Veteran actor – Jayathilake Herath has passed away.

He appeared in several teledramas such as Kopi Kade and Miriguwen Eha as well as films such as Loku Duwa, Sangili and Suba.

Funeral details are to be announced later.

Former President’s Media Director Sudewa Hettiarachchi reading a comment made on a social media post during an interview with State Minister Sanath Nishantha on “On The Spot with Sudewa” YouTube series has caused a hoo-ha. 

The social media post comment has referred to the State Minister as a Puttalam Booruwa (donkey) and it was read publicly by Sudewa.

Meanwhile, popular actress Piyumi Hansamali has also made a comment on her Facebook page in this regard, resulting in more users sharing the video.

Piyumi’s Facebook post.

“On The Spot with Sudewa” interview with State Minister Sanath Nishantha; 

A group of veteran actors and actresses have raised criticisms with the Mass Media Minister over the methodology adopted to select the best and most popular actors during award ceremonies.

Raigam, Sumathi and Sirasa Award Ceremonies are telecasted by popular TV channels to select the best and popular actors.

The organisers have mentioned that a method will be implemented to select the most talented actors and actresses based on votes of the spectators.

However, the veteran actors pointed out that instead of selecting the most deserving actor or actress, the organisers resort to an informal conspiratorial programme to get the votes of the spectators in order to select undeserving actors.

This unethical practice is an obstacle to selecting the best performing artists, and is a great injustice to talented and professional performing artists, they said.

Taking these concerns into consideration, they said that it is a great duty and responsibility not only of television channels but also of the audience to prevent such injustices.