Martin Gunadasa


Sawunda Hannadige Martin Gunadasa, popularly known as Martin Gunadasa, was an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television. One of the most popular television actors in Sri Lanka, he is most notable for the trade mark role "Polee Mudalali" in the television serial Kopi Kade.

Personal life

Martin Gunadasa was born on 12 February 1930 in Matara.
Gunadasa died on 9 February 2010 at the age of 79 after a brief illness. His remains were buried in Borella cemetery on 11 February 2010.

Career

He acted in Vesak and Poson stage dramas during school times. Later he arrived Colombo to succeed his ambition to be an actor. Meanwhile, he worked in the government press. Then he became a trade unionist and lost the job during 1981 July strike. After losing his job, he started to produce stage dramas.
In 1965, Gunadasa made his maiden cinema appearance in the film Saaravita. However, his second film Sudo Sudu screened before his first film. Then he acted in many supportive roles particularly as the arrogant "Mudalali" in many films including, Hatha Maha Nidhanaya, Hathara Wate, Kapatikama, Pickpocket, Indunila, Kalana Mithuro and Sinawai Inawai. He also worked as a singer and musician. In 2007, he acted in the stage play Weyan Piyambahi, which centers around HIV/AIDS disease discussing the effects of the disease.
In 1987, Gunadasa was selected to the television serial Kopi Kade by Thevis Guruge. His role as "Poli Mudalali" became highly popularized among the public and he was usually known by his character name rather than real name. He appeared in the series from the beginning which first aired on 1 April 1987. He continued to act in the series for more than 20 consecutive years in 1192 episodes.

Filmography

YearFilmRoleRef.
1965Sudo SuduCow return suggester
1965Saaravita
1965Hathara Maha Nidhanaya
1966KapatikamaStreet Mudalali
1967Hathara Kendare
1968Indunila
1969PickpocketAbusive Mudalali
1970Lakseta KodiyaGate closing guard
1971Kesara SinhayoMudalali with flat tire
1972Ada Mehemai
1972Hathara WateMudalali
1973Sinawai Inawai
1974Surekha
1976Deviyange TheenduwaMr. Ranatunga
1976Nilla Soya
1984Bambara Patikki
2004Jolly BoysUmpire
2008Ali Pancha Mage Mithura