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Script writer behind favourites such as Yashoravaya, dies
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Somaweera Senanayake
Well-known novelist, script writer and journalist Somaweera Senanayake passed away yesterday. He was 74.
Senanayake’s name is synonymous with several teledramas for which he wrote scripts, such as Yashorawaya, Asalwesiyo, Doo Daruwo, Palingu Manike and Sitha Nivana Katha. These teledramas, and the characters in them, became household names in the country. Mr. Senanayake’s ability to give voice to members of middle class families on the small screen endeared him to the public.
Senanayake was born in 1944 in a village close to Awissawella. He began his schooling in the village school and later moved to two other schools and graduated in Arts from the Vidyodaya University (University of Sri Jayewardenepura).
He pursued a career in writing and worked at the Lake House editorial desk as a feature writer. He credited the honing of his skills as a writer to his stint at Lake House which gave him the opportunity to associate with the literati and learn from them.
His works included over 17 novels, 10 children’s stories and topics ranging from Buddhism to social issues.
He is survived by his wife, two children and four grandchildren.