Sumathi Tele Awards:

Glitter of success

by Maneshka Borham

Talented and veteran actor Sriyantha Mendis clinched the Best Actor award for his performance in the teledrama, Vishnu Sankranthiya, while Actress Nilmini Tennakoon took away the award for Best Actress for her stellar performance in the teledrama, Amma at the most awaited 21st edition of the annual Sumathi Tele Awards.

The award show, one of the biggest such events in the country, which celebrates and honours talented television personalities and programs was held on Thursday (August 18) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Convention Hall, under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Chief Minister of the Central Province Sarath Ekanayake, Acting Chief Minister, Western Province Gamini Thilakasiri and other dignitaries. Altogether, 60 awards were up for grabs during the elegant ceremony spanning all areas of the television industry.

Daskon, the historical tale of Daskon Adikaram telecasted on Swarnavahini was the standout winner of the night, bagging several of the awards. While the teledrama won the award for Best Teledrama of the year, veteran actor and director Jackson Anthony won the award for best director, for Daskon. Indika Upamali won the award for best singing, for Daskon, which also won the awards for Best Art direction and Best Camera direction.

A viewer’s poll was held to choose the most popular actress and actor, in which artistes, Kavinga Perera and Ishara Sandamini were the winners by popular vote.

The awards ceremony also paid a special tribute to the duo, Amarasiri Kalansuriya and Anoja Weerasinghe by presenting each, the U.W Sumathipala Lifetime Achievement award in appreciation of their talent and contribution to the industry.

Invitees and the award hopefuls were treated to magnificent performances organised by various television stations during the star studded evening.

[ Award winners ]

Best Actor - Sriyantha Mendis (Vishnu Sankranthiya)
Best Actress - Nilmini Tennakoon (Amma)
Best Tele Drama - Daskon
Best Director - Jackson Anthony (Daskon)
Popular Actor - Kavinga Perera
Popular Actress - Ishara Sandamini
Popular Teledrama - Kaasi Watte

Best Investigative News Reporting - TV Derana
Best Current Affairs News Reporting - ITN

Upcoming Actor of the Year - Ruwan Perera
Upcoming Actress of the Year - Dinusha Rajapathirana

Best Singer for a Teledrama - Indika Upamali (Daskon)
Best Child Star - Ishara Asmini Perera
Best Documentary - ‘Sirilaka Katusu Parapura’ (Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation)

Best Art Direction - Dhammika Hewauwatta (Daskon)
Best Camera Direction - Dhammika Ratnayake (Daskon)