Sri Lanka, Jan. 19 -- Kala Suri Kala Keerthi Dr Jayalath Manoratne (71), who departed from our midst last week, was an acting colossus who straddled the worlds of drama, television and film. He also has many drama songs to his credit, as DJ tracks were not available at the time he joined the drama circuit in 1966 with the play 'Aspa Gudung.' He was still in school at this time.
Born in Nuwara Eliya on June 12, 1948, Mano as he was affectionately called by his colleagues and fans, was educated at the Halpe Primary School and the Poramadulla Central College. One of his teachers had recognized his abilities and encouraged him to take up acting and singing, which led to a lifelong career in that field.
In a career spanning more than five deca...