Rathnavali Kekunawela passes away

7 April 2018 06:56 pm - 6 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Veteran film, stage, tele-drama and radio artiste Rathnavali Kekunawela who became a household name following her hit character as ‘Menike’ in the Muwan Pelessa radio play passed away today at the age of 87.

Her funeral will take place at the Borella General Cemetery at 4 pm on Monday, April 9.

Having entered the radio scene in the early fifties inspired by her elder brother Victor Miguel, Rathnavali first acted in the film Sath Samudura in 1967 and followed it up with several movies like Mee Messo, Ada Mehemai, Diyamanthi, Nilla Soya, Maruwa Samaga Wase, Asha Desin, Muwan Pelessa, Wasanthe Dawasak, Uthumaneni, Parithyaga, Karumakkarayo, Aradhana, Batti, Kawuluwa, Boradiya Pokuna, Julietge Bumikawa, Nilambare, Paya Enna Hiruse, Dadyama and others.

However, her characters in radio plays like Maha Re Hamuwu Sthriya, Kurulu Bedda and Muwan Pelessa amplified her popularity.

She was Muwan Pelessa’s Menike for several decades and even today she is known by that character.

The award-winning actress also acted in stage plays and popular tele-dramas. The remains now lie at No. 25/1 C, Wedikanda Road, Ratmalana. (Ramesh Uvais)

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Comments - 6

channa Saturday, 07 April 2018 11:09 PM

nivan suwa labewa

Rishan Sunday, 08 April 2018 07:30 AM

What a character ....muwanpalessa manike....obata niwan suwa labewa...

Jude Sunday, 08 April 2018 07:37 AM

Arguably one of the best show-biz person in SL!! From radio to stage and from movies to tele-dramas!!! She did it all!!! May her soul RIP !!!!

nash Sunday, 08 April 2018 08:03 AM

May she attain supreme bliss of Nibbana!!

A.R.Zubair Sunday, 08 April 2018 12:47 PM

She entertained Amy people in this country by her superb acting which we all enjoyed. May MENIKE's Soul Rest In Peace.

Clifford Perera Monday, 09 April 2018 04:33 PM

As then school boys we never missed Muwan pelessa radio drama. She was the dominant female vocalist. We saw her real figure in the live screen years later.She is one of the top female artists who excelled in all forms of stages for well over four decades. Sleep well; You did your part.

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Rathnavali Kekunawela passes away

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