Sri Lanka is rich with many significant personalities who have taken the name of Sri Lanka to the world. Some of them are scientists, educationists, sportsmen, musicians, actors, authors, politicians, and even artists. So, among these famous characters, Ranjan Ramanayake is a significant highlight. He was not only a Sri Lankan politician, but also a talented actor. Hence, he was able to make a significant impact in the country’s entertainment and political spheres. Above all, he is a person who is close to the hearts of Sri Lankans, owing to his friendly nature. Besides, some of his deeds indeed grab the attention of the Sri Lankans. So, why not? Let us get to know a few details about this wonderful personality!
Personal Details of Ranjan Ramanayake
Ranjan was born on the 11th of March 1963, in a small village called Maha Uswewa, located in the Kurunegala district of Sri Lanka. His full name was Sadda Vidda Rajapakse Palanga Pathira Ambakumarage Ranjan Leo Sylvester Alphonsu. Of course, his name was a bit long. However, he used ‘Ranjan Ramanayake’ as his screen name. He started using the surname ‘Ramanayake’ as an honor to the filmmaker Somaratne Ramanayake since he has helped Ranjan immensely to build up his career in the film industry.
Ranjan’s Acting Career
Ranjan Ramanayake started his career as an actor in the late 1980s and quickly became a popular figure in the Sri Lankan entertainment industry. He appeared in a number of films, television dramas, and stage plays, showcasing his versatile acting skills. His performances in movies such as ‘Ran Kurahan Mala’, ‘Cheriyo Captain’, and ‘Sakman Maluwa’ earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan following.
Some of the recent movies that he acted in are as follows:
- The Game in 2022
- Yalu Mage Yalu 2 in 2018
- Dr. Nawariyan in 2017
- Hero Nero in 2016
- Maya 3D in 2016
- Sinhaya in 2016
- Pravegaya in 2015
- Parapura in 2014
- Ranja in 2014
- Rupantharana in 2014
- Raja Horu in 2014
- Sri Siddhartha Gauthama in 2013
- Jeewithe Lassanai in 2013
It is important to note that these are just a few of his movies, and there is a lot more that he has been a part of.
Apart from that, some of the teleseries that he acted in are:
- Guru Geethaya
- Nil Mahanel
- Pitagamkarayo
- Bhagya
- Sagaraya Parada
In the entertainment industry, he was not only an actor. In fact, he contributed on several occasions as a scriptwriter, director, and singer as well. However, among all of them, his role as an actor was the most prominent.
Awards Won by Ranjan Ramanayake
In total, Ranjan Ramanayake was able to win more than 30 awards from the start of his career up to 2023. Some of the most significant awards among them are:
- Most Popular Upcoming Actor Award in the Sarasaviya Award Ceremony in 1990
- Most Popular New Actor Award in the Sarasaviya Award Ceremony in 1990
- The Most Popular Actor Award in the Sarasaviya Award Ceremonies from the year 2001 – 2005
- The Best Actor Award in the Sarasaviya Award Ceremony in 2006
- Slim Nielsen Peoples Actor of the Year for the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023
- The Most Popular Actor in the Derana Film Awards in the years 2015 and 2017
Ranjan’s Political Career
However, it was in the field of politics that Ranjan Ramanayake made a significant impact. In 2010, he contested the parliamentary elections as a candidate from the United National Party (UNP). Accordingly, he got into the parliament with a significant majority. He was re-elected in the 2015 parliamentary elections, again representing the UNP.
As a parliamentarian, Ranjan Ramanayake was famous for his outspoken and sometimes controversial views. He was a vocal critic of corruption and political misconduct and was particularly critical of the previous government’s handling of certain issues. He was also a strong advocate for the rights of the common man and was well-known to be a champion of social justice issues.
However, Ramanayake’s political career took a major hit in 2021. That was when he was sentenced to four years in prison for contempt of court. Ramanayake said that his comments were taken out of context and that he had been misunderstood. The case went on for several years, and Ramanayake was found guilty in January 2021. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with some people criticizing the harshness of the sentence and others applauding it as a necessary step in upholding the integrity of the judiciary.
Despite this setback, Ranjan Ramanayake continues to be an influential figure in Sri Lankan politics. He was a prominent supporter of the new government that was elected in 2019. Moreover, he played an active role in shaping the policies and direction of the government. He was particularly active in pushing for reforms in the justice system and was instrumental in the establishment of a new office to investigate corruption and other criminal offenses.
Social Work of Ranjan Ramanayake
In addition to his acting career, Ranjan Ramanayake has also been involved in various philanthropic activities, particularly in the field of education. He has donated money and resources to schools in rural areas and has also been actively involved in initiatives aimed at providing better facilities and resources for students.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of his legal troubles, Ranjan Ramanayake remains a popular and influential figure in Sri Lanka. His contributions to the entertainment industry and his work in philanthropy have earned him widespread admiration, while his political activism has made him a respected voice in the country’s political landscape. Despite the setbacks he has faced, Ramanayake continues to be an inspiration to many, and his legacy is likely to endure for years to come.
