Professor

Sunil Ariyaratne
සුනිල් ආරියරත්න
Born
Sunil Ariyaratne Kuruwita Bandara

(1949-07-28) 28 July 1949
Nugegoda, Dominion of Ceylon
EducationSt. John's College, Nugegoda
Alma materD.Litt. University of Sri Jayewardenepura
OccupationSenior Professor
Years active1961—present
AwardsWishwa Prasadini Award
Vidyodaya Vibhushana Honorary name
Sahithya Kala Shiromani Honorary award
Kamban Award

Vidyodaya Vibhushana Sahithya Kala Shiromani Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne Kuruwita Bandara (සුනිල් ආරියරත්න; born 28 July 1949), popularly as Sunil Ariyaratne, is a Sri Lankan scholar, film director, author, poet and a lyricist.[1][2] One of the most popular filmmakers and lyricists in Sri Lankan cinema,[3] Ariyaratne has won six Sarasaviya awards, four Presidential awards from the year 1981 as a film lyricist and then won three awards as a teledrama lyricists.[4]

Personal life

He was born on 28 July 1949 in Nugegodaas the fourth child of the family with 6 siblings.[5] He completed education from St. John's College, Nugegoda. He has three brothers and two sisters. His brothers, Nimal Kuruwita Bandara is a lawyer and Thilakaratne Kuruwita Bandara is a journalist and editor.[6]

He sat for General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level in 1963. After passing senior examination, he was selected to Vidyodaya Pirivena (currently known as University of Sri Jayewardenepura) for higher studies. In 1971, he obtained a Sinhala honours degree with a first class.[7]

He worked as a temporary lecturer at University of Kelaniya in 1972. Then he served as a Part time lecturer at The Department of Aesthetics studies at Kelaniya university from 1975 to 1976. He moved to University of Jaffna as a Lecturer of Sinhala in 1976 and worked as a lecturer for three years.[6] Then he returned to Kelaniya as a permanent Assistant lecturer. In 1985, Ariyaratne joined the academic staff at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura where he was promoted as an Assistant Professor and became a professor in 1994. In 1989 he traveled to Madras to study Tamil. In 2000, he was promoted as a Senior Professor of Sinhala Language and Mass Media in the Communication Faculty, becoming the youngest to achieve the feat in Sri Lanka university system.[7][8]

In 2011, he was awarded Doctorate in Literature from Kelaniya University. In 2015, he was honored with second Doctorate in Literature in recognition of his contributions in the field of literature and the arts.[9][10]

Career

At the age of 11, he wrote a school play named Amal Biso. Then, in 1961 at the age of 16, Ariyaratne published a collection of short stories called Ähinsakayo.[6] Then in 1963, he wrote a poetry collection called Api Okkoma, historical novel Alakeshwara in 1964 and a poetic tale Siyothunta Rekawal in 1965. He produced the play Deyyo which was written by his elder brother Thilakaratne Kuruwita Bandara.[7]

While as an undergraduate at Vidyodaya, Ariyaratne polished his ability where he wrote a novel Jeewithaya Geethayak Wewa in 1969. After graduating in 1971, he published a poetry book, Dolosmahe Pahana along with closest friends Buddadasa Galappaththi and Jayalath Manoratne. He wrote several lyrics such as Pahan Kanda (1983), Yathra (1984), Pembara lanka (1990), Madhu Badun (1994), Adaheraya (2004) and Shwetha Rathriya (2012).[7] He is an accomplished lyricist who wrote several songs for popular artists such as Nanda Malini, W.D. Amaradeva and Victor Rathnayake.[11] Some popular lyrics made by Ariyaratne include: Me guru pare, Podiduwage sina welai, Buddhanu Bhawena, Oba themei kiya bayyai, Api ethata ethata pa nagala, Viyo ge gayana, Yalu bala sande and Ane kurulu kooduwata gahanna ape.[4][12]

In 1970, Ariyaratne excelled his career towards cinema direction by producing first short film Sara Gee and then Dushkara Kriya in 1976. His maiden cinema direction came through 1978 full-length feature film Anupama.[7] With the help of Ranjith Palansuriya, Ariyaratne produced two blockbuster films, Sarungale (1979) and Siribo Aiya (1980).[6] As an author, he won a State literary award for the book on Baila and Kapirigngna. In 1985, he wrote several research papers and publications on "Gramophone Era", "Kerol Pasam Kantharu", "Mahinda Prabanda", "Manawasinghe Geetha Prabanda", "Purana Sinhala Nadagam", "Gandarwa Apadana", "Sinhala Chithrapati Geethawali". In 1991, he wrote book Demala Sahithya Ithihasaya and then translated Tamil folktales Ramayanaya in 1994.[4] He also translated the Garcia Lorca's play Yerma along with Ediriweera Sarachchandra.[13]

In 2002, he directed the dramatic movie Sudu Sewaneli. The film won the Sarasaviya award for the Best Director and President's Medal for the Best Script of that year.[14]

In 2008, he released a volume Visithuruya Re Ahasa which contained all his lyrics written for films, teleplays, social events such as the Tsunami devastation, light songs for radio, cassettes and CDs. He directed the film Uppalavanna in 2008 which was based on a reinterpreted Buddhist story similar to a Theri gatha story.[13] The film was a blockbuster of that year and won several awards at local film festivals including Most popular actress, best actress and music direction.[15] However, the movie received primarily negative reviews.[16][17] Many criticized the various unnecessary characters in the movie which do not have any role in the plot, the editing, and the acting.

In 2012, he directed the film Kusa Pabha based on the 523rd story "Kusa Jataka" in the Jataka story series.[18] The film won 12 awards at 2013 Derana Lux Film Festival including popular actor, actress, movie, music direction, and singer.[19]

In 2018, Ariyarante directed a historical story of Bimba Devi Alias Yashodara. It was screened on 26 April, at 85 cinema halls becoming the biggest number of the simultaneous screening in Sri Lanka.[20] The film received mostly positive reviews from the critics.[4]

In 2019, he directed the blockbuster film Vijayaba Kollaya which was released on 1 August in 80 cinema halls across the island. The film was an adaptation of W.A. Silva's novel of the same name.[21][22] The film received positive reviews.[23][24]

On 17 March 2020, he launched the second volume of Gandharwa Apadana where 06 books written on 12 musicians.[25]

Awards and accolades

Filmography

As director

YearFilmOther rolesRef.
1978Anupama[31]
1979Sarungale[32]
1979Podi Mali
1980Siribo Ayya
1980Kinduru Kumari
1981Kolamkarayo
1981Bamba Ketu HatiLyricist
1981Sathara Pera NimithiLyricist
1981Vajira
1982Bambara Geethaya
1982Jeewithayen JeewithayakLyricist
1982Kele MalLyricist
1983Muhudu Lihini
1985Mihidum Salu
1990Christhu CharithayaScreenwriter[33]
1994Ahas Maliga
2002Sudu SewaneliProducer, screenwriter, lyricist[34]
2007UppalawannaScreenwriter[15]
2012Kusa PabhaLyricist[35]
2016PaththiniScreenwriter, lyricist[36]
2017Ali KathawaScreenwriter, lyricist[37]
2018Bimba Devi Alias YashodharaScreenwriter[38]
2019Vijayaba Kollaya[39]
2023Ksheera Sagaraya Kalabina[40]
2023Kadira Divyaraja[41]

As lyricist

YearFilmRef.
1970Nim Walalla
1972Lokuma Hinawa
1973Matara Achchi
1974Duleeka
1974Dinum Kanuwa
1975Tharanga
1975Amaraneeya Adare
1975Rajagedara Paraviyo
1975Desa Nisa
1976Madol Duwa
1976Diyamanthi
1976Hulavali
1976Saradielge Putha
1976Mangala
1977Sri Madara
1977Hariyanakota Ohoma Thamai
1977Maruwa Samaga Wase
1978Gehenu Lamai[42]
1979Amal Biso
1979Chuda Manikya
1979Handaya
1980Ektam Ge
1981Thavalama
1981Ajasaththa
1981Bandura Mal
1982Sandaa
1982Sakvithi Suwaya
1983Kiri Suwanda
1983Chandira
1984Sasara Chethana
1986Maldeniye Simion
1986Sura Saradiel
1987Viragaya
1990Pem Rajadahana
1991Sthree
1992Umayangana
1993Ragini
1994Abhiyogaya
1994Ambu Samiyo
1995Seilama
1995Demodara Palama
1996Bithu Sithuwam
1997Apaye Thappara 84000k
1997Visidela
1998Anthima Reya
1999Mandakini
1999Nagaran
2000Indrakeelaya
2001Mahadena Muththai Golayo Roththai
2001Poronduwa
2002Seethala Gini Kandu
2002Kalu Sudu Mal
2002Thahanam Gaha
2003Sudu Salu
2005Sulanga
2006Samaara
2008Aba
2008Nil Diya Yahana
2010Ape Yalu Punchi Bhoothaya
2011Mahindagamanaya
2012Daruwane
2013Abhinikmana
2015Mage Yalu Malu
2015Address Na
2017Wassanaye Sanda
2018Adarei Man
2018Punchi Andare
2018Nidahase Piya DS

References

  1. ↑ "Sunil Ariyaratne films". IMDb. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  2. ↑ "Sunil Ariyaratne". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on 2 March 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  3. ↑ "I do not remember a time when there was such a huge breakdown in Sinhala cinema: Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Poet in him". Daily News. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  5. ↑ "Second Doctorate for Sunil Ariyaratne". Sunday Times. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne ascent to artistic and cultural excellence". The Island. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "Senior Professor Sunil Ariyaratne". University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  8. ↑ "Ascent to artistic and cultural excellence". Daily Observer. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
  9. ↑ "D.Litt. for Professor Sunil Ariyaratne".
  10. ↑ "Second Doctorate for Sinhala Literary Lion Prof Sunil Ariyaratne".
  11. ↑ "Reflections on the lyrics of Sunil Ariyaratne". Fragment Eyes. 21 February 2016. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  12. ↑ "Sunil Ariyaratne and Nanda Malini: Away from a musical sensibility". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
  13. 1 2 "Sunil Ariyaratne's multi-faceted world". Daily News. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  14. ↑ "Shadows Of White – Sri Lankan Film By Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne". LRR Technologies (Hyderabad), Pvt Ltd. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
  15. 1 2 "Uppalawanna; a novel theme for Sri Lankan cinema". Sunday Times. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
  16. ↑ Wiruma. "Uppalavanna: A portray of real human values". The Daily News. Retrieved 16 January 2013.
  17. ↑ Silva, Chandana. "Uppalavanna depicts need for universal love". The Daily News. Retrieved 16 January 2013.
  18. ↑ "All in the name of love". Daily News. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  19. ↑ "Pooja & Roshan:'most popular'actors at Derana film awards". Sithma.com. Archived from the original on 6 March 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  20. ↑ "Lotus revolution". Daily News. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  21. ↑ "Sunil Ariyaratne brings W.A. Silva's 'Vijayaba Kollaya' to screen". Daily FT. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  22. ↑ "Taken hostage". Daily News. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  23. ↑ "A power struggle amidst a confusing love triangle". The Morning. 28 August 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  24. ↑ "Resistance record". Daily News. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  25. ↑ "Masters are not easy guys". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
  26. ↑ "Sumathi Award winners in each year". www.sumathiawards.lk.
  27. ↑ "Sriyantha, Duleeka bag Best Sumathi Awards". The Sunday Times.
  28. ↑ "Raigam Tele'es 2010 award winners". Sarasaviya. Archived from the original on 13 April 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
  29. ↑ "Award winners at 2018 Hiru Golden Film Awards". Sarasaviya. 31 October 2018. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  30. ↑ "Derana Lux Film Awards 2019".
  31. ↑ "All about the film "Anupama"". sarasaviya. Retrieved 11 January 2021.
  32. ↑ "All about Sarungale". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 29 February 2020.
  33. ↑ "All about Christhu Charithaya". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 29 February 2020.
  34. ↑ "Ariyaratne comes out again". Sunday Times. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
  35. ↑ "Pabawathi I'm coming for you". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  36. ↑ "Latest film by Sunil Ariyaratne". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  37. ↑ "This is Going Back to My Childhood – මහාචාර්ය සුනිල් ආරියරත්න අලි කතාව ගැන හෙළි කරයි". Sarasaviya. Archived from the original on 12 June 2017. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
  38. ↑ "BIMBA DEVI NOHOTH YASHODARA: STUDYING THE CHARACTER OF A PRINCESS". Sunday Observer. 9 July 2017. Retrieved 12 July 2017.
  39. ↑ "My movie lights are for the folk". Sarasaviya. 17 October 2019. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
  40. ↑ "Professor Sunil Ariyaratne made new with Jackson – Hemal combination". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
  41. ↑ "Prince Kanda falls in love with Valli". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  42. ↑ "සදා මේ සංසාරේ අපේ හමුවීම නොවේ: ගැහැනු ළමයි". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 12 January 2021.

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