Jayalth Manoratne's funeral on Wednesday

The funeral of veteran dramatist, actor and lecturer Dr Jayalth Manoratne will take place on Wednesday at the Boralesgamuwa public cemetery.

He passed away at the age of 71 on Sunday.

Hailing from the village of Dehipe, of the Nuwara Eliya district he commenced his actiting when he was a school student. 

He was the  youngest son in the family of six children and started his schooling at the Dehipe Primary School and later moved on to Poramadulla Central College. 

His music teacher, Sunil Sriyananda encouraged him to take part in singing competitions and drama activities. 

He was able to study further under Prof Ediriweera Sarathchandra and later went on to complete is Master's degree from the Sri Jayewardenapura University followed by a Phd in 2013. He also received a Honorary doctorate from the University of Peradeniya.

Under Prof Sarathchandra's guidance he commenced his acting career by taking part in the play Premato Jayati Soko and went on to act in more than 80 plays while directing his own plays.

He also took acted in films and Teledrams in addition to lecturing on drama and arts.

He leaves behind his wife Thamara Jayanthi and daughter Indiwari and son Banuka.