Giriraj Kaushalya

Sri Lankan actor, filmmaker and comedian

Giriraj Kaushalya
ගිරිරාජ් කෞශල්‍ය

Born|

Silmesthri Giriraj Kaushalya

(1964-11-13) November 13, 1964 (age 59)

Kolonnawa, Sri Lanka

Nationality| Sri Lankan
Education| Gurukula Vidyalaya, Kelaniya
Occupation(s)| Actor, Filmmaker, Screenplay writer, Singer
Years active| 1999–present
Spouse| Mangalika Fernando (m. 1988)
Children| Kavindya Nilupuli
Amandya Uthpali
Relatives| Lalith Janakantha (brother)

Silmesthri Giriraj Kaushalya (born November 13,[1] 1964) (Sinhala: ගිරිරාජ් කෞශල්‍ය), popularly known as Giriraj Kaushalya, is a Sri Lankan actor in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television.[2] Highly versatile actor from drama to comedy, Kaushalya also has worked as an assistant director, producer, script writer and a filmmaker.[3]

## Personal life[edit]

Kaushalya was born on 13 November 1964 in Kolonnawa, Colombo as the youngest of the family with four siblings. He has three elder brothers and one elder sister.[4] He entered village school in Kolonnawa and then attended to Gurukula Vidyalaya, Kelaniya.[5] His father was an active trade unionist in Ceylon Electricity Board and a member of the Sri Lanka Communist Party represented the Left Movement.[6] He worked in Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka before entering to acting. His elder brother Lalith Janakantha is also a renowned actor in stage, television and cinema.

He met his wife Mangalika Fernando during the work in Mahaweli Authority in Lihinyagama, Mahaweli C zone in 1986.[7] She was a draftsman and Kaushalya was a store keeper. They engaged in 1987 and wedding was celebrated in 1988.[8] They both left the work in 1998. The couple has two daughters - Kavindya Nilupuli and Amandya Uthpali.[5] Eldest daughter was born on 1989 and second daughter in 1994.

He got critically ill with leukemia by the end of 2021, where he quit from acting for indefinite period.[9][10][11][12] He was diagnosed with the disease in late October 2021 and in hospitalized for over 40 days at a hospital in 2022.[13]

## Acting career[edit]

He worked with veteran actor Sathischandra Edirisinghe in Mahaweli Authority during Mahaweli cultural unit. Then Edirisinghe invited him to play a role in his teledrama Namal Golla, which marked his first appearance in drama career. Then he acted in Kokila Ginna directed again by Edirisinghe.[5]

His entrance to the stage drama was an accident. He used to go for plays with elder brother Lalith. His maiden performance on stage was to stand in for an absent actor in the play Dukgannarala by Prasannajith Abeysuriya. He joined veteran dramatist Somalatha Subasinghe's drama troupe and acted in her stage plays such as Mawakage Sangramaya, Antigany and some children plays like Hima Kumari and Thoppi Welenda.[14]

He continued performed in stage dramas for many years. His popular stage acting came through Somaratne Dissanayake's Mee Pura Wesiyo, Parakrama Niriella's Sekkuwa, Rodney Warnakula's Saranga Naven Evith and Priyantha Seneviratne's Minisa.[14]

In 1997, he got the chance to work as assistant director in popular teledrama Nonavaruni Mahathvaruni directed by Jayaprakash Sivagurunathan.[5] He also acted in some role in the drama as well. He wrote the scripts for a number of popular television comedies like Kathura and Ethuma 1, 2.[6] His maiden television drama direction came through Nana Kamare which was telecasted on Swarnavahini. The serial stars Bandu Samarasinghe and became a hit in that year.[14] He also directed the serial Mithra Samagama telecasted in TV Derana.[15]

### Selected stage dramas[edit]

* Mawakage Sangramaya
* Antigany
* Mee Pura Wesiyo
* Sekkuwa
* Saranga Nawen Awith
* Minisa
* Saadaya Marai Salli Hamarai[16]
* Comedy Buddy[17]
* Sudu Redi Horu[18]

### Selected television serials[edit]

* Ama as Sam uncle[5]
* Dhawala Kadulla as Merchant [19]
* Diya Matha Ruwa [20]
* Ethuma 1, 2 as Kalu Mudalali
* Kotipathiyo[21]
* Hulan Gedara as Don Meril Hulangamuwa
* Ira Awara[22]
* Isuru Bhavana as Kuruneru[5][23]
* Jeewithaya Athi Thura
* Jeewithaya Dakinna [24]
* Kapa Nasna Samaya[25][26]
* Kinnara Damanaya [27]
* Kokila Ginna[28]
* Man Hinda [29]
* Namal Golla
* Me Suramya Paradisaya[30]
* Nadagamkarayo as Kukula Mahaththaya [31]
* Neela Palingu Diya[32]
* Nodath Desheka Arumawanthi[33]
* Nonavaruni Mahathvaruni
* Pabalu Menike
* Package
* Pani Kurullo[34]
* Pingala Danawwa[35]
* Pinibara Yamaya[36]
* Pipi Piyum [37]
* Punaragamanaya [38]
* Ranga Soba [39]
* Rathi Virathi [40]
* Sakala Guru as Pinsiri Podi Bandara[41]
* Sakala Guru 2 [42]
* Sakisanda Suwaris[43]
* Sanda Dev Diyani [44]
* Sihina Genena Kumariye
* Sihinayak Wage [45]
* Smarana Samapthi[46]
* Sudu Kapuru Pethi[47]
* Suravimana[48]
* Sihina Puraya as Bunty[49]
* Thaksalava as Lucas Mudalali[50]
* Wahinna Muthu Wassak[51]

## Filmography[edit]

Kaushalya started his film career film Sanda Dadayama directed by Asoka Handagama, which is not screened yet.[4] His first screened film is 1999 film Salupata Ahasata directed by Mario Jayathunga.[52] Then he contributed in several blockbuster films such as Sikuru Hathe, Suhada Koka and Maya particularly as a comedian.[53]

His maiden cinematic direction came through Sikuru Hathe in 2007.[14] The film had positive reviews from critics and won several awards at local film festivals.[6][54]

Year | Film | Role | Ref.

|
|
|

1999 | Salupata Ahasata |  |
2001 | Aswesuma | Hunter |
2001 | Punchi Suranganavi |  | [55]
2002 | Mage Wam Atha | Boss's henchman | [56]
2003 | Sonduru Dadabima | Gladwin | [57]
2004 | Sooriya Arana | Salesman | [58]
2005 | Samanala Thatu | Bicycle Shop owner | [59]
2006 | Udugan Yamaya |  | [60]
2007 | Aganthukaya |  | [61]
2007 | Sankranthi |  | [62]
2008 | Siri Raja Siri | Theater controller | [63]
2010 | Tikiri Suwanda | Alphonsu | [64]
2010 | Suwanda Denuna Jeewithe | cameo appearance |
2011 | King Hunther | Benja | [65]
2011 | Gamani | NGO officer | [66]
2012 | Prathiroo | Salesman | [67]
2013 | Bomba Saha Rosa | Police sergeant | [68]
2013 | Siri Parakum | Ven. Kalundewa Thero | [69]
2014 | Ahelepola Kumarihami | Lokuru Naide | [70]
2014 | Ko Mark No Mark | Vimukthi | [71]
2015 | Suhada Koka | Kalu Mudalali | [72]
2015 | Bora Diya Pokuna |  | [73]
2015 | Lantin Singho | Appu | [74]
2015 | Maya 3D | Gamini | [75]
2017 | Ali Kathawa | King's physician | [76]
2017 | Paha Samath | Bus driver | [77]
2017 | Punchi Apith Baya Na Dan | Patty Mudalali | [78]
2018 | Raigamayai Gampalayai | Raigamaya | [79]
2019 | Thaala | Kattadiya | [80]
2019 | President Super Star | multiple roles | [81]
2019 | Reload | Lekam | [82]
2020 | Tsunami | Lawyer | [83]
2020 | The Newspaper | Cabinet minister | [84]
2020 | Miss Jenis | Karu |
2023 | Guththila | Magandi | [85]
TBD | Thanapathilage Gedara |  | [86]

## As a director[edit]

Year | Film | Ref.

|
|

2007 | Sikuru Hathe | [87]
2015 | Suhada Koka | [88]
2023 | Kathuru Mithuru | [89]

## Awards[edit]

He is a recipient of awards at several local film festivals.[90][91]

### Raigam Tele'es Awards[edit]

Year  | Nominee / work  | Award  | Result

|
|
|

2010 | Isuru Bhavana | Merit Award | Won

### Sumathi Awards[edit]

Year  | Nominee / work  | Award  | Result

|
|
|

2011 | Thaksalava | Merit Award | Won

## See also[edit]

* Cinema of Sri Lanka

## References[edit]

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2. ^ "Giriraj Kaushalya bio". Rate your music. Retrieved 25 April 2019.
3. ^ "Sri Lankan actors - W. Jayasiri". National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 25 April 2019.
4. ^ a b "Chat With Giriraj Kaushalya". gossiplankalive1. Retrieved 17 July 2019.
5. ^ a b c d e f "Giriraj the man for all seasons". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 25 April 2019.
6. ^ a b c "Make films for the whole family". Daily News. Retrieved 25 April 2019.
7. ^ "Gira's wife". Hiru News. Retrieved 25 April 2019.
8. ^ "Interview with Gira's wife". Lanka Help. Retrieved 25 April 2019.
9. ^ Nadeera, Dilshan. "Dear Giriraj Kaushalya: get well soon". Retrieved 2022-01-16.
10. ^ ප්‍රියකාන්ත, එම්.ඒ.එච්.එන්. (2021-11-14). "How the daughter congratulated Giriraj on his birthday who is being treated at the hospital ..!". News Sri Lanka. Retrieved 2022-01-16.
11. ^ "Giriraj Kaushalya will never come to play again". gossiplankanews. 2022-01-15. Retrieved 2022-01-15.
12. ^ "Sick Giriraj Kaushalya told everyone who blessed him in front of the media for the first time". Sri Lanka Breaking News: TrueNews.lk. 2021-12-20. Retrieved 2022-01-16.
13. ^ "He's Back". සරසවිය. 2022-04-20. Retrieved 2022-04-26.
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15. ^ "Mithra Samagama on TV Derana". The Nation. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
16. ^ "A comedy of reality 'Saadaya Maarai, Salli Hamari'". Sunday Times. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
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18. ^ ""Sudu Redi Horu" - showcases Lanka's rich cultural heritage". The Nation. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
19. ^ "'Dhawala Kadulla' captures dramatic era of history". Sunday Times. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
20. ^ "'Diya Matha Ruwa' now on the go". Sunday Times. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
21. ^ "Haara Kotiya, Its No Waste Of Time!". The Sunday Leader. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
22. ^ "'Ira Awara' - A battle against a village and its archaic traditions". Sunday Times. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
23. ^ "'Isuru Bhavana' capturing hearts around the island". The Nation.
24. ^ "'Jeewithaya Dakinna' : One Episode miniplays on Rupavahini". Sunday Times. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
25. ^ "Kapa Nasna Samaya". vodtv. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
26. ^ "'Kapanasna Samaya' : A period story with an interesting theme". Sunday Times. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
27. ^ "New tele to unfold soon". Sunday Times. Retrieved 8 December 2019.
28. ^ "Kokila Ginna: tragedy strikes singer". Sunday Times. Retrieved 20 September 2019.
29. ^ "'Man Hinda' makes a rare meeting". Sunday Times. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
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31. ^ "Sivagurunathan begins 'Nadagamkarayo'". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 2020-12-22.
32. ^ "'Neela Palingu Diya' A story of an astrologer". Sunday Times. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
33. ^ "A mystery house and mysterious tale". Sunday Times. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
34. ^ "Pani Kirillo". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
35. ^ "'Pingala Danawwa' portrays our ancient civilisation". The Nation. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
36. ^ "'Pinibara Yamaya' for political victims". Sunday Times. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
37. ^ "Sumithra's 'Pipi Pium' on mini screen". Sunday Times. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
38. ^ "Punaragamanaya; a psychological story". Sunday Times. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
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40. ^ "'Rathi Virathi': Italian stories". Sunday times. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
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44. ^ "'Sanda Dev Diyani': A tale of courage and determination". Daily News. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
45. ^ "Sihinayak Wage; a fairytale in mini screen". Sunday Times. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
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47. ^ "'Sudu Kapuru Pethi' : Another tale of war". Sunday Times. Retrieved 17 July 2019.
48. ^ "දැන් හිතෙනවා මෙගා හොඳයි කියලා - Giriraj Kaushalya". lankahotnews. Retrieved 26 February 2017.
49. ^ "'Sihina Puraya' on seven families". Sunday Times. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
50. ^ "Ananda makes 'Thaksalawa'". Sunday Observer.
51. ^ "Roshan unfurls a rain of pearls". Daily News. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
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56. ^ "Linton soon in town with "Pickpocket"". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
57. ^ "Sonduru Dadabima". The Island. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
58. ^ "Suriya Arana (Fire fighters) - 2004". somadissa.com. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
59. ^ "Samanalathatu (Butterfly Wing) - 2005". somadissa.com. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
60. ^ "'Against the Tide' in London Film Festival". BBC. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
61. ^ "13. Aganthukaya (The Outcast) - 2007". Vasantha Obesekere films. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
62. ^ "Sankranthi a tale of a trio". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
63. ^ "Siri Raja Siri (King Siri) -2008". Sandeshaya. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
64. ^ "Blockbusters for 2010". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
65. ^ "King Hunther – කිංහන්තර්". cinema.lk. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
66. ^ "Gamani (2011)". IMDB. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
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68. ^ "Bombs & Roses". National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
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70. ^ "Controversial Ehelepola episode on the silver screen". The Sunday Observer. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
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73. ^ "Refreshing dip into Bora Diya Pokuna". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
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76. ^ "Two hours of childish happiness". Ceylon Today. Retrieved 7 May 2017.
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81. ^ "The presidential stage where four people are competing". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 10 August 2019.
82. ^ "Plot of Reload film". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 15 November 2019.
83. ^ "The story of child affection over the waves". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
84. ^ "Friends who seek justice against media injustice". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
85. ^ "Tale of Guththila becomes a cinema". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 10 November 2018.
86. ^ "Plot of Thanapathilage Gedara". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
87. ^ "New cinematic experience for movie buffs". Daily News. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
88. ^ "Comedy about reality of politics". Sunday Times. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
89. ^ "Friendship that cannot be cut with any scissors". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
90. ^ "'Thaksalawa' tops Sumathi awards". The Sunday Times.
91. ^ "Raigam Tele'es 2009 award winners". Sarasaviya. Archived from the original on 2010-05-23. Retrieved 2019-07-18.

## External links[edit]

* Chat with Gira
* Against the Tide
* Sonduru Dadabima
* Wahinna Muthu Wessak- A tragic love story
* හිනස්සන එක ලේසි නෑ

Authority control databases |

* VIAF

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