‘Monaravila’ portrays patriots
Monarawila a historical tale based on the Uva Rebellion
of 1818 made in to a miniplay is now being telecast on Rupavahini
at 8.35 on Tuesdays.
To a script of experienced script writer K. B.
Herath, the teledrama is directed by Sathischandra Edirisinghe.
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Scene from the teledrama ‘Monarawila’
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The star-studded cast included Sathischandra Edirisinghe,
Kanchana Mendis,Janaka Kumbukage, Nadi Chandrasekera,Cyril Dharmawardane,Chitra
Warakagoda,Amiththa Weerasinghe,Vishaka Siriwardane,Indika Subasinghe,
Sadun Wijesiri, Susri Perera, Mali Jayaweera, Janak Premalal, Nalin
Pradeep Uduwela, Buddhi Wickrama, Kulasiri Mallikarachchi, Lakshman
Fernando, Hemachandra Piyadasa, Wijeratne Warakagoda and Chandana
Weerabaddana Arachchi.
Set during the period of the Uva Rebellion of
1818 Monarawila revolves a round the illicit trading of medicinal
drugs, plants and genes that is being conducted surreptitiously
in the country. The patriots Monaravila, Ellepola and Kivulegedara
of the past are reincarnated to resist this imperialistic devastation.
Ellepola, the Assistant Government Agent of Matale
receives a document written by Rev. Paravahagama Sumangala Thera.
It reveals information about the Uva-Wellessa Rebellion of 1818
and the names of those nationalists who served the imperialist masters
opposing the rebellion.
Patriotic Sri Lankans like Kivulegedara Mohottala,
Kohumbure Raterala and Ihagama Unnanse begin the Wellessa Rebellion
in Pambure in October 1817. Monaravila Keppetipola who is the Government
Agent of Uva is sent to suppress the rebellion. Instead he joins
the rebels causing the uprising to spread to areas like Uva Wellessa,
Matale, four Korales, seven Korales and the Nuwara Kalaviya.
Delvala Menike, the spouse of Keppetipola Dissawe
and their son Tikiri Kumara flee and hide in Matale as Keppetipola
Dissawe is targeted for treason by the British rulers. Kivulegedara,
a rebel leader meets a young girl called Swarnmali and marries her.
Under the leadership of Keppetipola, the rebellion
gains momentum causing a serious threat to the survival of British
rule. People like Taldena Mohottala take the side of the British.
The rebellion gets a set back with the arrest
by the British of rebel leaders like Ellepola and Pilimatalawe.
Delvala Menike and Tikiri Kumara hiding in the jungle are captured
British troops. Ihagama Thera, who helps the rebels is also shot
dead by the British.
Edited by Sisira K. Senaratne, art directed by
Mani Mendis Monaravila music is directed by Rohana Weerasinghe.
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