{{short description|Sri Lankan actor and director}} {{Infobox person | name = Daya Alwis | native_name = දයා අල්විස් | other_names = | image = | alt = | caption = | birth_date = {{Birth date|1942|11|7|mf=yes}} | birth_name = Thuiappuarachchi Don Daya de Alwis | birth_place = Induruwagoda, Payagala, Sri Lanka | death_date = {{death date and age|2015|4|27|1942|11|7|mf=yes}} | death_place = Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital, Colombo | resting_place_coordinates = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LONG|display=inline,title}} --> | education = Kalutara Vidyalaya | years_active = 1976–2014 | party = | spouse = Yamuna Dayangani (m. 1978) | children = 2 | awards = | signature = | website = | occupation = Actor, Dramatist }}
'''Thuiappuarachchi Don Daya de Alwis''' (born 7 November 1942 – died 27 April 2015 as දයා අල්විස්) [Sinhala]), popularly known as '''Daya Alwis''', was an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://rateyourmusic.com/films/daya_alwis/ | title=Daya Alwis bio | publisher=Rate your music | access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref>{{deprecated source|certain=y|date=November 2024}} He was also a screenwriter and director. He directed about six teledramas. He was the first person in Sri Lanka to receive an award covering all three areas - stage drama, cinema and teledrama.<ref name=dayalegacy>{{cite web | url=https://www.infolanka.com/org/diary/135.html | title=Face2Face with Daya Alwis | publisher=Infolanka | access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref>
He died on 27 April 2015 at the age of 72, while receiving treatment at a hospital after an accident a week earlier.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.asianmirror.lk/news/item/8424-popular-actor-daya-alwis-passes-away | title=Popular Actor Daya Alwis Passes Away | publisher=Asian Mirror | access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Popular actor Daya Alwis passes away |url=https://hirunews.lk/english/108358/popular-actor-daya-alwis-passes-away |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=Hiru News |language=en}}</ref>
==Personal life== Daya Alwis was born on 7 November 1942 in Payagala as the fourth son of the family with seven siblings.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ekatakatha2.blogspot.com/2011_02_13_archive.html | title=Daya Alwis Remember His Past| publisher=ekatakatha2| access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref> He completed his education from Kalutara Vidyalaya.<ref name=alwis>{{cite web | url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2015/04/27/renowned-actor-daya-alwis-passes-away/ | title=Renowned actor Daya Alwis passes away| publisher=News First| access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref> In 1956 at the age of 14, he sang the song ''Laa Dalu Wanamal''. After finishing Bhathkande degree, he joined Tholangamuwa Central College as a music teacher. He made his first drama, ''Girikuta'', at the school.<ref name=dayamemory>{{cite web | url=https://archives.sarasaviya.lk/2015/04/30/?fn=sa1504304 | title=Thank You Daya Alwis | publisher=News First| access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref>
He was married to Yamuna Dayangani and they had two sons - Sarangadeva and Sapumal Bandara.<ref name=dayamemory />
==Acting career== Before entering acting, Alwis traveled to India in 1964 to study music in Bhatkhande Music Institute Deemed University and worked as a sound mixer for on stage events. In 1966, he produced his first film.<ref name=alwis /> He started his acting career with stage dramas, ''Depano'', ''Modara Mola'', ''Ekadhipathi'', ''Kaluware Jaramare'', ''Ran Kanda'',<ref name=dayamemory /> such as Sarathchandra's ''Premathi Jayathi Soko'' and ''Kalu Walalu'', Gunasena Galapththi's ''Muhudu Puttu'', Henry Jayasena's ''Makarã Saha Gamanak'', Dharmasiri Bandara's ''Kakarasaya'', ''Dawala Beehishana'', Somalatha Subasinghe's ''Vikurthi'' and Jayantha Chandrasiri's ''Môra''. His own production ''Dalpadadu'' was shown on 6 and 13 October in Sweden and again in October at Harrow and later at the University of London, Westminster. His stage drama ''Parasthawa'' also played in London and Birmingham. Some of the stage dramas he directed include ''Aganthukayo'' and ''K Sara''.<ref name=dayamemory /> He is the screenplay writer and assistant director for the film ''Sinhabahu''.
==Television career== Alwis is one of the earliest pillars of Sinhala teledrama history. He made history as the first person who wrote and acted in the first drama, ''La Hiru Dahasak'', broadcast on Sri Lankan television. He also wrote screenplay for the dramas ''Awarjanaa'', ''Punarawarthana'' and ''Bodima''. His maiden teledrama direction came through ''Chandra Yamaya''.<ref name=dayamemory /> He acted in the critically acclaimed serial ''Weda Hamine'' and then in ''Chandrayamaya''.<ref name=alwis /> His most popular television acting came through the ''Bodima'' and ''Paba'' television serials. He also starred in ''Ira Bata Taruwa'', the first Sri Lankan teledrama filmed in London. In 2001, he directed the serial ''Awasan Horawa'', telecast on ITN channel every Friday at 7.30 p.m. from January 5.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/010107/tv.html | title=Awasan Horawa': a skilful adaptation| publisher=Sunday Times| access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref>
=== Selected Television serials=== {{Div col|colwidth=25em}} * ''Awarjanaa'' * ''Awasan Horawa'' * ''Bhagya''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.toranavideo.com/product/bhagya/ | title=Bhagya Tele-Drama| publisher=Torana Video| access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref> * ''Bodima''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.toranavideo.com/product/bodima/| title=Bodima Tele-Drama| publisher=Torana Video| access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref> * ''Chandrayamaya'' * ''Gal Pilimaya Saha Bol Pilimaya'' * ''Ganga ha Nissanka'' * ''Hikmiya'' * ''Hiruta Muwawen''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://microsola.com/torana/tele-drama/hiruta-muwaven-detail | title=Hiruta Muwaven Tele-Drama| publisher=Torana Video| access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref> * ''Ira Batu Tharuwa''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/000514/tv.html | title="Ira Bata Tharuwa":A mother in search of the daughter| publisher=Sunday Times| access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/990516/mirror5.html | title='Irabata Taruwa': special screening in London|newspaper=Sunday Times|access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref> * ''Kokila Wilapaya'' * ''Kota Uda Mandira'' * ''La Hiru Dahasak'' * ''Makara Vijithaya''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/990124/mirror5.html | title=Makara Vijithaya has unusual plot | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=15 August 2019}}</ref> * ''Manmulawu Mama''<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/080706/TV/tvtimes0010.html | title=Mohan tackles a rare theme in 'Manmulawu Mama'|newspaper=Sunday Times |access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref> * ''Nirsathwayo''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.pressreader.com/sri-lanka/daily-mirror-sri-lanka/20130304/283480728595772 | title=Nirsathwayo comes ever Sunday| newspaper=Daily Mirror|access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref> * ''Niwataya'' * ''Paba'' * ''Parasathu Malak''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/990613/mirror5.html |title='Parasathu Malak':bloom of sweet love |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=26 September 2019}}</ref> * ''Pathok Palama''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/030420/tv/2.html#2 | title='Patok Palama':Old theme on a new time belt | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=29 November 2019}}</ref> * ''Pinsara Dosthara''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110320/Magazine/sundaytimestvtimes_6.html | title=Pinsara Dosthara: A Doctor in Double Act| publisher=Sunday Times| access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref> * ''Pitagamkarayo'' * ''Punarawarthana'' * ''Ranthaliya Walawwa'' * ''Samanala Gamanak'' <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/031005/tv/8.htm | title=GDL Perera back to his love | publisher=Sunday Times| access-date=23 September 2019}}</ref> * ''Sandagalathenna'' <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/070422/TV/007tv.html |title=Sandagalatenna highlights the power of indigenous medicine |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=10 December 2019}}</ref> * ''Sathya''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boodeekeerthisena.com/tv_series/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140127135422/http://www.boodeekeerthisena.com/tv_series/ | url-status=usurped | archive-date=January 27, 2014 | title=Sathya| publisher=boodeekeerthisena.com| access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref> * ''Sathyaya'' <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/031221/tv/15.htm |title='Sathyaya': Out to thrill |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=11 September 2019}}</ref> * ''Siri Sirimal''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://vodtv.vhx.tv/siri-sirimal-tele-drama/season:1 | title=Siri Sirimal Tele-Drama| publisher=vodtv| access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/070211/TV/003tv.html |title='Siri Sirimal':The Adventures of Tom Sawyer |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=10 December 2019}}</ref> * ''Vasudha'' <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/040530/tv/4.html |title=Vasoodhaa: a courageous girl |publisher=The Sunday Times |access-date=11 March 2017}}</ref> * ''Wanasarana'' * ''Wassana Sihinaya'' <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090927/Magazine/sundaytimestvtimes_08.html |title='Wassana Sihinaya' on Derana |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=22 December 2019}}</ref> * ''Weda Hamine'' {{Div col end}}
==Death== On 20 April 2015 he met with an accident at Bokundara, Piliyandala with a three-wheeler. He went home without any medications as no any external bleeding had taken place. However, his head had received a contusion and internal bleeding had occurred. He was rushed to the Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/70371/daya-alwis-no-more | title=Daya Alwis no more| publisher=Daily Mirror| access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref> He underwent treatment at Neurological Unit for severe bleeding in his brain. He died on 27 April around 3:50 am, due to internal bleeding while receiving treatment at the hospital.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://english.gossiplankanews.com/2015/04/veteran-actor-daya-alwis-passes-away.html | title=Veteran actor Daya Alwis ... passes away from sudden accident| date=27 April 2015| publisher=gossiplankanews| access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref>
==Filmography== Alwis started his film career with Amarnath Jayatilaka's 1976 film ''Thilake Ha Thilaka''. Then he acted in more than 40 films.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1039251/ | title=Daya Alwis filmography| publisher=IMDb | access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref> Some of his popular cinema acting came through ''Kolamba Sanniya'', ''Madol Duwa'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fragmenteyes.blogspot.com/2015/05/looking-back-with-no-regret.html |title=Looking back with no regret |date=3 May 2015 |publisher=Fragments|access-date=29 March 2019}}</ref> ''Sarungalaya'', ''Pooja'', ''Maya'' as well as Wasantha Obeysekara’s ''Walmathwuwo'', where he was nominated for national awards.<ref name=alwis /> * No. denotes the number of Sri Lankan film in the Sri Lankan cinema.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nfc.gov.lk/films-history.php | title=Sri Lankan Cinema History | publisher=National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka | access-date=25 April 2019 | archive-date=23 August 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823000528/http://www.nfc.gov.lk/films-history.php | url-status=dead }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" |- ! Year !! No. !! Film !! Role !! Ref. |- | 1976 || ||''Thileka Ha Thilaka'' || Mr. Madegoda || |- | 1976 || ||''Madol Duwa'' || Punchi Mahaththaya || <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/features/2019/09/12/9071/කොහේද-කොහේද-අපේ-ලොවක් | title=All about Madol Duwa | publisher=Sarasaviya | access-date=3 March 2020}}</ref> |- | 1976 || ||''Kolamba Sanniya'' || Saralis 'Cyril Costa' || |- | 1976 || ||''Selinage Walawwa'' || Anta || |- | 1978 || ||''Bambaru Avith'' || Priest || |- | 1978 || ||''Ahasin Polawata'' || || |- | 1979 || ||''Wasanthaye Dawasak'' || Sarath's friend || |- | 1979 || ||''Chuda Manikya'' || Railway constable || |- | 1979 || ||''Handaya'' || Commentator box viewer || |- | 1980 || ||''Uthumaneni'' || || |- | 1980 || ||''Jodu Walalu'' || || |- | 1980 || ||''Siribo Ayya'' || Sadiris || |- | 1980 || ||''Karumakkarayo'' || Deniya Mahathaya || <ref>{{Cite web |title=All about the film "Karumakkarayo" |url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/story/2019/02/28/3210/මමයි-මලේ-රණගිරවිගෙ-ඇඟිලි-තුඩට-විද්දේ |access-date=2021-01-12 |website=sarasaviya}}</ref> |- | 1980 || ||''Sinhabahu'' || || |- | 1981 || ||''Saaranga'' || || |- | 1982 || ||''Maha Gedara'' || Appuhamy || <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/features/2019/10/03/10214/මල්-විසීරිලා-වගේ-තාරකා-සිරී | title=All about Maha Gedara | publisher=Sarasaviya | access-date=3 March 2020}}</ref> |- | 1983 || ||''Niliyakata Pem Kalemi'' || Timber businessman || |- | 1983 || ||''Dadayama'' || Minister || <ref>{{Cite web |title=Dadayama: The hunt that was a hunt |url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/films/2018/12/06/1299/දඩයමක්-වූ-දඩයම |access-date=2021-01-12 |website=Sarasaviya}}</ref> |- | 1983 || ||''Menik Maliga'' || || |- | 1984 || ||''Maya'' || || |- | 1985 || ||''Mihidum Salu'' || Tala Munda || |- | 1985 || ||''Wathsala Akka'' || || |- | 1986 || ||''Maldeniye Simion'' || Charlie || |- | 1986 || ||''Pooja'' || || |- | 1987 || ||''Viragaya'' || Kulasekara || <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/features-films-local/2020/04/30/17600/සම්භාවනීය-නවකතාවක-සම්මානනීය-සිනමා-ප%E2%80%8D්%E2%80%8Dරවේශය |title=All about Viragaya |publisher=Sarasaviya |access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref> |- | 1990 || ||''Dese Mal Pipila'' || || |- | 1991 || ||''Golu Muhude Kunatuwa'' || || |- | 1994 || ||''Sandamadala'' || School teacher || |- | 1994 || ||''Mee Haraka'' || Bus driver || |- | 1995 || ||''Maruthaya'' || Dharme's associate || |- | 1995 || ||''Chitti'' || || |- | 1996 || ||''Loku Duwa'' || || |- | 1997 || ||''Visidela'' || Keerala || <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/features-films-local/2020/01/09/14213/බිඳුණා-දැහැන්-බිඳුණා-වීසි-දැල |title=බිඳුණා දැහැන් බිඳුණා වීසි දැල |publisher=Sarasaviya |access-date=9 January 2020}}</ref> |- | 1998 || ||''Anthima Reya'' || || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://archives.sarasaviya.lk/2018/01/11/?fn=sa18011110 |title=The final part of Gamini Fonseka's film journey |publisher=Sarasaviya |access-date=23 December 2017}}</ref> |- | 1998 || ||''Julietge Bhumikawa'' || Lawrence || |- | 1999 || ||''Rathu Aluyama'' || Proctor Weerawardena || |- | 2003 || ||''Mother Teresa of Calcutta'' || Kaligarth seller || |- | 2005 || ||''Water'' || Saduram || |- | 2005 || ||''Sulanga'' || Salesman || |- | 2008 || ||''Nil Diya Yahana'' || || |- | 2010 || ||''Uththara'' || || |- | 2013 || ||''Nikini Vassa'' || || |- | 2016 || ||''Paththini'' || Royal goldsmith || |- | 2019 || ||''Sikuru Yogaya'' || Weda Mahaththaya || |}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * [https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bsjFp3zsddY/UIvmTWPV0II/AAAAAAAAKnQ/BVOM8XS8yiw/s1600/2.jpg Chat with Daya Alwis]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Alwis, Daya}} Category:Sri Lankan male film actors Category:1942 births Category:2015 deaths Category:Sri Lankan male television actors Category:Sri Lankan male stage actors Category:Sri Lankan theatre directors Category:Road incident deaths in Sri Lanka Category:People from Kalutara