‘Kapanasna Samaya’ : A period story with an interesting theme

'Kapanasna Samaya' (The End of an Era) a story set in the period between 1920 and 1930 contemporary Sri Lankan history is the latest teleplay directed by Thrishula Deepa Thambawita. The teledrama depicting the traditional martial arts like Angam Pora, Nila and Walas Adi that were said to have existed in the country will be telecast on Rupavahini every Tuesday at 8.30 pm.

Nearly thirty characters playing in the star class cast include Jeevan Kumaratunga, Cletus Mendis, Rebecca Nirmalee, Nadee Chandraskera, Athula Liyanage, G. R. Perera, Sarath Kothalawela, Neetha Samaranayake, Sumith Mudannayake, Thesara Jayawardane, Liyoni Kothelawela, Giriraj Kaushalya and others

The story revolves mainly around Marthelis, a newcomer to remote Karagala Batakele and Sirithekku, a thug who collects ransom from the poor in the village. In a fight ensuing between the two Marthelis defeats his rival Sirithekku and he leaves after pledging that he would get revenge. With the help of Sobani, a widow with a child, Marthelis gets a job as a carter under Gabriel Mudalali.

Hethuwa an innocent young man running away from his village after attacking a relative of the influential Arachchi is met by Marthelis. On his flight he hides himself in Marthelis' cart and Marthelis finds him a job at a Mudalali's grocery. But Hethuwa is subjected to exploitation by Gabriel Mudalai and Mudalai's daughter Muthi who witnesses the injustice caused to Hethuwa sympathises with him.

It is at this stage Jayasena, Muthu's cousin comes to Gabriel's residence. Jayasena intends to get married to the girl and he gets the blessings from his uncle too. Meanwhile Ranbanda, Hethuwa's buddy seeks the support of police to find his friend who has disappeared now. And Muthu starts suspecting Hethuwa and Gabriel dismisses him from the job.

Hethuwa returns to Marthelis who accepts him as his disciple and teaches him the art of fighting. Hethuwa gets his job back when he fights for Gabriel Mudalali against Sirikethu's thugs who come to vandalise the grocery. Jayasena runs away fearing the thugs and Hethuwa wins Muthu's heart.

Sirithekku who comes to know that the secret art of fighting which has been protected for generations by a certain family circle is handed over to an outsider gets angry with Marthelis. He manages to physically weaken Marthelis using Sobani and later he also abuses her. Marthelis who hears this decides to fight against Sirithekku but he loses and further fight makes him paralysed. Defeated and distressed Marthelis commits suicide.

By this time Hethu who has run away with Gabriel daughter Muthu hears the destiny of his guru decides to fight against Sirithekku. And Gabriel who wants to get back her daughter supports Sirithekku and in the fight Hethu too is defeated. What would happen in the end? Will Sirithekku be the real winner?

Produced by Padmasiri Gamage the teldrama is edited by Thushara Jayasuriya and art director is Dinesh Jayasinghe. Make up by Suresh Harshajeewa, screenplay by Sanath Samaranayake and music direction of Kapanasna Samaya is by Pradeep Jayatilake.