Quick Facts
Biography
Saumya Liyanage (සෞම්ය ලියනගේ) [Sinhala]) is an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television. He is a senior lecturer and currently the Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies in University of the Visual and Performing Arts by profession. Highly versatile actor mainly involved in dramatic roles, Saumya is the son of veteran dramatist Hemasiri Liyanage and brother of musician Indrachapa Liyanage.
Personal life
Liyanage completed his bachelor's degree of arts (BA) from University of Kelaniya and then master's degree in Creative Arts from Flinders University, South Australia. He completed Phd. from La Trobe University, Melbourne in Drama Program under the guidance of Dr. Rob Conkie.
Theater work
He started stage work early 1990s when he is an undergraduate at the Kelaniya University. After that, he became a continues leading actor in stage drama.
Selected theater works
- Clouds Nine (1994) Produced by the Department of English, University of Kelaniya
- N’Kruma Ni Africa Ni (1995)
- Kontharaththuwa (2005)
- Hansaintath Man Asai (1996)
- Daru Prashne Puthra Prashne (1997)
- Gabsawa (1998)
- Last Bus Eke Kathawa (1999)
- Mata Wedi Thiyan Nedda? (1999)
- Dawasa Thama Gewne Ne (1999)
- Mata Erehiwa Mama (2001)
- Closer (2001) (An Original Play by Patrick Maber) - Performed at the Flinders University, South Australia
- Horu Samaga Heluwen (2005)
- Weeraya Merila (2006)
- Apasu Herenna Be (2008)
- Colombo Colombo (2008)
- The Irresistible Rise of Mr. Signno (2016)
Television
His maiden television acting came through the drama Sittara Gurunnanse in 1992. He acted handful of television dramas and particularly rejecting soap operas and mega teledramas.
Selected serials
- Sittara Gurunnanse (1992)
- Kalpanthayak (1993)
- Ramya Nagaraya (1995)
- Bambara Sakmana (1995)
- Manasthapaya (1996)
- Itipahan (1996)
- Imadiya Mankada (1997)
- Nikini Paluwa (1999)
- Mangalam (2001)
- Apparitions (2006)
- Diul Gase Kola Sulange Wisira Yathi (2007)
Author work
- Meditations On Acting.
Awards and accolades
He has won several awards at the state theater festivals and local film festivals.
Sarasaviya Awards
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Aganthukaya | Best Actor | Won |
| 2008 | Walapatala | Best Supporting Actor | Won |
| 2017 | Nimnayaka Hudekalawa | Best Actor | Won |
ADSA Awards
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | ‘My body taught me how to act – towards an epistemology of actor learning and apprenticeship | Best Paper | Won |
22nd Bunka Awards
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Drama/Acting | Creative activities in culture and arts | Won |