ACTRESS ON STAGE,MINI SCREEN ,FILMS MALEE JAYAWEERAGE AT PINNACLE OF CELEBRITY FOR FOUR DECADES – By Sunil Thenabadu
Emerged as a prominent sought after actress initially after acting in famous teledrama ‘Doo Daruwoo’.directed by Nalan Mendis through a recommendation of a close friend at which she portrayed the role of eldest daughter of ‘Sudu Hamine’ to precision as the seamstress in the sewing shop of ‘ Kusumalatha’ as ‘Emilda’ Although she had previously portrayed other roles on stage only after she performed her role in “Doo Daruwo., she had become well known among audiences though she has had adequate innate skill in the acting profession. Malee had acted alongside with many acclaimed actors like Dr Jayalath Manoratne.As she is friendly with all she was named in drama circles as “Wedikawe Diriya Soyuriya’.also received an award with the same title.
Like all actors and actresses the venue ‘Sudarshi’ cannot be overlooked. She confesses that it is the ‘Sudarshi’ which was totally responsible for making her a reputed actress. Malee was trained initially in dancing by guru Kamel Rathnasiri. Malee recalls that she cannot believe that beginning that had led to her huge recognition to date. However, Malee had learnt dancing from Soma Gamage at her school Kelaniya Wedamulla Vidyalaya as a student with her father’s consent. Malee had thought to herself to proceed dancing as a career before she met Kamel Rathnasiri at Sudarshi though she had not ever thought of becoming an actress.
While she was at the ‘Sudarshi’ had met famous actor Nihal Silva,who had asked whether she wished to act for which she had refused. The same plea was made by Nihal Silva several times.Then Nihal Silva had asked her to attend to a ‘workshop’ in acting techniques conducted by Finland national Helena Lehmathi for which she had consented to attend at the German cultural centre . This was a strenuous workshop conducted for months. At this workshop a sum of rupees ten was given which then was a big sum. After completion of the workshop marks were given to participants for their skills. At the end all who scored high marks were casted in a new stage drama ‘ Punthila’ where the role of ‘Lysa’ was portrayed by Malee in year 1985 by which Malee had commenced her acting career. Usually only those who are crazy for art and those with family members already in the field prefer to choose such a career .Malee had added she never belonged to either of the above two. She had been forced into acting by Nihal Silva , but currently she is enormously contented to the position she is now having acted in stage, teledramas and films having established herself as a renowned personality.
After her debut drama ‘Punthila’ she had portrayed many roles in stage dramas ,in Teledramas and films becoming s sought after actress even to date portraying vivid roles:.Malee had said many after the beginning and popularity gained tend to forget the beginning but Malee is not such a person continues with acting on stage even today. portray a role in Sunil Chandrasiri’s stage drama ‘Samawenna Weradeemak” , .She believes after her role portrayed in the teledrama ‘Doo Daruwoo’ had obviously laid the foundation for an extended journey in teledramas. like ‘Madolduwa’,’Magiya’, ‘Lokaya Thaniyayak’, ‘Sandagiri ,’Thandubasmanaya’, ‘Girikula Andaraya’, ‘Pitagamkarayo’ ‘ Bopath Sakkiya’, ‘Sutheragiri’, ‘Nisala Diya Sasala Wiya’, ‘ ‘Wika Sitha Milinaya’, ‘Suseta Mayim’, ‘Akale Sandya’ , ‘Ruwan Sakman’,’Wasuda’,’Madol Doowa”, etc together Malee had portrayed vivid roles in about forty Teles. Predominantly she had mostly received ‘white’ sober characters like close friend. kind wife , adored mother ,aunt etc but she had confessed she would like to receive diverse roles to them. In real life too she is a ‘adoring Nanda’ to many nephews and nieces ,children of siblings. To name a few films she portrayed roles that comes to one’s mind are beginning with Parakrama Niriella’s ‘Ayoma’, then ‘Uthpalawanna’, ‘Gamini’, ‘Ambu Daruwo’, ‘Sooriya Daruwo’. etc. Malee had added that she has had close rapports with directors and producers in the past than present day ones. Although the society is different Malee remains the same down-to-earth humble person who moves with everyone closely in a friendly disposition and temperament . Malee had stated that she had applied herself with sacrifice and utmost dedication to portray all her roles but regret that the present day artistes lack that quality.
Malee is still a spinster but had been able to look after her mother and father to the best of her abilities with which she had derived a huge delight and joy. During this era of looking after her ageing parental duo she had not untaken any work related to her performing profession. The day before mother’s funeral she had to portray the role assigned to her in the stage drama ‘Lorenzge Manamaliya’ at the Moratuwa University auditorium. When Malee contemplating on what she should do her elder brother had said as you have looked after well in her old age you better perform your role assigned ..Malee loved her acting more than anything was fervent and dedicated to her profession But Malee’s only elder brother a renowned entrepreneur had helped her immensely through her journey which she had added at media confrontations.
Malee has had intentions to bring up a child who should be twenty five years old when she becomes fifty years. Her parents had brought many proposals for which she had not consented. But when she liked a person some obstacle had propped out which prevented her to go for a marriage. But now she spends a independent life for which she is happy as she could spend time for her siblings, nephews , nieces and in laws who are adored by her. , nephews and nieces, in laws for which she is very happy. Malee believes that one should live without hurting or troubling anyone also by utilizing time for one’s religion as she who is involved with Buddhist activities being a staunch Buddhist.
Malee Jayaweerage wishes to extend her deep heartfelt gratitude to all producers, directors, co actors and actresses, all crews for extending her support to make her feel free and relaxed when portraying vivid roles.
