Devinda starts new journey with 'Sadisi Tharanaya'

Young Devinda Kongahage will make his entry to the teledrama scene with his maiden direction 'Sadisi Tharanaya'. Opening ceremony for the miniplay with a different theme was held with the participation of cast, crew and a group of distinguished invitees.

According to the director the title is suggestive of 'the unending journey of a temporary life'. It is to analyse various aspects of human beings with their emotions, attitudes and characteristics which are completely different to each other."The teledrama is to discuss very complex social issues with their different aspects," said Devinda speaking about his directorial venture.

The story revolves around a family of a politician; in which each member represents a different social class. In the evening of his life, Somaweera Pilapitiya is a modest, self-effacing Divisional Secretary in a village. Parakrama Bandara, who reigns with all his powers, is a politician in the area. He is rich and leads an extravagant lifestyle.

His daughter 'Nirdha' is completely different to her father and she lives an independent life. Working as a journalist in a national newspaper she is liberal in her thinking, Pamila Bandara, Parakrama Bandara's son is a spoilt son of a rich politician. Though he leads a mischievous, playful life his father protects and guards him whenever he is in trouble. He fights with his sister who holds a completely different attitude to life.

Anula Parakrama, the mother silently bears everything for the sake of keeping the family together. Nirdha who looks up to Pilapitiya takes his counsel for her profession. Wasula, with his new government appointment as a surveyor comes to this village. Pilapitiya, Nirdha and Wasula become close allies due to their way of thinking. But the drama takes a dramatic change with the entrance of new characters and the murder of Pilapitiya.

Having studied at Trinity College, Kandy and Royal College, Colombo, Devinda was a creative artist from his childhood and as schoolboy he was adjudged the second best at an international exhibition held in Russia. He also holds the record of being the youngest to have held a solo art exhibition at the Lionel Wendt in Colombo. Having worked as a programme producer at Sirasa TV, Devinda made Thuruliya Daruwo - a single episode tele film, which made people stand up and realize the potential within him.

The documentary he did on Sir Arthur C. Clarke was shown on BBC too. He has acted in Dharmasiri Bandaranayake's Bawa Duka and Bawa Karma.

Sriyantha Mendis, Buddadasa Vithanarachchi, Damitha Abeyratne, Jayani Senanayake, Biumal Jayakody, Cyril Wickremage, Gihan Fernando, Sarath Kothalawela, Nethali Nanayakkara, Janaka Kumbukge, Janak Premalal, Milinda Perera, Wilson Gunaratne, Wasantha Vittachchi and Suresh Gamage.

Camera handled by Prabath Roshana, make up by Wasantha Vittachi and art director is Patrick David. Assisted by Anura Waragoda, 'Sadisi Tharanaya' is scripted and directed by Devinda Kongahage.