October 22, Colombo (LNW): Veteran Sri Lankan actor Rahal Bulathsinghala, widely remembered for his portrayal of ‘Loku Hamuduruwo’ in the popular television drama Nadagamkarayo, passed away today (22), marking the loss of a familiar and respected figure in the country’s teledrama and cinema industry.
Bulathsinghala earned a special place in the hearts of audiences through his ability to bring depth and authenticity to the characters he portrayed. He was also the husband of veteran actress and comedian Susila Kottage, another much-loved personality in Sri Lanka’s entertainment industry.
His journey into acting was far from conventional. Coming from a family background shaped by military service, Bulathsinghala initially considered following in his father’s footsteps by joining the security forces. Instead, he began his working life as a prison officer, serving in the Department of Prisons for approximately 22 years before eventually pursuing a career in the arts.
That professional transition brought him into an industry in which he would go on to establish a distinctive identity through his performances in television and film.
His breakthrough in the eyes of a wider television audience came with the role of Loku Hamuduruwo in Nadagamkarayo, which aired in 2021 and 2022. His convincing portrayal of the senior Buddhist monk attracted considerable attention and helped cement his reputation as an actor capable of immersing himself completely in a character.
His commitment to the role extended beyond memorising dialogue and performing before the camera. Bulathsinghala reportedly adjusted his diet and aspects of his daily routine to better reflect the character he was portraying, demonstrating the seriousness with which he approached his craft.
Yet his contribution to television was not limited to that celebrated performance. He also became familiar to viewers through his portrayal of Podi Mahaththaya in the long-running teledrama Kopi Kade, while his appearance in productions such as Kodi Gaha Yata further demonstrated his versatility as a character actor.
Bulathsinghala also maintained a presence in Sri Lankan cinema, beginning his film career with Rodeya in 1995. He subsequently appeared in several productions, including Pem Mal Mala (1997), Left Right Sir (2004), Que Sera (2014), Sama Kumara Kathawa (2019) and the more recent film Theja.
In 2026, he continued to demonstrate his ability to adapt to different roles, portraying a senior Buddhist monk in the short film The Empty Robe. The performance added another entry to a career characterised by a willingness to explore varied characters and settings.
Beyond his acting assignments, Bulathsinghala also shared aspects of his personal and professional life with the public through television and radio appearances. His experiences during his years in the prison service, the preparation involved in portraying Loku Hamuduruwo and insights into his life away from the screen featured in programmes including Ma Bala Kale on Neth FM Radio, as well as Adaraneeya Jeewithaya and Asanga Live on Siyatha TV.
These appearances offered audiences a glimpse of the experiences and personal discipline that shaped his journey from public service to the entertainment industry.
Bulathsinghala’s career reflected a path less travelled, demonstrating how a person who entered the arts after decades in an entirely different profession could build a lasting connection with audiences through dedication and carefully crafted performances.
His death represents a loss for Sri Lankan television and cinema, particularly for viewers who came to associate him with memorable supporting roles that gave productions much of their character and appeal.
Although he is no longer present to bring new characters to life, the performances he leaves behind will continue to form part of the memories of audiences who followed his work throughout his career.
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