

Politics

Ramanayake was initially the electoral organiser of the Katana in the Gampaha Electoral District before becoming the electoral organiser in Balangoda. In 2008, Ramanayake contested for the position of Chief Minister on the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council[16] and became the opposition leader on the council.

In 2010 he was elected to the StateParliament from Ratnapura from United National party and has become one of the most spoken members of the parliament who worked as a major opposition activist against the former government of Sri Lanka. Being one of the leading vocal members, Ramanayake has given utmost support towards the party to bring victory at recent Presidential Election.He is currently appointed as the United National Party organiser of Divulapitiya in Gampaha. Ramanayake received highest number of preferential votes for the UNP in the Gampaha district, at the General Election on 17 August 2015, receiving a total of 216,463 votes.

Controversy

Arrest

A school teacher from Kandy accused Ramanayake of having swindled Rs. 1 million promising to marry her. Based on a complaint by the woman who accused, Criminal Investigation Department arrested Ramanayake in 2010.[17] On 4 January 2020, he was arrested for having a license expired firearm and several adult content DVDs.[18] He was released on bail on 5 January 2020 following the verdict from Magistrate court and he was also banned from travelling overseas.[19]

Alleged threat to talk show host

On 2010, it was alleged that Ramanayake threatened the talk show host Dilka Samanmali of Derana TV following the Derana 360 talk show.[20] Ramanayake has allegedly called Samanmali's parents over the phone and accused her of causing disrepute to him over the programme. He had also allegedly told the parents that harm may befall their daughter. Later, Ramanayake denied the allegation stating that all that he gave Dilka's father was a courtesy call. Ramanayake said that he did call Dilka Samanmali's father and complained that his daughter was being biased in her show.[21]

Recordings leak

His telephone conversations with former CID director Shani Abeysekara and some high-profile figures including judges were leaked in the media after the police took custody of them on suspicion.[22] Other several telephone conversations involving him were also leaked by the police to the public and the recordings suggested that he used the law in unlawful manner to favour his government.[23]

Contempt of Court

On Jan 12, 2021 Ranjan Ramanayake was sentenced to 4 years of rigorous imprisonment on the basis of contempt of court regarding his comments on the corruption of the judiciary.[24] As a result he lost his parliament seat on 7 April 2021. On 26 August 2022, He was released on Presidential Pardon by President Ranil Wikramesinghe.

Filmography

Year Film Role Ref.
1987 Obatai Priye Adare Sarath 'Malli'
1988 Ko Hathuro Dancer
1988 Durga Thug
1990 Jaya Kothanada
1990 Chandi Raja Trade Union leader Ranjan
1990 Hima Gira
1990 Dese Mal Pipila
1990 Veera Udara
1990 Jaya Kothanada
1990 Christhu Charithaya [25]
1991 Love In Bangkok Jackson
1991 Ran Hadawatha
1991 Mama Obe Hithawatha
1991 Love in Bangkok
1992 Rajek Wage Puthek
1992 Salli Thibunata Madi
1992 Sakvithi Raja
1992 Chandi Rajina
1992 Sinhayangeth Sinhaya Sanjaya
1993 Mawila Penevi Rupe Hade John Jayapala
1993 Come O' Go Chicago Wickremasinghe Mudiyanselage Ranjan Karunanayake
1993 Trishule Ranjan
1993 Sandarekha Ranjan
1993 Lagin Giyoth Aehek Na
1993 Juriya Mamai David / Inspector Vijay
1993 Sura Veera Chadiyo Ranjan
1994 Rajawansen Ekek Vijay / Sugath
1994 Nohadan Landune
1994 Mawbime Veerayo
1994 Okkoma Hondatai Kamal Jayasekara
1994 Hello My Darling
1995 Wairayen Wairaya Detective
1995 Inspector Geetha Dancer
1995 Awaragira Priyankara Sathigala
1996 Naralowa Holman Jonson 'Johnny' Salgadu
1996 Sathee
1996 Sura Daruwo
1996 Mal Hathai
1997 Surayo Wadakarayo
1997 Apaye Thappara 84000k
1997 Duwata Mawaka Misa
1998 Re Daniel Dawal Migel Chandi Aiyya
1998 Mohothin Mohotha
1999 Ayadimi Sama Ukku Banda
1999 Nagaran
1999 Bahu Bharya Kapila [26]
1999 Sathyadevi Sathyajit Walisundara 'Sathyapala Wedisinghe' [27]
2000 Re Daniel Dawal Migel 2 Chandi Aiyya [28]
2000 Danduwama Suranga
2001 Oba Kohida Priye Priyantha [29]
2001 Jonsun and Gonsun Sanjay Ranasinghe
2001 Rosa Wasanthe Akila Sannasgala [30]
2002 Parliament Jokes Lavaris 'Podi Eka'
2002 Pissu Double Jackie
2003 Vala In London Suranga
2003 Sundarai Adare Murderer
2003 Pissu Trible Gunda
2003 Yakada Pihatu Romesh Jayawardena
2005 One Shot One Vijaya 'One Shot'
2005 Alu Yata Gini
2006 Hiripoda Wassa Cameo appearance
2006 Supiri Balawatha Nishshanka
2006 Nilambare Nirwan
2009 Leader Leader
2009 Paya Enna Hiru Se Suren and Suraj
2010 Suwanda Denuna Jeewithe Cameo appearance
2011 Kiwwada Nahi Nokiwwada Nahi Kalana
2012 Jeevithe Lassanai Wishwa
2013 Sri Siddhartha Gautama King Suddhodana
2013 Raja Horu Mahesh
2014 Rupantharana Moorthi
2014 Ranja Ranja / Ranjan
2014 Parapura Madhava / Suranimala
2015 Pravegaya Office Manager
2016 Sinhaya Weerasinghe 'Satyamithra'
2016 Maya 3D Maya
2016 Hero Nero Cameo appearance
2017 Dr. Nawariyan Nirwan 'Nawariyan' Senanayake [31]
2018 Yalu Malu Yalu 2 Cheruka Weerakoon
2022 The Game Vijay [32]
TBD Kondadeniye Hamuduruwo Ven. Kondadeniye Thero [33]

Awards

Ranjan Ramanayake
Wins:28
Nominations:28
Award1:Slim Nelson
Award1w:15
Award1n:15
Award2:Sarasaviya
Award2w:9
Award2n:9
Award3:SIGNIS
Award3w:2
Award3n:2
Award4:Derana
Award4w:3
Award4n:3

Ramanayake has won Sarasaviya Most Popular Actor Award 4 times.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: This is new political culture – Ranjan. Sarasaviya. 11 March 2017.
  2. Web site: Ramesh Uvais. Will 'One Shot' be banned? . DailyMirror e-edition. Wijeya Newspapers. 16 May 2005 . 2 May 2015.
  3. Web site: State Minister Ranjan sits for the A/L exam. admin. 5 August 2019. Colombo Gazette. 29 December 2019.
  4. Web site: Ranjan Ramanayake publicises A/L results – Sri Lanka Latest News. 28 December 2019. Sri Lanka News – Newsfirst. 29 December 2019.
  5. Web site: Ranjan goes public with his A/L results. admin. 27 December 2019. Colombo Gazette. 29 December 2019.
  6. Web site: AL results: Ranjan qualifies to study law. dailymirror.lk. 29 December 2019.
  7. Web site: Peoples' Hero . Sarasaviya . 15 August 2019.
  8. Web site: Ranjan Meets Rajini, Kamal, Shankar and Build an India Sri Lanka Cinematic Bridge. . Sundaytimes.lk . 29 April 2016 . 7 July 2016.
  9. Web site: Bermin brings a rare tale . Sunday Times . 22 December 2019.
  10. Web site: "Sandakinduru": another love story . Sunday Times . 11 September 2019.
  11. Web site: Sanda Kinduru comes on screen . Sunday Times . 11 September 2019.
  12. Web site: 'Santhuwaranaya' : A story of sacrifice . Sunday Times . 29 September 2019.
  13. Web site: 'Sath Sanda Kirana' goes in search of a dancer wife . Sunday times . 17 November 2017.
  14. Web site: 'Sudu Mal Kanda': A love story . Sunday times . 17 November 2017.
  15. Web site: 'Ulamage Rathriya' reveals the country's past . Sunday times . 17 November 2017.
  16. Web site: Ranjan promises to deliver Sabaragamuwa in one shot. The Sunday Leader Online . Leader Publications (Pvt) . 2 May 2015.
  17. Web site: Ranjan Ramanayake arrested. Chandrika Perera and Suraj A. Bandara . Daily News. Lake House . 15 October 2010 . 2 May 2015.
  18. Web site: JUST IN: UNP MP Ranjan Ramanayake arrested – Sri Lanka Latest News. 4 January 2020. Sri Lanka News – Newsfirst. 9 January 2020.
  19. Web site: Ranjan Ramanayake given bail Daily FT. www.ft.lk. 9 January 2020.
  20. Web site: VIDEO:Ranjan threatens Dilka over Derana 360 programme . Ada Derana . 30 August 2010 . 2 May 2015.
  21. Web site: Ishtartha Wellaboda. Ranjan Ramanayake denies threatening talk show host (n.d.). Nation.lk . 2 May 2015.
  22. Web site: Ranjan's controversial telephone conversation with Shani Abeysekara revealed. adaderana.lk. 9 January 2020.
  23. Web site: Several more voice recordings of Ranjan Ramanayake leaked – Sri Lanka Latest News. 8 January 2020. Sri Lanka News – Newsfirst. 9 January 2020.
  24. Web site: Sri Lanka : MP Ranjan Ramanayake sentenced to 04 years of rigorous imprisonment.
  25. Web site: All about Kristhu Charithaya . Sarasaviya . 22 February 2020.
  26. Web site: "Bahu Bhariya" cleared for adults . Sunday Times . 11 September 2019.
  27. Web site: 'Sathyadevi' comes with a human touch . The Sunday Times . 1 March 2017.
  28. Web site: Daniel and Migel appear again. Sunday times . 17 November 2017.
  29. Web site: 'Oba Koheda Priye': Story of deceit and intrigue . Sunday Times . 29 October 2019.
  30. Web site: 'Parasathu Uyana' gets Udayakantha's touch . Sunday Times . 3 October 2016.
  31. Web site: Super Star of our cinema . Sarasaviya . 11 December 2017.
  32. Web site: 2022-04-12 . Who will win this GAME? . 2022-04-26 . සරසවිය.
  33. Web site: Siritunga gives life to Kondadeniye Hamuduruwo . Daily News . 23 May 2015.
  34. Web site: 10 years consecutive . Sarasaviya . 11 March 2017.