Janaka Kumbukage


Janaka Kumbukage, is an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television. Highly versatile actor primarily engaged in television, Kumbukage is notable for the roles in films Saroja, Daruwane and Udumbara.

Personal life

He has one younger brother. His father and mother are retired teachers. He studied from more than five schools due to parent's transfers. He studied from Wadduwa Madya Maha Vidyalaya, where his interest to drama has grown. He completed A/L education from commerce stream. Before entering drama, he entered to Technical college, Maradana and studied Business Studies for four years. While involved in drama, he also worked in Milk Board. He is married to Anusha, where the wedding was celebrated in 1994. The couple has one son.

Career

In 1984, Kumbukage started his drama career under the guidance of Gamini Haththotuwegama’s dramatic workshops and then became a member of his Street Drama Group. He also worked with Dharmasiri Bandaranayake, Somalatha Subasinghe, Asoka Handagama and German playwright Klauz Coozemberg in many stage plays while in street dramas. In 2000 he won the award for the best Stage Actor for the play Beehama Buhumi in State Drama Festival. His maiden television acting came through Siva Rahasa Pura directed by Wimalarante Adikari.
In 2009, he directed his maiden stage play Sulanga Mata Katha Karai. It was staged on July 25 and 26 at Lumbini Theatre, Colombo. Kumbukage started his film career with Sihina Deshayen back in 1996, directed by Boodee Keerthisena.

Notable theater works

YearFilmRoleRef.
1996Sihina Deshayen
1997Bawa Karma
1999Mandakini
2000SarojaVaruni's father
2002Punchi SuranganaviSuren
2003Pura Sakmana
2008Pitasakwala Kumarayai Pancho Hathai
2012DaruwaneSamarasekara
2018UdumbaraAnanda's friend
2019President Super Star
TBDHora Uncle
TBDThanapathilage Gedara

Awards and accolades

He has won several awards at the local stage drama, television and film festivals.

Sumathi Awards

Presidential Film Awards

State Drama Festivlals