Veteran filmmaker Sena Samarasinghe passes away

2026-01-29 - 11:24

The Sri Lankan film industry mourns the loss of veteran director and producer – Sena Samarasinghe, who passed away today at the age of 89. Born on Nov. 25, 1937, in Randeniya, Kegalle, Samarasinghe was an alumnus of St. Thomas’s College, Bandarawela. He began his journey as a producer with ‘Sadahatama Oba Mage’ in 1973 and transitioned into directing with the 1974 record-breaking hit ‘Kasthuri Suwanda’. His filmography includes beloved classics such as ‘Nilla Soya’, ‘Asha Deasin’, ‘Mal Kekulu’, ‘Chanchala Rekha’, and ‘Ethin Ethata’. Known for weaving rural authenticity with unforgettable melodies, his films produced timeless songs like “Bodhiye Viharaye”, “Hada Viman Dorin”, “Kendan Yannam Ran Mal Mala Daala” and “Nilla Nagana Swarna Kikini Rawe” that remain popular decades later. In recognition of his lifelong dedication to the industry, he was honored with the prestigious Rana Thisara Award. In addition Samarasinghe was a respected businessman in the Rambukkana area.