Freddie Silva

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Sri Lankan actor and singer

title: "Freddie Silva" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["1938-births", "2001-deaths", "20th-century-sri-lankan-male-singers", "people-from-moratuwa", "sri-lankan-roman-catholics", "sri-lankan-male-film-actors", "sinhalese-singers"] description: "Sri Lankan actor and singer" topic_path: "arts" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddie_Silva" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Sri Lankan actor and singer ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox person"]

FieldValue
nameFreddie Silva
ෆ්‍රෙඩී සිල්වා.
birth_nameHaupe Liyanage Athukorala Morris Joseph Ranabahu
other_namesFreddie Silva
imageFreddie_Silva_a_Sri_Lankan_Comedian.jpg
birth_date
birth_placePuwakaramba, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
death_date
death_placeSiddamulla, Piliyandala, Sri Lanka
resting_place_coordinates
nationalitySri Lankan
occupationActor, Playback Singer
years_active1963-2001
spouse{{Plainlist
* {{MarriageKamala Swarnalatha Perera
* {{MarriageSrimathi Chitra Ranjini Herath
partnerManel Chandralatha
childrenJanesh Silva (Deceased)
Chandani Silva
Shashi Praba Subashini
Prageeth Madushanka Silva
signatureSignature of Freddie Silva.svg
::

| name = Freddie Silva ෆ්‍රෙඩී සිල්වා. | birth_name = Haupe Liyanage Athukorala Morris Joseph Ranabahu | other_names = Freddie Silva | image = Freddie_Silva_a_Sri_Lankan_Comedian.jpg | birth_date = | alt = | caption = | birth_place = Puwakaramba, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka | death_date = | death_place = Siddamulla, Piliyandala, Sri Lanka | death_cause = | resting_place = | resting_place_coordinates = | nationality = Sri Lankan | education = | occupation = Actor, Playback Singer | years_active = 1963-2001 | party = | spouse = {{Plainlist|

| partner = Manel Chandralatha | children = Janesh Silva (Deceased) Chandani Silva Shashi Praba Subashini Prageeth Madushanka Silva | awards = | signature = Signature of Freddie Silva.svg | website = | footnotes =

Haupe Liyanage Athukorala Morris Joseph Ranabahu, (born 18 May 1938 – died 29 October 2001: ), popularly as Freddie Silva, was a Sri Lankan film actor, and playback singer, who appeared from 1963 until 2001. Freddie was known for being one of the most popular Sri Lankan comedians of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. He appeared in over 400 films and Produced 2 films, of which 300 were screened at the celebration of fifty years in Sinhala Cinema.

Early life

Silva was born on 18 May 1938 in Puvakaramba, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka as the only child of the family. Silva's father was an overseer for the Moratuwa Urban Council and his mother was a member of Salvation Army. Growing up he was fascinated with singing and dancing. St. Sebastian's College, Moratuwa was his Alma mater.

Music career

In the 1950s Silva performed the Alanson Mendis composition "Bar Bar Bar" in front of Sir John Kotelawala and was warmly received. He used this opportunity to get a letter of recommendation from Kotelawala which he presented to Livy Wijemanne of Radio Ceylon to secure a job as a radio artist.

Silva's first recording was "Mottapala." He followed the song with "Bar Bar Bar" now updated with music by P. L. A. Somapala. It was a success. Subsequent efforts teamed Silva with the late Premakirthi de Alwis. Their work include comedic songs like "Aron Mama", "Pankiritta", "Nedeyo", "Handa Mama", "Kekille Rajjuruwo" and "Parana Coat" (from Lokuma Hinawa). Silva's crowning achievement is considered the tune "Kundumani."

Acting career

Silva got his first screen role through a chance meeting with K. A. W. Perera in 1963. At that time he was living with H. R. Jothipala and Roy de Silva and frequented parties as a guest entertainer. Perera cast Silva in Suhada Sohoyuro alongside L. S. Ramachandran and Vijitha Mallika. He appeared at a dance on the beach singing "Diya Rella Werale Hapi Hapi" with Pushparani and went on to be cast in mainly comedic roles.

The serious side of Silva was seen in Sekaya (1965), Lasanda (1974) and Sukiri kella (1975). In the 1975 film he played a mentally handicapped character and in preparation for the role lived with a real handicapped boy in Koralawella.

By the 1980s, producers were reluctant to make a film without Silva fearing that the movie would flop. He was then living an extravagant life and saved little. In 1989 Silva was awarded the Ranathisara award by leading film weekly Sarasaviya. A turning moment came when his friend Vijaya Kumaratunga (who he appeared alongside in ten films the last being Yukthiyada Shakthiyada) was murdered. He cites this event as leading to the downfall of cinema. Still Silva stayed busy appearing in 15 of the 26 films made in 1992.

Personal life

Freddie Silva was a father of four children from his two marriages to Kamala Swarnalatha Perera and Chithra Herath. His first son Janesh Silva was also an actor and a singer. Freddie's first marriage daughter Chandani Silva is a singer and actress.

Janesh Silva was born on 26 January 1962 and attended to Carey College for studies. He was married to Hemamala and they have one son Janith Silva. Janesh died on June 10, 2012, while he was taking medical treatment for cancer. Janesh Silva is known as a comedian that acted in 10+ films.

Freddie Silva died on 29 October 2001 in Siddamulla at the age of 63.

Filmography

::data[format=table]

YearFilmRole
1963Suhada Sohoyuro
1965Sepatha Soya
1966Seethala Wathura
1966Mahadena Muththa
1969Paara Walalu
1970Ohoma Hodada
1971Samanala Kumariyo samaga Api Kawadath Soorayo
1972Sujeewa
1973Haddinnath TharuAsoka's friend
1973SunethraGeetharatne
1973Dahakin Ekak
1973Hondata HondaiKomalawathie
1974LasandaVijay
1974Duleeka
1974Kasthuri SuwandaKamal's friend
1974Dinum Kanuwa
1974SheelaPoster affixer / Guru
1974Sihasuna
1974Shanthi
1974Jeewana Ganga
1974Unnath Daahai Malath Daahai
1975Obai MamaiSirisena
1975Sukiri KellaPushpananda / Robert Louis Nanapala
1975Sadhana
1975Mage Nandi Shyama
1976Hariyata HariChauffeur 'Somapala'
1976Rajagedara Paraviyo
1976Kolamba SanniyaTarzan
1976Haaratha Hathara
1976Aasha
1976WasanaMartin
1976Ran Thilakaa
1976Kauda RajaPeacock Dancer ("Dine Lanka")
1976Adarei Man Adarei
1977Maruwan Samaga WaaseMudalali store frequenter
1977Tom Pachayaa
1977Hithuwakkarayo
1977Siri Madaara
1977Hariyanakota Ohoma Thamai
1977Niluka
1977Chin Chin Nona
1977Saja
1977Sithaka SuwandaTintin
1978Sasara
1978MaduwanthiFreddie
1978Siripathula
1978Apsara
1978Deepanjali
1979Samanmalee
1979Minisun Athara Minisek
1979Muwan PelessaPina
1979Rose Mal ThunakFlutist
1979Akke Mata Awasara
1979Subhani
1979Nuwan RenuPabilis
1979Wisihathara Peya
1979Hari Pudumai
1980Silva
1980Muwan Pelessa 2Pina
1980Adara RathneStudent leader
1981Kolam KarayoAhanga Lal Sulojana
1981GeethikaSilva 'Mahathaya'
1981Anjaana
1981Ek Dawasak RaPhotographer
1981Amme Mata SamawennaFreddie
1982Miss Mallika 1982
1982Wathura KaraththayaReporter
1982Kadawunu Poronduwa remakeSewaris 'Unnah'
1983Sumithuro
1983Chandi Siriya
1983Sister MaryFriend
1983Hasthi ViyaruwaVelu
1984Ara SoyzaSoyza
1984Thaththai PuthaiSilva
1984Kakiley RajjuruwoAndare
1985Araliya MalBandara
1986DinumaUstad
1986Mal VarusaLona
1987Yugayen Yugayata
1987Thaththi Man Adarei
1987Yukthiyada Shakthiyada
1987Raja WedakarayoUpul 'Music Master'
1987Ran Dam Wel
1987Obatai Priye Adare
1987Ahinsa
1987Hitha Honda ChandiyaSerpino
1988Newa Gilunath BandchunGira
1988Rasa RahasakSena
1988Gedara Budun AmmaMinister
1988Amme Oba Nisa
1988Angulimaala
1988Durga
1988Satana
1988Newatha Api Ekwemu
1988Chandingeth Chandiya
1989Badulu Kochchiya
1989Mamai RajaRanjith's Advisor's son
1989Nommara 17Potato 'Nommara 13'
1989Obata Rahasak Kiyannam
1989Randenigala SinhayaSunny 'Aiyya'
1990Sambudu Mahima
1990Dese Mal Pipila
1990Thanha AashaAmadoru
1990Dedunnen Samanaliyak
1990Walavuve Haamu
1990Pem Raja DahanaGuru
1991Uthura DakunaAlwis
1991Paaraadeesaya
1991Bambara Kalape
1991Love In BangkokJackie
1991Cheriyo DoctorDoctor Koko
1992Sathya
1992Jaya Siri We Kumariya
1992Kadiraa
1992Kiyala Wadak NaJackie
1992Malsara DoniPPL Perera
1992Okkoma KanapitaDon Juan alias Ali baba
1992Sinhayageth SinhayaSergeant Jayapala
1993Jooriya Mamai
1993Sarjant Nallathambi
1993Surayan Athara VeerayaSunil
1993Sura Veera ChandiyoCID Silva
1993PrathignaSena
1993Mewila Penevi Roope
1994Okkoma HodataiBandara Silva alias Himself
1994Raja Wansen EkekSunny
1994Vijaya GeethaDougie "Payan' Jayasuriya
1995Inspector Geetha
1995Pudumai Eth Aththai
1995Vairayen Vairaya
1995Cheriyo CaptainPing Pong
1996Sura Daruwo
1996ManamohiniDougie
1996Sihina Vimane Rajakumari
1996Cheriyo DarlingDoctor Coco
1997Raagaye Unusuma
1997Soorayo Wedakaarayo
1999KolompoorFreddie
2001Jolly HalloFather
2001Oba Koheda PriyeDulcy
2001Pissu PusoPachavansa
2002Parliament JokesPolitician
2002Pissu DoubleGajadeva
2003Vala In LondonCharlie
2006Supiri BalawathaFreddie
::

As producer

::data[format=table]

YearFilmDirector
1994Okkoma Hodatai
::

Songs

  • Aachchi Podi Wedawarjanayak
  • Aappa Weladaamey Umba - with Kalawathee
  • Aaraadhitha Amuththek (Vikata Rasaanga) - with Gemunu Wijesuriya
  • Aaron Maama
  • Aaronge Malli Baaron
  • Aawaa Mey Mama - with Anjaleen Gunathilake
  • Ahanna Balanna
  • Aladinge Puduma Pahana - with Nihal Nelson
  • Allapu Gedarin
  • Aluth Kathawak
  • Aluth Kalaawak
  • Amuthu Adum ada
  • Anangaya Anangaya - with Anjaleen Gunathilake
  • Amuthu Sathaa
  • Andare
  • Andare Mehe Waren - with Desmond De Silva
  • Anna Hande Haawa
  • Api Kaatada Baya - with H.R. Jothipala
  • Arabiye Thele
  • Arulu Burulu
  • Ata Sakilla Waage
  • Athaka Selawena
  • Athadunna Hithawanthi
  • Aththa Yukthiyata
  • Au Au Au Au Mage Sawarina
  • Ayiya Saami - with Kalawathee
  • Baanumathi
  • Bachna Bachana
  • Balla Balla
  • Ballan Biruwata
  • Ballata Ethiwedakuthne
  • Bam Manna
  • Bar Eken Beela
  • Bara Karaththe
  • Batakola Wattiyakata - with Kalawathiee
  • Beela Beela
  • Blade Thaley
  • Bombay Sundaree
  • Bola Kadala Seeni Kadala - with Kalawathee
  • Boru Manasgaatha Noweyi
  • Bulath Wadiyak
  • Buruthu Buruthu Mal
  • Buuru Naamba
  • Chandrase Kelum
  • Cheriyo Kiyala Me - with Gration Ananda
  • Cheene Indalaa Aawe - with Kalawathee
  • Chi Chi Chi
  • *Chimpanci Putha *
  • Chin Chin Nona - with H. R. Jothipala and Milton Perera
  • Dannawu Rata Pawathenna Wu
  • Dawasak Daa Kakuluwekuta
  • Deweta Dige Man Awa
  • Dil Thadap Thadap (Illagena Kana Parippu)
  • Diya Yata Wiskam
  • Duka Wanasana Sepa - with Milton Mallawarachchi and M. S. Fernando
  • Ekamath Eka Rataka Ea Kale
  • Enakota Enawa Hina Wevi (Nadayo)
  • Enna Enna Wadiwenna
  • Gaha Kola Mal - with H.R Jothipala
  • Gaja Labai Nona Mahathune (Pacha)
  • Galkisse Muhudu Werale
  • Galu Muwadora Pitiye (Dahas Gananakin)
  • Ganu Parane Mawwe Deyyo
  • Gigiri Jagari Handawana
  • Giri Goris
  • Handa Mama Udin
  • Indi Gaha Yata Wadiwela
  • Ipadunu Rata Daya
  • Irida Pole Domba Gaha Yata
  • Jack Saha Jil
  • ''Kamatha Gawa''' - with Nirosha Virajini
  • Kaputulanthe Wasiyo
  • Kawadawath Na Mehema Deyak
  • Kawuda Gona (Oon Maru Hathara Hina)
  • Kawuda Me Ane - with Kalawathee
  • Kewilige Patiya (Kaputige Kooduwe)
  • Lagadi Papai Nondi Jimai
  • Lokaya Namathi Game
  • Maduruwathi (Keen Koon Hangi Hangi)
  • Maha Kaleka Benayaka (Naga Rajaya)
  • Maha Kelaye Nuga Sewane (Bakamuna)
  • Mamai Motta Pala
  • Mame Me Bakamuna - with H.R Jothipala
  • Mangala Athupita Sarasi
  • Mayam Mawala Pala
  • Me Danno Danithi
  • Mini Gejji Handana
  • My Name Is Saiman Silva
  • Naga Rajaya (Maha Kalayaka Benayaka)
  • Nandamma Na Nedo - with Srilal Abeykoon
  • Nikamma Inna Wadata Adanna (Pin Batha)
  • Nitharama Biruwata Ballek
  • Oba Raja Weela - with Kalawathee
  • Onna Babo Billo Enawa
  • Or Mister
  • Pana Palayan Labana Sumane
  • Pankiriththa
  • Parana Coat
  • Parawiya Wage Raja Malige
  • Pata Sarungal Wagei - with Vijaya Kumaranatunga
  • Princy Darling My Sweety
  • Raigamayanani Gampolayanani
  • Raja Umbane Gona
  • Rakinna Kiyala Aran Thibba
  • Ran Thatiyaka Kiri Pani Purawala
  • Rupiyal Lakshayak Thagi
  • Salli Labenakota
  • Sando Gundo (Kalayakin Nowa Munagahune)
  • Sopinath Ekka Man
  • Surangani Surangani
  • Thamath Innawa (Vijaya Kuwenila)
  • Thangamani - with Kalawathee
  • Thea Kude Pite Badan
  • Tikiri Kirilliyo
  • Topsina Premi Mage
  • Upan Dine Langa Ena Hinda
  • Vikara Loke Loka Vikare
  • Wadath Agei Hadath Penei - with Gration Ananda
  • Weda Mahaththaya
  • Wella Simbimin Rali Perale
  • Yakada Kate - with Anjaleen Gunathilaka
  • Yantham Athi
  • Yantham English Dana Gaththa

References

References

  1. "Its 10 years after Freddie left us". Sarasaviya.
  2. "Comedians of Sinhala Cinema". Sarasaviya.
  3. "Freddie Silva filmography". Rate Your Music.
  4. (2016). "National Film Corporation of Sr Lanka about Freddie Silva". NFC Sri Lanka.
  5. (2002). "Freddie Silva: He took our breath away and we did not care". Info Lanka.
  6. "Cancer risk factors and behaviour of artistes".
  7. "Dear Janesh, come back". Sarasaviya.
  8. "Ceylon Today | Actor Janesh Silva no more".
  9. "All about Sujeewa". Sarasaviya.
  10. "All about the film "Duleeka"". Sarasaviya.
  11. "All about the film "Kasthuri Suwanda"".
  12. "All about the film "Kawuda Raja"".
  13. "Chin Chin Nona, who came before Tom Pachaya".
  14. "All about the film "Anjana"".
  15. "Cheriyo Darling - චෙරියෝ ඩාලින්". Sinhala Cinema Database.
  16. "'Oba Koheda Priye': Story of deceit and intrigue". Sunday Times.
  17. ""Pissu Puso" : Local version of 'Crazy Boys'". Sunday Times.

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1938-births2001-deaths20th-century-sri-lankan-male-singerspeople-from-moratuwasri-lankan-roman-catholicssri-lankan-male-film-actorssinhalese-singers