Susila Kuragama සුසිලා කූරගම | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 14, 1943 |
| Died | February 1, 2016 (aged 72) Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Other names | Ensina |
| Education | Sri Parakramabahu College, Narahenpita |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, Dramatist |
| Years active | 1950–2016 |
| Spouse | M. P. Gnanatilake |
| Children | 4 |
Kala Bhushana Susila Kuragama (සුසිලා කූරගම, [Sinhala]; 14 October 1943 – 1 February 2016), was an actress in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television.[1] She became very popular with the role "Ensina" she played in the television serial Kopi Kade.[2]
She was born on 14 October 1943 in Thimbirigasyaya, Narahenpita, Colombo.[3] She completed education from Sri Parakramabahu College, Narahenpita.[4]
Shee was married to M. P. Gunathilake, a retired police constable.[5][6] The couple has 4 children.[7][4]
She had been seriously ill for some time and had been receiving treatment at the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital since 22 January 2016.[5] Kuragama died on 1 February 2016 at the age of 72 while receiving treatment at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital.[3][8] The funeral took place on 3 February 2016 at the Colombo cemetery.[9]
She started acting at the age of 7 in several Nadagam and Noorthi dramas. She made first stage drama appearance with the play Sakkara Wattan produced by GDL Perera.[1] Then she acted in the stage dramas Natabun, Manape, Avanhala, Elara Dutugemunu, Hemamali and Saradiel.[3][9][4]
Kuragama made her maiden cinema appearance with the 1978 film Deepanjali directed by Dharma Sri Caldera.[10] Since then, she has acted in many comedic supportive roles in the commercial films such as Muwan Pelessa, Ajasaththa, Gimhane Gee Nade, Vijay Saja Ajay, Naralowa Holman and Juriya Mamai.[4] She has been involved in theater, drama, theater and film production, acting and drama.[5] She produced the stage plays Sarapinage Walawwa, Silin Bilin, Sathmuthu, Diyasena, Upadinna Sakunthala and Rodi Kella.[11]
In 1981, Kuragama was selected to the television serial Kopi Kade by Thevis Guruge.[12] Her role as "Ensina" became highly popularized among the public and she was usually known by his character name rather than real name.[5] She appeared in the series from the beginning which first aired on 1 April 1987.[13]
She sang duet songs with fellow actor Chandrasiri Kodithuwakku such as Lanka Lanka, Oba Dakkoth Hari, Lassana Sande and Esuru Kala Kalaye.[14] She also held the one-man concert "Ensinage Sapirina".[9][4]
| Year | Film | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Deepanjali | ||
| 1979 | Muwan Palessa | Vadhi dance watcher | |
| 1979 | Visihathara Peya | ||
| 1980 | Raktha | ||
| 1981 | Ajasaththa | ||
| 1986 | Gimhane Gee Nade | Agnes | |
| 1987 | Hitha Honda Chandiya | ||
| 1988 | Ko Hathuro | ||
| 1990 | Madhu Sihina | ||
| 1990 | Chandi Raja | ||
| 1990 | Hitha Honda Puthek | ||
| 1991 | Suwandena Suwandak | ||
| 1992 | Ranabime Veeraya | ||
| 1992 | Salli Thibunata Madi | ||
| 1992 | Bajar Eke Chandiya | ||
| 1992 | Rajek Wage Puthek | ||
| 1993 | Bambasara Bisaw | ||
| 1993 | Juriya Mamai | Ensina | |
| 1995 | Wasana Wewa | ||
| 1995 | Vijay Saha Ajay | Lucy | |
| 1995 | Rodaya | ||
| 1995 | Deviyani Sathya Surakinna | Minister's wife | |
| 1995 | Demodara Palama | Rosilin | |
| 1995 | Chandiyage Putha | Chutti | |
| 1996 | Naralowa Holman | Komarika's mother | |
| 1996 | Hitha Hondanam Waradin Na | ||
| 1996 | Mal Hathai | ||
| 1996 | Cheriyo Darling | Nurse | |
| 1999 | Anduru Sevaneli | ||
| 2000 | Thisaravi | ||
| 2006 | Rana Hansi | ||
| 2007 | Hai Master | ||
| 2010 | Thank You Berty | Kuri | |
| TBD | Adda Lanuwa Damma Kodiya |