Daily NEWS Srilanka

The Raigam Telees 2016 Award Ceremony held yesterday (24) at Nelum Pokuna Theatre became a spot where matters relating to a popular tele-drama couple of artistes were brought out in somewhat of an indirect way.

Tele-actor Saranga Disasekera who had been compering Raigam Tele Festival for a number of years had to announce his married wife Umali's name this time as the Best Actress and subsequently having
had to carry on a brief dialogue after that on an official manner however which then became a moment of destiny. During the course of this dialogue where Saranga and Umali had separated some months before this was reflected from  and in which instance what Umali said and from Saranga's facial expressions it became obvious that the two of them are separated. Nevertheless it was evident from some clues that Umali still has a soft corner for Saranga. Some words uttered by her at certain points in her dialogue specifically were targetted at Saranga and she brought the dialogue to a close by singing the line 'hithwala ko ban adare' twice which was a part of the theme song of the tele for which she was given the award. That dialogue is as follows:

Saranga -- "Greetings to you ... this is the first time you claim the Best Actress award at a national award festival. What kind of experience ... what kind of opinion do you have at this moment?"

Umali -- "It's for the first time that I receive the Best Actress award. But I have received awards before this. However I was not in Sri Lanka to accept any of those awards. Because of the honour bestowed on us artistes this time ... I decided to participate in this. So I am very pleased for you holding the mike like this ..."

Saranga -- (soft smile) "Greetings Umali Thillakaratna ... outstanding actress of the year 2016"

Umali -- (indicates that nothing more is to be uttered -- Saranga brings mike closer)

             Pardon me for taking a little bit of your time. I get this award on behalf of the person called Noori. The person called Noori does not belong only to me ... belongs to everyone in the Bohemian group. At the same time the audience was with us at many a time the Bohemian drama was broadcast. It was that audience who constantly were a strength to bring it to a close. I bring to memory all members of the audience with great love. The first award I received for acting you ..."  (Saranga is silent).

               So I must thank Thilaka Amma on this occasion (Saranga keeps silent). I wish to thank all those who frankly tried to encourage me and discourage me. It's because of my father and mother that I am among the living. What we tried to tell you was a story where that love was grabbed from life. I sing these two lines on behalf of all of them. 'Though a beard was grown like Che Guavera ... though intoxicated like Bob Marley ... where's love men ... where's love men' ... Thank you".