Kala Bhushana Susila Kuragama (සුසිලා කූරගම, [Sinhala]; 14 October 1943 – 1 February 2016), was an actress in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television.[1] She became very popular with the role "Ensina" she played in the television serial Kopi Kade.[2]

Susila Kuragama
සුසිලා කූරගම
Born(1943-10-14)October 14, 1943
DiedFebruary 1, 2016(2016-02-01) (aged 72)
NationalitySri Lankan
Other namesEnsina
EducationSri Parakramabahu College, Narahenpita
Occupation(s)Actress, Dramatist
Years active1950–2016
SpouseM. P. Gnanatilake
Children4

Personal life

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She was born on 14 October 1943 in Thimbirigasyaya, Narahenpita, Colombo.[3] She completed education from Sri Parakramabahu College, Narahenpita.[4]

Shee was married to M. P. Gunathilake, a retired police constable.[5][6] The couple has 4 children.[7][4]

She had been seriously ill for some time and had been receiving treatment at the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital since 22 January 2016.[5] Kuragama died on 1 February 2016 at the age of 72 while receiving treatment at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital.[3][8] The funeral took place on 3 February 2016 at the Colombo cemetery.[9]

Career

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She started acting at the age of 7 in several Nadagam and Noorthi dramas. She made first stage drama appearance with the play Sakkara Wattan produced by GDL Perera.[1] Then she acted in the stage dramas Natabun, Manape, Avanhala, Elara Dutugemunu, Hemamali and Saradiel.[3][9][4]

Kuragama made her maiden cinema appearance with the 1978 film Deepanjali directed by Dharma Sri Caldera.[10] Since then, she has acted in many comedic supportive roles in the commercial films such as Muwan Pelessa, Ajasaththa, Gimhane Gee Nade, Vijay Saja Ajay, Naralowa Holman and Juriya Mamai.[4] She has been involved in theater, drama, theater and film production, acting and drama.[5] She produced the stage plays Sarapinage Walawwa, Silin Bilin, Sathmuthu, Diyasena, Upadinna Sakunthala and Rodi Kella.[11]

In 1981, Kuragama was selected to the television serial Kopi Kade by Thevis Guruge.[12] Her role as "Ensina" became highly popularized among the public and she was usually known by his character name rather than real name.[5] She appeared in the series from the beginning which first aired on 1 April 1987.[13]

She sang duet songs with fellow actor Chandrasiri Kodithuwakku such as Lanka Lanka, Oba Dakkoth Hari, Lassana Sande and Esuru Kala Kalaye.[14] She also held the one-man concert "Ensinage Sapirina".[9][4]

Filmography

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Year Film Role Ref.
1978 Deepanjali
1979 Muwan Palessa Vadhi dance watcher
1979 Visihathara Peya
1980 Raktha
1981 Ajasaththa
1986 Gimhane Gee Nade Agnes
1987 Hitha Honda Chandiya
1988 Ko Hathuro
1990 Madhu Sihina
1990 Chandi Raja
1990 Hitha Honda Puthek
1991 Suwandena Suwandak
1992 Ranabime Veeraya
1992 Salli Thibunata Madi
1992 Bajar Eke Chandiya
1992 Rajek Wage Puthek
1993 Bambasara Bisaw
1993 Juriya Mamai Ensina
1995 Wasana Wewa
1995 Vijay Saha Ajay Lucy
1995 Rodaya
1995 Deviyani Sathya Surakinna Minister's wife
1995 Demodara Palama Rosilin
1995 Chandiyage Putha Chutti
1996 Naralowa Holman Komarika's mother
1996 Hitha Hondanam Waradin Na
1996 Mal Hathai
1996 Cheriyo Darling Nurse
1999 Anduru Sevaneli
2000 Thisaravi
2006 Rana Hansi
2007 Hai Master
2010 Thank You Berty Kuri
TBD Adda Lanuwa Damma Kodiya

References

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  1. ^ a b "Susila Kuragama filmography". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  2. ^ "Kopi Kade Ensina is on its way". News First. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  3. ^ a b c "Susila Kuragama passes away". Hiru FM. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Ensina left Kopi Kade without telling anyone". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d "Ensina says goodbye". Dinamina. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  6. ^ "Ensina of 'Kopi Kade' fame dies". Daily News. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  7. ^ "Susila to retire from theater forever". lankatruth. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  8. ^ "Susila to retire from theater forever". lankatruth. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  9. ^ a b c "Susila Kuragama died". Divaina. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  10. ^ "Susila Kuragama films". News First. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  11. ^ "Susila Kuragama intensive care unit". srilankamirror. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  12. ^ "Those who have left us from Kopi Kade". lifie. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  13. ^ "Kopi Kade". Sunday Times. Retrieved 2010-08-14.
  14. ^ "Abilin Uncle bids farewell". Divaina. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
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