Lifetime Achievement Award
Ravindra Randeniya, born on June 5, 1945, in Dalugama, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, was the second of six siblings in a family deeply rooted in the local brass hinge industry. His father, L.P. Perera, was a well-known businessman, and his mother, Caroline Egodawatte, hailed from Sapugaskanda. Growing up, Randeniya’s surroundings in Dalugama, a small village with paddy fields and streams, deeply influenced his love for nature and literature. He was an avid reader, often immersing himself in the works of acclaimed Sinhala authors like Martin Wickremasinghe and Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra.
Randeniya attended St. Benedict’s College in Kotahena, where his classmate and beloved friend was Vijaya Kumaratunga, another future icon of Sri Lankan cinema. Though he was a good student, Randeniya did not pass his A-level examinations and did not pursue higher education. Instead, he joined his family’s business, manufacturing hardware products. Despite his focus on the family business, his interest in the arts never waned. He took courses in theater decor and screenwriting at the Lionel Wendt Theatre Workshop, where he eventually became fascinated with acting.
Randeniya’s acting journey began in 1969 when he joined the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery to learn drama, screenplay, direction, and stage decoration. His first starring role came in the student production *Mudu Puththu*, directed by Gallapaththi. His performance caught the attention of the renowned director Lester James Peries, who later cast him in the film *Desa Nisa* (1975), a role that established Randeniya as a popular actor in the Sri Lankan cinema industry.
Randeniya’s acting journey began in 1969 when he joined the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery to learn drama, screenplay, direction, and stage decoration. His first starring role came in the student production *Mudu Puththu*, directed by Gallapaththi. His performance caught the attention of the renowned director Lester James Peries, who later cast him in the film *Desa Nisa* (1975), a role that established Randeniya as a popular actor in the Sri Lankan cinema industry.
Throughout his career, Randeniya has played a wide range of characters, including his most challenging role in the 1989 film *Siri Medura*, where he portrayed a paralyzed man named Sampath Hamu. His portrayal of this character earned him the Sarasaviya Award for Best Actor in 1990, marking a milestone in his acting career. This role was especially significant as it was the first time in the award’s history that the jury reached a unanimous decision without any recommendations.
In addition to his successful acting career, Randeniya also served as a politician. He was elected to the Sri Lankan Parliament as a member of the United National Party, serving from 2000 to 2004. However, his enduring legacy remains in the realm of cinema, where he has inspired fellow actors, filmmakers, and the wider community.
This year marks a monumental milestone for Dr. Ravindra Randeniya as he celebrates 50 incredible years in Sri Lankan cinema. In honor of his contributions, the Ceylon International Film Festival recognized him with a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented during a celebratory event in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The event was attended by the President of Sri Lanka, the Vice President, the Media Minister, numerous parliament members, and many cinema celebrities who came together to pay tribute to his illustrious career.
Randeniya’s journey is not just a testament to his skill and passion for acting but also to his influence in shaping Sri Lankan cinema and mentoring emerging talent. His contributions continue to inspire and uplift the industry, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
“Liyanage Boniface Walter Perera (born 5 June 1945), popularly known by his stage name Ravindra Randeniya, is a distinguished Sri Lankan actor and former politician. He rose to fame with his role in Lester James Peries’s film “Desa Nisa” in 1972 and was a prominent actor during the 1970s and 1980s. Randeniya won the prestigious Sarasaviya Best Actor Award in 1984 for “Dadayama,” in 1985 for “Maya,” in 1989 for “Sandakada Pahana,” and in 1990 for “Sri Medura.” He also served as a member of parliament for a notable district”.