{{short description|Sri Lankan actor}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}} {{Infobox person |name = Suraj Mapa <br>සුරාජ් මාපා |other_names = |image = |alt = |caption = |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1980|01|02|df=yes}}<ref>{{cite web | url=http://suratha.lk/happy-birthday-january-2-2017/ | title=Happy Birthday – January 2 | publisher=suratha | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> |birth_name = Mapa Mudiyanselage Suraj Laksiri<ref>{{cite web | url=https://gossip9.wordpress.com/2011/05/15/weekend-news-paper-articles-2/suraj-3/ | title=Suraj Mapa biography | publisher=wordpress | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> |birth_place = Kandy, Sri Lanka |death_date = |death_place = |death_cause = |resting_place_coordinates = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LONG|display=inline,title}} --> |education = Trinity College, Kandy |years_active = 2002–present |party = |spouse = |children = |awards = Most Popular Actor |mother = Dayani Mapa |website = |footnotes = |occupation = Actor, Dramatist, Choreographer }}

'''Mapa Mudiyanselage Suraj Laksiri''' (born on 2 January 1980 as සුරාජ් මාපා) [Sinhala]), popularly as '''Suraj Mapa''', is an actor in Sri Lankan cinema and television as well as a Teledrama producer, model, dancer, and a choreographer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Suraj Mapa සුරාජ් මාපා |url=https://films.lk/sinhala-cinema-artist-suraj-mapa-336.html |access-date=2021-08-15 |website=Digital Identity of Sinhala Cinema - www.films.lk}}</ref> Mapa is best known for the roles in many television serials such as ''Olu'', ''Pooja'', and ''Haara Kotiya''. Apart from acting, he owns partnership in the brand named ''Elsa Clothing''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Elsa Clothing |url=https://www.elsa.clothing/ |access-date=2021-08-15 |website=elsa.clothing}}</ref>

==Personal life== He was born on 2 January 1980 in Kandy, Sri Lanka as the youngest of the family with two elder sisters.<ref name= suraj>{{cite web | url=http://www.lankadesha.com/memorable-performance/ | title=Memorable performance | publisher=Lakadesha | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> His father was a businessman and his mother was a housewife. He completed education from Trinity College, Kandy and did his Advance Level examination in 1999.<ref name=suraj/>

Then, Mapa attended a course in Hotel Management earning a Diploma in Hotel Management and worked for one year in his father's hotel – ‘Hotel Zurich Park’. He also studied at IDM and gained a Diploma in Computer Studies. During this period he worked for ‘Suntel’ as a customer care executive. As a model he has walked the ramp for Lou Ching Wong the fashion designer and for Nayana the popular hair dresser.<ref name=suraj/> Later he obtained qualifications in Marketing through SLIM.

His father died on 13 July 2016<ref>{{cite web | url=http://gossip.hirufm.lk/10440/2016/07/suraj-mapa-father-passed-away.html | title=Actor Suraj Mapa's father passes away | publisher=Hiru FM | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> and mother Dayani Mapa died on 17 August 2018 by a blood clot in the brain.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://sinhala.lankahitgossip.com/2018/08/20/suraj-mapas-mother-funeral/ | title=Actor Suraj Mapa's mother passes away | publisher=lankahitgossip | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> His mother's sister, Suneetha Ratnayake was a popular dancer.<ref name= suraj />

==Acting career== Mapa started his acting career in 2000 with the television serial ''Mage Sanda Oba'' directed by Prasanna Vithanage. He was starring the main role, which gained him large popularity and also selected for Upcoming Actor award in year 2002.<ref name=newmapa>{{cite web | url=http://archives.dailynews.lk/2010/05/03/fea24.asp | title=In step with Suraj | work=Daily News | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> During the very early stage of his career, he appeared in the serial ''Suriya Daruwo'' in 2002, which made him popular.<ref name=sooriyadaruwo>{{cite web | url=https://nalanmendis.com/teledramas/ | title=Nalan Mendi Sooriya Daruwo | publisher=Nalan Mendis | access-date = 20 August 2020 }}</ref><ref name=suraj/> He was also nominated as the Best Upcoming Actor in 2003, for the lead role in the serial ''Olu'' directed by Shirly P. Delankawala which made his turning point in the career.<ref name=suraj/><ref name=coke>{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/060528/tv/coke.html | title=Suraj and Harshini : 'Coke Ambassadors' | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> In the serial, he was starring a role of a young English Teacher named "Asanka".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.lankadesha.com/memorable-performance/| title = Remarkable Performance | publisher = Lankadeesha | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> Later he won the award for the Most Popular Actor in both Sumathi Awards and Raigam Tele'es awards in 2005<ref name=coke/> and 2006 for the role.<ref name=elementssuraj >{{cite web | url=http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/suraj-mapa-presents-elements-with-surya/ | title = Elements with Suraj | publisher= Derana| access-date = 20 August 2020 }}</ref> In 2005, he won the award for the most popular Sri Lankan actor in the UAE.<ref name=newmapa/> Then he acted in the serial ''Pooja'' directed by Eranga Senarathne. In the serial, he played the role "Nirmala", a famous Writer who was leading a battle to save his child and the family.<ref name=suraj/>

With that success, he played several lead roles particularly as the lover in the serials such as;<ref name=limitation>{{cite web | url= http://webgossip.lk/මම-විවාහ-වෙනවා-පුළුවන්-තර/| title=Im getting married | work=Daily News | access-date=21 August 2020}}</ref> ''Sapumali'',<ref name=Sapumali>{{cite web | url=https://www.pcworld.lk/sinhala/pariganaka-lokaya-srilankika-digital-thakshana-sagarawa/vinodaswada-puwath/item/958-sapumali-a-captivating-story | title=Sapumali| publisher= pcworld | access-date=21 August 2020}}</ref> ''Poojasanaya'',<ref name=poojasanaya>{{cite web | url=https://www.nation.lk/2008/06/22/enter3.htm| title=Poojasanaya| publisher=The Nation| access-date=21 August 2020}}</ref> ''Ridee Siththam'',<ref name=rideesiththam>{{cite web | url=https://english.gossiplankanews.com/2012/06/ridee-siththam-on-location.html?m=1| title=RideeSiththam| publisher= GossipLanka| access-date=21 August 2020}}</ref> ''Sepalika'', ''Muthu Wessak'', and ''Mage Sanda Oba''.<ref name=magesandaoba>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/010624/tv.html |title='Mage Sanda Oba': a tender love story |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref> In 2016, he acted in the serial ''Kalu Araliya''<ref name=dahaya>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/100332471686926/posts/105477744505732/?extid=qoMl2A7uwlptbmOe&d=null&vh=e | title=Mapa's Favorite 10 acts |publisher=facebook | access-date=21 August 2020}}</ref> by performing multiple roles as famous actor Vishwa Disanayaka, servant Muni and a disabled person. Then he was nominated for the best actor award for the serial as well. In 2017, he acted in the sci-fi serial ''Lokantharayo''<ref name=dahaya/> directed by Thushara Thennakon, where Mapa screened dual roles. In the same year, he appeared in the popular crime serial ''Haara Kotiya'' where he played the role of gang leader "Nepolion". In 2018, he acted in the serial ''Amuthu Rasikaya'' with the role of "Vijitha", where he obtained award nominations.<ref name=arasika>{{cite web | url=http://divaina.com/daily/index.php/cinama/23801-2019-02-07-12-26-31 | title='අමුතු රසිකයා' ආලින්දයට පැමිණේ | publisher=Divaina | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref><ref name=Raigam2020>{{cite web | url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/teledramas/2020/03/05/16854/රයිගම්-ටෙලීස්-නිර්දේශ-මෙන්න | title=රයිගම් ටෙලීස් නිර්දේශ| publisher=Sarasaviya| access-date=21 August 2020}}</ref>

Mapa started his film career with a supportive role in 2004 comedy film, ''Clean Out'' directed by Roy de Silva.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.films.lk/sinhala-cinema-artist-suraj-mapa-336.html | title=Suraj Mapa - සුරාජ් මාපා films | publisher=Sinhala Cinema Database| access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> He also acted in Belgium film ''Semi Tower''.<ref name= suraj /> He acted in the film ''Sikuru Hathe'' directed by Giriraj Kaushalya, which became a blockbuster hit and became the highest-grossing film in 2007.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100131/Magazine/sundaytimestvtimes_08.html | title='Sikuru Hathe' back on screen | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> In 2019, he appeared in the film ''Uththara''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://archives.dailynews.lk/2009/08/03/fea21.asp| title=Uththara | publisher=dailynews | access-date=26 August 2020}}</ref>

Apart from television serials and films, he also acted in several single episode teledrama such as ''Sansara Sewanali - Podi Hamuduruwo''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B-Z4HPI6z8 | title=Sasara Sewanali| publisher=Hiru TV| access-date=31 August 2020}}</ref> and ''Thunkal Sihinaya''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBQM_F0N0rA | title=Thinkal Sihinaya| publisher=Hiru TV| access-date=31 August 2020}}</ref> as well the telefilm ''Mathaka Sihina''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF7y0lq6tO4 | title=Mathaka Sihina| publisher=Hiru TV| access-date=31 August 2020}}</ref>

===Notable television serials=== {{Div col|colwidth=25em}} * ''Aathma Senehasa''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.alankulamafilms.lk/amy_movie/athma-senehasa-tele-drama/ | title=Aathma Senehasa teledrama | publisher=Alankulama Holding (Pvt) Ltd | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> * ''Amuthu Rasikaya''<ref name=arasika/> * ''Baloli''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pressreader.com/sri-lanka/daily-mirror-sri-lanka/20130520/283274570269891 | title=Stars in scuffle at Baloli location | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> * ''Chuttey''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2017/08/29/entertainment/126534/‘chotte’-rupavahini | title='Chotte' on Rupavahini | work=Daily News | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> * ''Daangale''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiRuhDOm-nM | title=දාංගලේ | publisher=Swarnawahini | access-date=28 August 2020}}</ref> * ''Degammediyawa''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090719/Magazine/sundaytimestvtimes_07.html | title=A play on worthlessness of wealth | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> * ''Haara Kotiya''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2017/07/16/haara-kotiya-its-no-waste-of-time/ |title=Haara Kotiya, Its No Waste Of Time! |publisher=The Sunday Leader |access-date=28 October 2017}}</ref> * ''Handewa'' <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/070715/TV/tv_14.html |title='Handewa' pictures a tragedy in a colony |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=11 December 2019}}</ref> * ''Heenayaki Me Adare'' * ''Indrachapa'' <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/050925/tv/4.html |title='Indrachapa':A family drama |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=4 December 2019}}</ref> * ''Isuru Bawana'' <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/081026/TV/sundaytvtimes_06.html |title='Isuru Bawana' miniplay on Rupavahini |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=13 December 2019}}</ref> * ''Jeewa Chakra'' <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/070722/TV/tv_1.html |title='Jeewa Chakra' brings world-renowned literature on miniscreen |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=11 December 2019}}</ref> * ''Kaluaraliya''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO1aXr4hh0A | title=කළු අරලිය | publisher=Swarnavahini | access-date=28 August 2020}}</ref> * ''Lokantharayo''<ref name="lokanthara">{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ufeaLkZDMA&t=30s | title=ලෝකාන්තරයෝ:අනන්ත ආදරයේ විශ්වාන්තර කථිකාව | publisher=Thushara Tennakon | access-date=28 August 2020}}</ref> * ''Mage Sanda Oba''<ref name=magesandaoba/> * ''Mini Kirana''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pressreader.com/sri-lanka/daily-mirror-sri-lanka/20190715/283214444777967 | title='Mini Kirana' on Rupavahini from Wednesday | publisher=Daily Mirror | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> * ''Muthu Wessak''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4VXjodSAks | title=Muthu Wessak | publisher=Swarnavahini | access-date=28 August 2020}}</ref> * ''Nethra''<ref name="Nethra">{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_kw6eiPmPw&t=59s | title=Nethra Theme Song | publisher=Siyath TV | access-date=28 August 2020}}</ref> * ''Pini''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLtMKqaxPoQ | title=Pini Theme Song | publisher=ITN | access-date=28 August 2020}}</ref> * ''Pinikunatuwa''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/071223/TV/tv-times000025.html | title='Pinikunatuwa':A drama with hundred episodes | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> * ''Pooja''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QekVFGxHWc | title=පූජා | publisher=Swarnavahini | access-date=21 August 2020}}</ref> * ''Poojasanaya''<ref name=poojasanaya/> * ''Ridee Siththam''<ref name="RideeS">{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqs43SP542c | title=Ridee Siththam theme song | publisher=Randeepa Media | access-date=28 August 2020}}</ref> * ''Sanda Siththam''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pressreader.com/sri-lanka/daily-mirror-sri-lanka/20111226/325408198767237 | title=Tele treat | publisher=Daily Mirror | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> * ''Sepalika''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pressreader.com/sri-lanka/sunday-times-sri-lanka/20120401/283918814807236 | title='Sepalika' on Swarnavahini | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> * ''Sihinayak Paata Paatin'' <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/040523/tv/3.html |title=Mohan Niyaz has a dream in Colour |publisher=The Sunday Times |access-date=11 March 2017}}</ref> * ''Sihina Cinderella''<ref name="SCinder">{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBcYgeEuMqE | title=Sihina Cinderella Theme Song | publisher=Randeepa Media | access-date=28 August 2020}}</ref> * ''Sihini'' <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEb7quzAPh0 |title='Sihini'theme song |publisher=ITN |access-date=10 August 2020}}</ref> * ''Suddilage Kathawa'' <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/050710/tv/3.html |title='Suddilage Kathawa' back on miniscreen |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=4 December 2019}}</ref> * ''Surya Daruwo''<ref name=sooriyadaruwo/> * ''Susum Rasthiyaduwa'' * ''Thanamalvila Kollek'' <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/teledramas/2020/01/30/15246/තණමල්විල-කොල්ලෙක් | title=Thanamalvila Kollek' - Award-winning warmth and fatherly memory | publisher=Sarasaviya | access-date=30 January 2020}}</ref> * ''Tharu Malee''<ref name="Tharumalee">{{cite web | url=https://www.pressreader.com/sri-lanka/sunday-times-sri-lanka/20140119/284275297984807 | title=Tharumalee wins many hearts | publisher=SundayTimes | access-date=27 August 2020}}</ref> * ''Tharu Prabha'' * ''Uthum Pathum''<ref name="UthumPathum">{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqbhdV84syI | title=Uthum Pathum Theme Song | publisher=SirasaTV | access-date=21 August 2020}}</ref> * ''Veeduru Mal'' <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/061015/TV/tv20.html |title='Veeduru Mal': Depicts a topsy-turvy tale |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref> {{Div col end}}

==Dancing career== Mapa started dancing at school age and excels in Latin American dance. He studied dancing under Neomi Rajaratnam and performed at many events both locally and internationally such as "Footwork Dance Sport 2002".<ref name=newmapa /> Mapa's talented in Latin Dance. Mapa always works on positioning himself as an actor with dancing capabilities.

His maiden dance show titled ''Elements with Surya'' was held at Bishop's college auditorium on 14–15 May 2010 at 7 p.m.<ref name=newmapa /> On 27 February 2016, Mapa organized a dance show with over fifty dancers. The show was held at the Dharmaraja College Auditorium from 10.00 am and 6.30 pm.<ref name= mapa /> In 2013, he contested for the reality program ''Derana City of Dance, The Ultimate Level'' telecast by TV Derana<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.derana.lk/index.php?route=programs/programs/programdetails&pid=192&page=4 | title=City Of Dance - The Ultimate Level | publisher=Derana TV | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> and in 2018 ''Hiru Mega Stars'' telecast by Hiru TV.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://hirumegastars.hirutv.lk/season1/6-hiru-mega-stars-artist-profile-suraj-mapa-සුරාජ්-මාපා.html | title=Suraj Mapa - සුරාජ් මාපා bio | publisher=Hiru TV | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> In the same year, he learned Kandyan dance traditions under Kulasiri Budawatta and became a Ves Kandyan dancer in 2014.<ref name= mapa>{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/160221/magazine/suraj-mapa-presents-elements-with-surya-183355.html | title=Suraj Mapa presents 'Elements with Surya' | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pressreader.com/sri-lanka/daily-mirror-sri-lanka/20190121/282514364720339| title=Suraj dances his way to maturity | publisher=Daily Mirror| access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref>

In 2015, Mapa started ''Suraj Dance Academy'' where he conducts workshops in Colombo & Kandy.

==Other work== Mapa contributed as a producer for the serial ''Dagammadiyawa''. He was also starring in it and was awarded a Merit Award in Sumathi Awards Ceremony. In 2008, he hosted the reality shown Sirasa Dancing Stars season 1 together with Nirosha Perera, which later won the most popular award in 2008. Apart from that, he acts as the Head of Sales & Marketing for Elsa Clothing brand which was launched together with 2 other partners.

==Filmography== {{Pending films key}} {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year !! Film !! Role !! Ref. |- | 2004 ||''Clean Out'' || Pathale Sudha 'Sam' || <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/2015/11/19/?fn=sa15111916|title=එදා මෙදා තිරගත වූ සිංහල චිත්‍රපට|publisher=Sarasaviya|access-date=3 October 2016}}</ref> |- | 2007 ||''Sikuru Hathe'' || Vidyartha || <ref>{{cite web | url=http://archives.dailynews.lk/2007/09/05/art03.asp | title=Sikuru Hathe: A magnificent comedy | work=Daily News | access-date=26 February 2017}}</ref> |- | 2008 ||''Akasa Kusum'' || || <ref>{{cite news | author=TV Times | title=Akasa Kusum (Flowers of the Sky) Blooms in Pusan| work=The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka | date=19 October 2008}}</ref> |- | 2010 ||''Uththara'' || Shanilka || <ref>{{cite web | url=http://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2009/11/15/mag15.asp | title=Sandun brings 'Uththara' | publisher=Sunday Observer | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> |- | 2011 ||''Suseema'' || Ranga || <ref>{{cite web | url=http://archives.dailynews.lk/2009/06/29/fea23.asp | title=Susima on the big screen | work=Daily News | access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref> |- | 2015 ||''Singa Machan Charlie'' || Romeo || <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nfc.gov.lk/films/singa-machan-charlie-132/ | title=Singa Machan Charlie movie | publisher=National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka | access-date=24 February 2017}}</ref> |- | 2018 ||''Yama Raja Siri'' || In item song || <ref>{{cite web |access-date=2018-04-05 |url=https://www.films.lk/yama-raja-siri-sinhala-film-2202.html |title=Yama Raja Siri films.lk article |website=Films.lk |language=si |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405153924/https://www.films.lk/yama-raja-siri-sinhala-film-2202.html |archive-date=2018-04-05 }}</ref> |- | 2019 ||''Ginnen Upan Seethala'' || Vijitha Ranaweera|| <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/interviews/2019/02/28/3207/ඒ-ජීවිත-පූජාවට-මගේ-උපහාරයයි |title=Gratitude for that sacrifice - Director Anuruddha |publisher=Sarasaviya |access-date=28 February 2019}}</ref> |- |2026 || ''Father'' || || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://sarasaviya.lk/13881-2/|title=විනිශ්චය අවි- නිශ්චිතය ! |date=11 October 2025 |publisher=Sarasaviya |accessdate=11 October 2025}}</ref> |}

==Awards and accolades== ===Sumathi Awards=== {{Awards table}} |- || 2007 ||| ''People's vote'' || Most Popular Actor || {{won}} |- || 2011 ||| ''Degammediyawa'' || Merit Award || {{won}} {{End}}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== * {{IMDb name|nm9457581}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mapa, Suraj}} Category:Sri Lankan male film actors Category:Living people Category:1980 births Category:Sri Lankan dancers Category:Sri Lankan male models Category:Sri Lankan male dancers Category:Alumni of Trinity College, Kandy