Quick Facts
Biography
Jayakodige Dona Geetha Kanthi (born November 28, 1957 as ගීතා කාන්ති ජයකොඩි) [Sinhala]), popularly as Geetha Kanthi Jayakody, is an award-winning actress in Sri Lankan cinema. theater and television. Highly versatile actress with a career spanning more than 30 years, she is also a renowned dubbing artist.
Personal life
Geetha Kanthi Jayakody was born on 28 November 1957 as the second of the family. Her father is an Ayurvedic doctor. She completed education from Siddhartha Maha Vidyalaya, Wellampitiya. She has one older brother, one younger brother, Piyal and two younger sisters - Sriyani and Rathna Lalani. Rathna Lalani is also a renowned award-winning actress in Sri Lankan cinema, theater and television. Rathna Lalani is married to fellow actor Sampath Tennakoon. Popular actor Bimal Jayakody is the son of Geetha's older brother. Bimal is married to fellow actress Sujani Menaka.
Jayakody has one daughter - Paboda Sanedepani. She is also a popular award-winning actress. When Paboda was just five years old, they both acted in the teledrama Yashorawaya. Then they acted together in teledrama Bopath Sakkiya. After 31 years, they acted together in the upcoming film Sri Saddha.
Career
Before starting acting career, Jayakody joined with Sri Lanka Broadcasting Coorporation for Lama Pitiya program. At about 21 years, she performed Abika Geethayen Geethaya program as a radio relief announcer. While at the Lamapitiya, she played as Catherine Kumari in Bandula Withanage's drama Lanka Kathawa. Her first acting came through stage drama Kelani Palama as a school girl Surangani. Later, she joined the play Veniciye Welenda for a brief period. At the age about 18 years, she played the role village girl in television play Hath Pana.
Her maiden television direction came through Ashirwada which was telecasted on Esala Poya Day through TV Derana in 2012.
Selected television serials
- Adarawanthayo
- Ahasin Watuna Gahaniyak
- Bath Amma
- Bopath Sakkiya
- Dawena Maw
- Doratu Rakinno
- Gal Pilimaya Saha Bol Pilimaya
- Hansa Pihatu
- Hima Piyali
- Indrachapa
- Kemmura
- Kiriammawaru
- Laabai Apple
- Mathaka Sulanga
- Mayavi
- Mayura Asapuwa
- Meda Gedara
- Miringuwen Eha
- Nil Nethu
- Pem Piyawara
- Passe Gena Manamali
- Pingala Danawwa
- Podi Mama
- Ran Doratuwa
- Raja Bhavana
- Sakwa Lihiniyo
- Sausiri Uyana
- Sepalika
- Siri Sirimal
- Sneha
- Thunpath Ratawaka Lassana
- Visula Ahasa Yata
- Yashorawaya
Selected stage dramas
- Kelani Palama
- Ahasin Watunu Minissu
- Mala Walalu
Filmography
Her maiden cinematic experience came through a main role in 1982 film Ridee Nimnaya, directed by D.B. Nihalsinghe, which earned nominations for the Best actress in that year. Some of her popular films are Ridee Nimnaya, Parawarthana and Gamani.
| Year | Film | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Ridee Nimnaya | Nandawathie | |
| 1986 | Pooja | Vasanthi | |
| 1989 | Okkoma Rajawaru | ||
| 1990 | Hondin Naththam Narakin | ||
| 1990 | Pem Rajadahana | ||
| 1990 | Chandi Raja | ||
| 1993 | Sandarekha | ||
| 1997 | Ninja Sri Lanka | ||
| 1998 | Dorakada Marawa | Subha's sister | |
| 2000 | Sanda Yahanata | ||
| 2003 | Sudu Kaluwara | Lami | |
| 2008 | Adara Meena | ||
| 2011 | Gamani | Sudha's mother | |
| 2014 | Parawarthana | Vimalawathi | |
| 2015 | Maharaja Ajasath | Punna | |
| 2015 | Ho Gaana Pokuna | ||
| 2016 | Hath Pana | Mother (Home movie) | |
| 2019 | Sama Kumaru Kathawa |
Awards and accolades
She has won several awards at the local stage drama festivals and television festivals.
Sumathi Awards
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Kemmura | Best Supporting Actress | Won |