Sugathapala Senarath Yapa, an 89-year-old veteran Sri Lankan filmmaker who was widely considered as a pioneer of youth cinema in the 1970s, passed away yesterday, the 25th. After suffering from illness for a while, he passed away in his Batuwatte home.
Yapa, who was born in Eraluwa Village, Maludua, Akurassa on November 10, 1935, became well-known in Sri Lankan film. Hanthane Kathawa, the film that established his career and brought the famous Vijaya Kumaranatunga to the screen, marked the beginning of his remarkable career.
Through his debut picture, Yapa played a significant role in popularizing important figures in Sri Lankan cinema, including Dharmasena Pathiraja, Wijaya Dharma Sri, Berti Jayasekara, and Berti Gunasekara.
His contributions to the industry extended beyond Hanthane Kathawa with other cinematic masterpieces like Pembara Madhu and Induta Mal Mitak, both of which are cherished by Sri Lankan cinema lovers.
Sugathapala Senarath Yapa’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and cinephiles.