He has created a celebrity-line of actors on stage who has followed in his footsteps and are at the top in both contemporary teledramas and films. He created an image in society through his portrayal of 'Sudu Seeya', the isolated intellect in 'Doo Daruwo'. As a gesture of gratitude for that long and tedious walk through the passage of performing arts besides his contribution towards literature, theatre production and song writing, actor Henry Jayasena will be honoured by Nalanda College Colombo this evening by presenting him with the 'Nalanda Keerthi Shri'.
In 1962 with his marriage to Manel Ilangakoon, better known today as Manel Jayasena who plays all those heart warming characters on television.
Though they created a sensation together through 'Chalk Circle' (yet not playing lovers or partners in it), they have actually never been cast opposite each other on a regular basis but it is interesting to note how they have emerged as strong performers in their own right.
It is a pleasure to watch these artistes at work even apart, as one can feel the deep concentration and commitment that goes into the characters that they portray. The 'Nalanda Keerthi Shri' award which is being given for the first time is a timely gesture towards honouring one of Sri Lanka's prodigal sons who incidentally happens to be an old Nalandian himself.
It was under the guidance of his teacher U.A.S. Perera at Nalanda College that Jayasena and many other students made their way into theatre and the other field of arts. It is also interesting to note that the actor will receive his award at the 'Malalasekara Hall' of the school, named after the first Principal of the Nalanda College Professor Gunapala Mallalasekara, who incidentally predicted Jayasena's successful career in the arts by watching him take part in school plays. The Media Secretary to the Organising Committee of the this award (Nalanda Keerthi Shri) said that the idea behind this award is to honour their past pupils that has emerged as personalities in society, by serving it and nourishing it with their many talents.
They hope to present this award annually, "we are privileged to have someone of Henry Jayasena's calibre, who is an artist of many talents receive the very first award of the series" he concluded.
