Early Life and Personal Background
Liyanage Boniface Walter Perera, widely recognized by his stage name Ravindra Randeniya, was born on June 5, 1945, in Dalugama, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. He was the second child in a family of six siblings. His father, L.P. Perera, was a prominent businessman known for his brass hinge industry, while his mother, Caroline Egodawatte, hailed from Sapugaskanda. Randeniya had one elder brother, Callistus, two younger sisters, Gertie and Helen, and two younger brothers, Amal and Shantha.
Randeniya attended St. Benedict College in Kotahena, where he formed a close friendship with his classmate, Vijaya Kumaratunga. Despite being a good student, Randeniya did not pass his A-level examination and did not pursue higher education. Instead, he joined his family business of manufacturing hardware products.
Growing up in the picturesque village of Dalugama, surrounded by paddy fields and streams, Randeniya developed a deep appreciation for nature. He was also an avid reader from a young age, immersing himself in the works of acclaimed Sinhala authors such as Martin Wickremasinghe, Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra, Kumaratunga Munidasa, and Wimalaratne Kumaragama.
Randeniya married fellow actress Preethi Pramila Seneviratne on October 31, 1974. They have two sons, Sachindra Nirmal and Sameera Manabarana, and a daughter, Umayangana Indrachapa. Preethi Randeniya is also a poet and an author of children’s books.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Randeniya’s interest in acting was sparked during his school years when he played the role of ‘Kashyapa’ in the school play Sigiriya Kashyapa. He excelled in writing short stories, winning the first prize in a competition organized by the College Literary Society in 1962. Both Randeniya and Kumaratunga were introduced to art and literature by Wilfred Perera, a well-known school teacher and dramatist.
In his free time, Randeniya took courses in theater decor and screenwriting at Lionel Wendt Theatre Workshop. Under the guidance of Dhamma Jagoda, he developed a fascination with acting. Randeniya joined the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery in 1969 to further his education in drama, screenplay, direction, and stage decoration.
Randeniya’s first starring role came in the student production Mudu Puththu, directed by Gallapaththi, at the age of 25. Veteran photographer Ralex Ranasinghe gave him the stage name ‘Ravindra Randeniya’. His performance drew praise from renowned director Lester James Peries, leading to further opportunities in the film industry.
Rise to Fame
Randeniya’s breakthrough came with his role in Lester James Peries’s film Desa Nisa, released in 1975. Starring alongside Joe Abeywickrema and Sriyani Amarasena, his performance established him as a popular actor. He continued to rise to fame with roles in films such as Kalu Diya Dahara, which depicted the struggle between workers and administration in a tea plantation.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Randeniya became a prominent figure in Sri Lankan cinema, winning multiple awards for his performances. Notably, he received the Sarasaviya Best Actor Award in 1984 for Dadayama, in 1985 for Maya, in 1989 for Sandakada Pahana, and in 1990 for Sri Medura.
The 1989 film Siri Medura featured one of Randeniya’s most challenging roles as ‘Sampath Hamu’, a paralyzed man confined to a wheelchair. His portrayal earned him the Sarasaviya Award for Best Actor in 1990, marking the first unanimous decision by the jury without recommendation.
Later Career and Contributions
In addition to his film career, Randeniya hosted the quiz program Mind Star on ITN, which gained significant publicity. His contributions to the entertainment industry extended beyond acting, as he became involved in various aspects of film production and stage decoration.
Randeniya’s dedication to his craft and his impact on Sri Lankan cinema have solidified his legacy as one of the country’s most beloved actors. His journey from a small village in Dalugama to the heights of fame in the film industry is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and passion for the arts.
