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Ranjan Ramanayake

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Ranjan Ramanayake
Hon.
රන්ජන් රාමනායක
ரஞ்சன் ராமநாயக்க
Member of Parliament
for Gampaha District
In office
1 September 2015 – 7 April 2021
Succeeded by Ajith Mannapperuma
Majority 103,992 Preferential Votes
Member of Parliament
for Ratnapura District
In office
22 April 2010 – 26 June 2015
Majority 59,318 Preferential Votes
State Minister of Highways and Road Development
In office
21 December 2018 – 21 November 2019
President Maithripala Sirisena
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe
Minister Kabir Hashim
Deputy Minister of Social Empowerment & Welfare
In office
4 September 2015 – 26 October 2018
President Maithripala Sirisena
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe
Minister S. B. Dissanayake
Deputy Minister of Social Services & Live Stock
In office
21 January 2015 – 17 August 2015
President Maithripala Sirisena
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe
Minister P. Harrison
Leader of the opposition of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council
In office
23 August 2008 – 22 April 2010
Personal details
Born Sadda Vidda Rajapakse Palanga Pathira Ambakumarage Ranjan Leo Sylvester Alfonso
11 March 1963
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Party United Democratic Voice (since 2024)
Other political
affiliations 		Samagi Jana Balawegaya (2020–2024)
United National Party (before 2020)
Relations Vijaya Kumaranatunga
Jeewan Kumaranatunga
Chandrika Kumaratunga
Carlo Fonseka
Alma mater Maris Stella College
Occupation Politician
Profession Actor

Sadda Vidda Rajapakse Palanga Pathira Ambakumarage Ranjan Leo Sylvester Alfonso (born 11 March 1963) (රන්ජන් රාමනායක), popularly known as Ranjan Ramanayake, is a Sri Lankan actor, film director, singer, scriptwriter and retired politician[1] who appeared in a number of Sinhala language films. He is a former Member of the Parliament.

Ranjan served as the State Minister of Highways and Road Development from 2018 to 2019. He served as the Deputy Minister of Social Services, Welfare and Livestock Development Under Good Governance in 2015 and Deputy Minister of Social Empowerment and Welfare from 2015 to 2018. Ramanayake won the Sarasaviya Best Actor Award in 2006 and won the Sarasaviya Most Popular Actor Award four times. He has appeared in over 75 Sinhalese films in genres ranging from romance to action and comedies, starting his career appearing in theatre, stage and several television series.

Personal life

Ranjan was born on 11 March 1963 in Negombo, Sri Lanka. He is the youngest in the family of two children, son of Simon Alfonso, District Inspector at Sri Lanka Railways Department. He added 'Ramanayake' to his name as a reciprocation to filmmaker Somaratne Ramanayake, who helped him in establishing his film career as a lead actor.[2]

In August 2019, he appeared in GCE A/L exam again after 1982 to pursue his later career as lawyer.[3] On 27 December 2019, he went viral in the social media as he publicised his A/L results (2S & 1F).[4][5] Subsequently, he also qualified to study law after obtaining A pass for General English, S passes for Political Science and Communication media studies despite failing in Christianity subject.[6]

Cinema career

Ramanayake's first leading role was in the commercial film Jaya Kothenada, but his first film was Christhu Charithaya by Dr. Sunil Ariyaratne, which was in a crowded scene and maintained his status as a commercial film star through the 1990s. Ramanayake has occasionally branched out into more serious roles such as in Lester James Peries' Awaragira but continues to be known for his commercial roles. In 1998, he won the Sarasaviya Award for the Best Upcoming Actor for the film Hima Gira.[7] He continued to be the Popular Actor in Sarasaviya Festival since 2002 to 2016, with a record 14 times.

Recently, he has taken more control over his commercial film roles working as a director and screenwriter on Parliament Jokes, One Shot and Leader, breaking box office records with these films.[7] Bandu Samarasinghe and Tennyson Cooray are frequent co-stars of Ramanayake.[7]

He has sung in several films including Jaya Kothenada, Naralowa Holman, Love in Bangkok and others. His song "Ran Samanala Joduwa Wage" was a well-received among other songs.[8]

Ramanayake has acted in a few television serials.[7]

Television serials

  • Bhagya
  • Charulatha
  • Guru Geethaya[9]
  • Iti Mal
  • Nil Mahanel
  • Pitagamkarayo
  • Senahesa Suvndhai
  • Sagaraya Parada
  • Sanda Kinduru[10][11]
  • Santhuwaranaya[12]
  • Sath Sanda Kirana[13]
  • Sudu Mal Kanda[14]
  • Ulamage Rathriya[15]

Politics

Ramanayake was initially the electoral organiser of Katana in the Gampaha Electoral District before becoming the electoral organiser in Balangoda. In 2008, Ramanayake contested for the position of Chief Minister of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council[16] and became leader of the opposition of the council.

In 2010, he was elected to the district parliament in Ratnapura from the United National party (UNP) and was one of the most outspoken members of the parliament, working as a major opposition activist against the then-incumbent United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government. Ramanayake was later appointed as the UNP organiser of Divulapitiya in Gampaha. Ramanayake received the highest number of preferential votes for the UNP in the Gampaha district during the 2015 parliamentary elections, receiving a total of 216,463 votes. He was reelected in 2020. However, he lost his seat in 2021 when he was sentenced to 6 years in prison for contempt of court.

Controversies

Arrest

A school teacher from Kandy accused Ramanayake of having swindled Rs. 1 million promising to marry her. Based on a complaint by the woman who accused, the Criminal Investigation Department arrested Ramanayake in 2010.[17] On 4 January 2020, he was arrested for possession of a license-expired firearm and several adult content DVDs.[18] He was released on bail on 5 January 2020 following the verdict from Magistrate court but was also banned from travelling overseas.[19]

Alleged threat to talk show host

In 2010, it was alleged that Ramanayake verbally threatened Derana TV talk show host Dilka Samanmali over a segment of the Derana 360 talk show.[20] Ramanayake allegedly called Samanmali's parents over the phone and accused her of causing disrepute to him during the programm. He had also allegedly warned the parents that harm may befall their daughter. Ramanayake denied the allegation, stating that he simply gave Dilka's father was a courtesy call. Ramanayake confirmed that he did call Dilka Samanmali's father and complained that his daughter held biased viewpoints which she expressed during her show.[21]

Recordings leak

Ramanayake's telephone conversations with former CID director Shani Abeysekara and other high-profile figures including judges were leaked in the media after the police took custody of them.[22] Several other telephone conversations were leaked by the police to the public as well and the recordings suggested that Ramanayake used the law in unlawful manner to benefit his government.[23]

Contempt of Court

On 12 January 2021, Ramanayake was sentenced to 4 years of rigorous imprisonment on the basis of contempt of court regarding his comments on the corruption of the judiciary.[24] As a result, Ramanayake lost his seat in parliament on 7 April 2021.[25] On 26 August 2022, Ramanayake was granted a conditional presidential pardon by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.[26][27]

Filmography

Year Film Role Ref.
1987 Obatai Priye Adare Sarath 'Malli'
1988 Ko Hathuro Dancer
Durga Thug
1990 Jaya Kothanada
Chandi Raja Trade Union leader Ranjan
Hima Gira
Dese Mal Pipila
Veera Udara
Jaya Kothanada
Christhu Charithaya [28]
1991 Love In Bangkok Jackson
Ran Hadawatha
Mama Obe Hithawatha
Love in Bangkok
1992 Rajek Wage Puthek
Salli Thibunata Madi
Sakvithi Raja
Chandi Rajina
Sinhayangeth Sinhaya Sanjaya
1993 Mawila Penevi Rupe Hade John Jayapala
Come O' Go Chicago Wickremasinghe Mudiyanselage Ranjan Karunanayake
Trishule Ranjan
Sandarekha Ranjan
Lagin Giyoth Aehek Na
Juriya Mamai David / Inspector Vijay
Sura Veera Chadiyo Ranjan
1994 Rajawansen Ekek Vijay / Sugath
Nohadan Landune
Mawbime Veerayo
Okkoma Hondatai Kamal Jayasekara
Hello My Darling
Wairayen Wairaya Detective
1995 Inspector Geetha Dancer
Awaragira Priyankara Sathigala
1996 Naralowa Holman Jonson 'Johnny' Salgadu
Sathee
Sura Daruwo
Mal Hathai
1997 Surayo Wadakarayo
Apaye Thappara 84000k
Duwata Mawaka Misa
1998 Re Daniel Dawal Migel Chandi Aiyya
Mohothin Mohotha
1999 Ayadimi Sama Ukku Banda
Nagaran
Bahu Bharya Kapila [29]
Sathyadevi Sathyajit Walisundara 'Sathyapala Wedisinghe' [30]
2000 Re Daniel Dawal Migel 2 Chandi Aiyya [31]
Danduwama Suranga
2001 Oba Kohida Priye Priyantha [32]
Jonsun and Gonsun Sanjay Ranasinghe
Rosa Wasanthe Akila Sannasgala [33]
2002 Parliament Jokes Lavaris 'Podi Eka'
Pissu Double Jackie
2003 Vala In London Suranga
Sundarai Adare Murderer
Pissu Trible Gunda
Yakada Pihatu Romesh Jayawardena
2005 One Shot One Vijaya 'One Shot'
Alu Yata Gini
2006 Hiripoda Wassa Cameo appearance
Supiri Balawatha Nishshanka
Nilambare Nirwan
2009 Leader Leader
Paya Enna Hiru Se Suren and Suraj
2010 Suwanda Denuna Jeewithe Cameo appearance
2011 Kiwwada Nahi Nokiwwada Nahi Kalana
2012 Jeevithe Lassanai Wishwa
2013 Sri Siddhartha Gautama King Suddhodana
Raja Horu Mahesh
2014 Rupantharana Moorthi
Ranja Ranja / Ranjan
Parapura Madhava / Suranimala
2015 Pravegaya Office Manager
2016 Sinhaya Weerasinghe 'Satyamithra'
Maya 3D Maya
Hero Nero Cameo appearance
2017 Dr. Nawariyan Nirwan 'Nawariyan' Senanayake [34]
2018 Yalu Malu Yalu 2 Cheruka Weerakoon
2022 The Game Vijay [35]
TBD Kondadeniye Hamuduruwo Ven. Kondadeniye Thero [36]
TBA Parasakthi † [37]
2026 O.I.C Gadafi † [38]
TBA Tikiri Kumaruge Mulleriya Satana † Veediya Bandara

As director

Year Film
2002 Parliament Jokes
2005 One Shot
2009 Leader
2019 Dr. Nawariyan
2026 O.I.C Gadafi

Awards

Ramanayake has won the Sarasaviya Most Popular Actor Award 4 times.

  • Sarasaviya – Lux Awards – Most popular Upcoming Actor – 1990.
  • Sarasaviya – Most popular New Actor – 1990.
  • Sarasaviya Awards – Most Popular Film – 2002.
  • Sarasaviya Awards – Most Popular Actor – 2001– 2005.
  • Sarasaviya Awards – Best Actor – 2006.
  • Signis Salutation – 2007 – Creative Performance (Male)- Nilambare.
  • Signis Salutation – 2010 – Creative Performance (Male)- Paya enna hiruse.
  • Slim Nielsen Peoples Actor of the Year, for the 10th consecutive year in 2016, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023.
  • Slim Nielsen Peoples Awards - for the 4th consecutive year in 2016. The Actor of the Youth Choice – 2013, 2014, 2015,2016, 2017.[39]
  • Sirasa Dancing Stars – Finalist Dancing Stars.
  • 1st Derana Film Awards 2011 – Most popular Actor.
  • 3rd Derana Film Awards 2015 – Most Popular Actor.
  • 5th Derana Film Awards 2017 – Most Popular Actor.
  • 8th Derana Film Awards 2022 – Most Popular Actor.

See also

References

  1. Back to citation "This is new political culture – Ranjan". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  2. Back to citation Ramesh Uvais (16 May 2005). "Will 'One Shot' be banned?". DailyMirror e-edition. Wijeya Newspapers. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  3. Back to citation admin (5 August 2019). "State Minister Ranjan sits for the A/L exam". Colombo Gazette. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  4. Back to citation "Ranjan Ramanayake publicises A/L results – Sri Lanka Latest News". Sri Lanka News – Newsfirst. 28 December 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  5. Back to citation admin (27 December 2019). "Ranjan goes public with his A/L results". Colombo Gazette. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  6. Back to citation "AL results: Ranjan qualifies to study law". dailymirror.lk. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  7. Back to citation occurrence 7.0 Back to citation occurrence 7.1 Back to citation occurrence 7.2 Back to citation occurrence 7.3 "Peoples' Hero". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  8. Back to citation "Ranjan Meets Rajini, Kamal, Shankar and Build an India Sri Lanka Cinematic Bridge". Sundaytimes.lk. 29 April 2016. Retrieved 7 July 2016.
  9. Back to citation "Bermin brings a rare tale". Sunday Times. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
  10. Back to citation ""Sandakinduru": another love story". Sunday Times. Retrieved 11 September 2019.
  11. Back to citation "Sanda Kinduru comes on screen". Sunday Times. Retrieved 11 September 2019.
  12. Back to citation "'Santhuwaranaya': A story of sacrifice". Sunday Times. Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  13. Back to citation "'Sath Sanda Kirana' goes in search of a dancer wife". Sunday times. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  14. Back to citation "'Sudu Mal Kanda': A love story". Sunday times. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  15. Back to citation "'Ulamage Rathriya' reveals the country's past". Sunday times. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  16. Back to citation "Ranjan promises to deliver Sabaragamuwa in one shot". The Sunday Leader Online. Leader Publications (Pvt). Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  17. Back to citation Chandrika Perera and Suraj A. Bandara (15 October 2010). "Ranjan Ramanayake arrested". Daily News. Lake House. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  18. Back to citation "JUST IN: UNP MP Ranjan Ramanayake arrested – Sri Lanka Latest News". Sri Lanka News – Newsfirst. 4 January 2020. Retrieved 9 January 2020.
  19. Back to citation "Ranjan Ramanayake given bail | Daily FT". www.ft.lk. Retrieved 9 January 2020.
  20. Back to citation "VIDEO:Ranjan threatens Dilka over Derana 360 programme". Ada Derana. 30 August 2010. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  21. Back to citation Ishtartha Wellaboda. "Ranjan Ramanayake denies threatening talk show host (n.d.)". Nation.lk. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  22. Back to citation "Ranjan's controversial telephone conversation with Shani Abeysekara revealed". adaderana.lk. Retrieved 9 January 2020.
  23. Back to citation "Several more voice recordings of Ranjan Ramanayake leaked – Sri Lanka Latest News". Sri Lanka News – Newsfirst. 8 January 2020. Retrieved 9 January 2020.
  24. Back to citation "Sri Lanka: MP Ranjan Ramanayake sentenced to 04 years of rigorous imprisonment". Archived from the original on 12 January 2021.
  25. Back to citation "Sri Lanka jails former minister for saying judges are corrupt".
  26. Back to citation LBO (26 August 2022). "Ranjan Ramanayake granted conditional presidential pardon". Lanka Business Online. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  27. Back to citation "Sri Lanka president signs conditional pardon for ex MP Ranjan Ramanayake". EconomyNext. 26 August 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  28. Back to citation "All about Kristhu Charithaya". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
  29. Back to citation ""Bahu Bhariya" cleared for adults". Sunday Times. Retrieved 11 September 2019.
  30. Back to citation "'Sathyadevi' comes with a human touch". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 1 March 2017.
  31. Back to citation "Daniel and Migel appear again". Sunday times. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  32. Back to citation "'Oba Koheda Priye': Story of deceit and intrigue". Sunday Times. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  33. Back to citation "'Parasathu Uyana' gets Udayakantha's touch". Sunday Times. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  34. Back to citation "Super Star of our cinema". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  35. Back to citation "Who will win this GAME?". සරසවිය. 12 April 2022. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
  36. Back to citation "Siritunga gives life to Kondadeniye Hamuduruwo". Daily News. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
  37. Back to citation "කලකට පසු නදීශා හේමමාලී රිදී තිරයට: චන්දරේගේ වයිෆ් ළඟදීම". Sarasaviya. 22 August 2025. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  38. Back to citation "රන්ජන් රාමනායක OIC ගඩාෆි හදයි". Sarasaviya. 22 August 2025. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  39. Back to citation "10 years consecutive". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
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