Her brother Ariyaratne Kahawita was a well-known film journalist. But his film-crazy sister sent an application seeking a role in a film without her family’s knowledge.

She was soon selected and the directors came home to discuss matters with her, much to the surprise of her family.

Obviously they vehemently opposed her move. But she was adamant.

This is how a new screen heroine Kahawitage Dona Leena Swarnalatha better known as Swarna Kahawita was born to the Sinhala cinema way back in the sixties.

Having made her acting debut in Irvin Jayamanne’s ‘Rahas Dupatha’ in 1967, Swarna Kahawita soon played the title role in ‘Binaramali’ which won her the Sarasaviya Best Actress award.

The Buddhist Ladies College old girl went down memory lane in an interview with Impulse.

You last acted in ‘Dayabara Nilu’ way back in 1981? Have you given up acting?

I went to Japan as a tourist in 1980 but I later learnt the Japanese language and worked there in an advertising company for more than five years. That distanced me from the film world.

The films you acted and the role you cherish most?

I acted in films like Rena Giraw, Abirahasa, Ran Onchilla, Cyril Malli, Harima Badu Thunak, Hariyanakota Ohoma Thamai, Dayabara Nilu, Sasara and others. Binaramali is the role I like most for many reasons.

How do you evaluate the Sinhala cinema then and now?

In the golden era of the Sinhala cinema films came with good themes. It did not drift into various trends. Those films were enjoyed by the whole family. But I have seen some good creations coming up in recent times. Even new faces are invading the cinema and it’s upto filmmakers to make good use of them.

What is your view about the purported downfall of the Sinhala cinema?

The almost three-decade old war in the country affected the film industry and ultimately reduced the number of cinema halls. Producers kept away from movies because good creations were not being made. Families could not watch movies because ticket prices rose rapidly. During our days we did not have TVs.

But today the television has also become a major source of entertainment. In the good old days there were people who watched a film at least ten times.   

Was your influential journalist brother a boon to your film career?

No, he had no hand at all in making me an actress.  I worked on merit with directors like Senadheera Rupasinghe, Lenin Moraes, Tissa Abeysekara, K. A. W. Perera and others.

If you are offered a role to act again?

In fact I got some offers to act in tele dramas in recent times but I declined because my father was ill. Yes, I will consider good offers in the future.

A piece of advice for the young generation?

I have not worked with them to know much about their capabilities, but I must insist that acting is a subject that has to be learnt through patience, dedication and commitment.

By Vasantha Wimalasinghe