Jayalath Manoratne Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Parents, Height, Death, Awards

Keselgaspe Manatunga Jayalath Manoratne, also known as Jayalath Manoratne, was a talented Sri Lankan actor, dramatist, director, producer, singer, and lecturer known for his versatile performances in Sinhala cinema, stage drama, and television.

A highly acclaimed figure in Sri Lankan performing arts, he excelled in dramatic and comedic roles, earning numerous awards and recognition as one of the top actors in stage history before his passing.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Keselgaspe Manatunga Jayalath Manoratne
• Stage Name: Jayalath Manoratne
• Born: June 12, 1948
• Died: January 12, 2020 (Age: 71)
• Birthplace: Dehipe, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
• Nationality: Sri Lankan
• Ethnicity: Sri Lankan
• Occupation: Actor, Dramatist, Director, Producer, Singer, Lecturer
• Height: Unknown
• Religion: Unknown
• Parents: Keselgaspe Manatunga Perera and Agalakotuwa Herath Mudiyanselage Leela Kumari
• Siblings: Manatunga Seneviratne, Manatunga Wijeratne, Manatunga Ariyaratne (brothers); Indra Kumari, Mallika Kumari (sisters)
• Spouse: Tamara Jayanthi (married 1979)
• Children: Uthpala Indeewari (daughter), Bhanuka Prabuddha (son)
• Relationship: Married (until death)
• Net Worth: $2 million USD

Early Life and Education

Jayalath Manoratne was a talented actor, dramatist, director, producer, singer, and lecturer. He was born on June 12, 1948, in Dehipe, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, as the youngest of six children.

Raised by his parents Keselgaspe Manatunga Perera, a lorry driver, and Agalakotuwa Herath Mudiyanselage Leela Kumari, a housewife.

His siblings are Manatunga Seneviratne, Manatunga Wijeratne, Manatunga Ariyaratne, Indra Kumari, and Mallika Kumari.

Details about his early life include education at Dehipe Primary School and Poramadulla Central College. His ethnicity is Sri Lankan. His religion is Unknown.

He later earned a master’s degree and a PhD from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, working as a lecturer while pursuing arts.

Career

Jayalath Manoratne first rose to prominence in stage drama from the 1970s, later expanding to cinema and television. He debuted in films with a minor role in Thilaka and Thilaka (1979) and became renowned for versatile roles in over 30 films, including Sooriya Arana, Ho Gaana Pokuna (The Singing Pond), Bherunda Pakshiya, Walapatala, Hiripoda Wassa, Saptha Kanya, Dedunu Akase, Pravegaya, A-Level, and his last in Ashavari.

He excelled in drama, comedy, and supporting roles, winning best actor and best supporting actor honors.

As a director and producer, he contributed to stage and screen works. He also acted in teledramas, sang, and lectured, receiving honors like Kala Suri and Kala Keerthi.

His career spanned 1970–2019, marked by critical acclaim as one of Sri Lanka’s top stage actors.

Social Media

• Website: jayalathmanorathna.org

Personal Life

Jayalath Manoratne was a talented actor, dramatist, director, producer, singer, and lecturer. He married Tamara Jayanthi in 1979 and had two children: daughter Uthpala Indeewari and son Bhanuka Prabuddha.

He kept much of his personal life private, focusing on his multifaceted career in arts and education.

He passed away on January 12, 2020, in Maharagama (Colombo area), Sri Lanka, at age 71 after treatment for cancer.

Net Worth

Jayalath Manoratne was a talented actor, dramatist, director, producer, singer, and lecturer. His net worth at the time of his passing is estimated at $2 million USD.

His income primarily came from acting in films, teledramas, and stage productions, directing and producing works, lecturing, singing royalties, and awards-related recognitions in Sri Lanka’s entertainment and academic sectors.

Filmography

• Thilaka and Thilaka (Film, 1979)
• Saptha Kanya (Film, 1993)
• Hiripoda Wassa (Film, 2006)
• Sooriya Arana (Film)
• Ho Gaana Pokuna (The Singing Pond) (Film, 2015)
• Bherunda Pakshiya (Film)
• Walapatala (Film)
• Dedunu Akase (Film, 2017)
• Pravegaya (Film, 2015)
• A-Level (Film, 2017)
• Ashavari (Film, last role)