Somsiri Sanath Julien Gunatilake (; born 27 October 1955), popularly known as Sanath Gunatilake, is a Sri Lankan actor, director, screenwriter and former politician. Known for his versatility across multiple genres, he has had a career in the Sri Lankan film industry spanning over four decades. Gunatilake served as a member of the Western Provincial Council as a member of the United National Party and later held the position of media head for President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.
Early life Gunatilake was born on 27 October 1955 in Mulgampola, Kandy, Sri Lanka, into a middle-class family. His father, Hector Gunatilake, was a lawyer, and his mother, Grace Goonetileke, was a teacher. He has stated that his father was an avid cinema enthusiast, which influenced his early interest in the arts. Gunatilake received his education at Kingswood College, Kandy.
Gunatilake initially worked as a chemistry teacher. He later moved to Colombo in search of new career opportunities, leaving behind his tuition classes in Kandy.
Film career Gunatilake made his film debut in 1978 with Situ Kumariyo, directed by Vijaya Dharmasiri. However, before its release, his second film, Ganga Addara, was screened, followed by Sathweni Dawasa. After Situ Kumariyo, his next film, Vajira, was released.
His breakthrough role came with Ganga Addara, directed by Sumitra Peries, which marked a turning point in his acting career. He later gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Aravinda in Viragaya, a performance that earned him Best Actor awards at every major film festival in Sri Lanka. Gunatilake has appeared in several notable films, including Kedapatha, Palama Yata, Doorkada Marawa, and Rajya Sevaya Pinisai.
In addition to his more dramatic roles, Gunatilake appeared in several mainstream films alongside Vijaya Kumaratunga, Jeewan Kumaratunga, and Ranjan Ramanayake. His film credits include Koti Waligaya, Dinuma, Raja Wedakarayo, Nommara 17, Obatai Priye Adare, and Inspector Geetha.
Personal life In 2025 he was married to former actress and businesswoman Janaki Wijerathne. She is the vice president of Lyca Productions. They were separated in 2026.
Filmography
Year Film Role Ref. 1980 Ganga AddaraRanjith 1981 Situ Kumariyo VajiraNewton Sathweni Dawasa Alphonso Sathkulu Pauwa Saranga Aradhana Amme Mata Samawenna Wasantha 1982 Yahalu Yeheli Pujitharatne Thani Tharuwa Tharanga Ridee Nimnaya Rathnapala Nawatha Hamu Wemu Kiri Suwanda Kele Mal Chandana Chathu Madhura Sunil 1983 Sivu Ranga Sena Sister Mary Kaliyugaya 1984 Thaththai Puthai Saliya Shirani Batti Suren Hamu Sathi Puja Kapila Sasara Chethana Podi Ralahami Maya Maala Giravi Dewani Gamana Saman 1985 Vasity Kella Mihidum SaluDoctor Senaka Kiri Madu Wel Chalitha Rangali Aya Waradida Oba Kiyanna Araliya Mal Chandana 1986 Prarthana Maldeniye Simiyon Justin Mal Warusa Jagath Weerasuriya Koti Valigaya Dinuma Sarath Jayathilaka Avurududa Dhanushka 1987 ViragayaAravinda Thaththi Man AdareiRandamwel Raja WedakarayooRanjan Obatai Priye Adare Amith Mangala Thegga Kawuluva 1988 Satana Rasa Rahasak Sanath / Wickrama Chandingeth Chandiya Dharmadasa 1989 Okkoma Rajavaru Nommara 17 Naatha Kedapathaka ChayaPiyathilaka Sebaliyo Nimal 1990 Pem Raja Dahana Sargent Ranasinghe Palama YataWillie Madhu Sihina Suraj Hodin Nathnam NarakinLokke Dese Mal Pipila Sumedha 1991 Uthura Dakuna Sanath Love In BangkokJagath DhanayaAthula Cheriyo Doctor Chaminda Randenigala 1992 Sisila Gini GaniHarris Makalanda Sinhayangeth SinhayaMahesh Sakkara Sooththara Rumathiyai Neethiyai Raja Daruwo Sanath and his father (dual role) Malsara Doni Janaka Perera Kiyala Wedek Nae 1993 Sasara Serisaranathek Oba Mage Nelum Ha Samanmalee Madara Parasathu Sirithunga Chaya Bambasara Bisawu 1994 Sujatha new Mee Haraka Hello My Darlin Aathmaa 1995 Vairayen Vairaya Inspector Geetha Cheriyo Captain Rahal 1996 Veediye VeerayaSebae MithuraBawa Sasara 1997 Duwata Mawaka Misa 1998 Vimukthi Eya Obata Barai Dorakada MarawaPriyantha 2000 Sanda Yahanata Jagath Hathurusinghe Rajya Sevaya PinisaiMinister Janaka Situbandara Pem KekulaJerome Chakraayudha 2001 Oba Koheda Priye George Madanayake 2002 Somy Boys Sanath Agnidahaya Ambanwala Rala 2003 Wekande Walauwa Gunapala Sudu Kaluwara Seemon Fernando 'Mudalali' Sakman Maluwa Tissa Le Kiri Kandulu Asela 2004 Kangalal Kaidhu Sei Pratap Indian filmSelamuthu Pinna Sanath Sir Randiya Dahara Colonel Chanuka Hettiarachchi Mille Soya Sagara Diya Yata Gindara Sampath Harischandra 2005 Sulanga Senarathne Asani Warsha Minister Sirimanne Sudu Kalu Saha Alu Assa Peter 2006 NilambareNimal Anjalika Clifford Imbulgoda Ammawarune Doctor Naga Kanya Saman 2007 Asai Man Piyabanna Sapumal Senadheera Aganthukaya Chief Minister Simon Galagedara 2008 Rosa Kale Mr. Sooriyabandara Pitasakwala Kumarayai Pancho Hathai Nil Diya YahanaMinister Adaraye Namayen Superstar Ranjith Bandara Siri Raja Siri Principal 2009 Kanyavi Janaka Ekamath Eka Rateka Dancing Star AlimankadaMajor Kiriella Ali Surathal Rathnayaka 2010 Uththara Minister Niwanthudawa Suwanda Denuna Jeewithecameo role Mago Digo Dai Minister Sathyapala Kawulu Dora Hadawatha Mal Yayai 2011 Sinhawalokanaya Gam Muladani King Hunther Nayakathuma Gamani Military Officer Angara Dangara Principal Pathirana 2012 Sihinaya Dige Enna Father 2013 Doni Bandu Ira Laga WadiSaliya Super Six Preme, Sanath's brother 2014 Samige Kathawa Parapura Minister Marasinghe Kalpanthe Sihinayak Mapa 2015 Sinhaya Minister Sinahawa Atharin Wimal Pravegaya Police Officer 2017 Pani Makuluwo Ranaweera 2019 Sangile Punchi Malli Thiththa Aththa Rush Prof. Madugalle President Super Star Judge Daham Daranagama 2021 Wassane Sihinaya Uthuru Sulanga 2023 Guththila Makkali Nattami Army Rider Yugathra Willy Saparamadu 2024 Ridee Seenu Kambili cameo 2025 Rani Lalith AthulathmudaliMother Lanka 2026 Dharmayuddhaya 2 Mangala Widanapathirana 2026 Sura Detuwo 2026 Sooriya Sulanga 2026 Monara Vilak 2026 Adaraneeya Tharuwak
As a director Year Film Ref.2009 Ekamath Eka Rateka2015 Sinahawa Atharin
Awards Sarasaviya Awards for Best Actor - Sakman Maluwa Sarasaviya Awards for Best Actor - Palama Yata Sarasaviya Awards for Best Supporting Actor - Kedapathaka Chaya Sarasaviya Awards for Best Actor - Viragaya
References
External links
මංගල තෑග්ගේ දෙවැනි ගමන