# Jagath Chamila

Jagath Chamila Fernando (Sinhala: ජගත් චමිල: born 6 June 1972) is an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, theatre and television. He made his film debut in 1992 in the Sinhalese film Guru Gedara, portraying a child. In 2013, he won the award for the Best Actor at New York International Film festival for his portrayal of Sami in Samige Kathava, a film based on Elmo Jayawardena's novel Sam's Story (2001). He is considered one of five actors who have dominated the Sri Lankan stage by critics.

## Family

Jagath Chamila was born on 6 June 1972. His father, Tinil Fernando, was a school principal and his mother, Veenal Biatrice, is a housewife. He has two brothers, Ajith Tinil and Prasad Saman, and one sister, Nirosha Shayamali. Chamila is married to Piyumi Uthpala Dharmasri and they have one son, Pansilu Pavan, and one daughter, Venuri Kinara. Piyumi is the daughter of the Director Vijaya Dharmasri.

## Career

Chamila's career as an actor started with stage dramas at school while he was a student at Prince of Wales' College, Moratuwa. After taking part in the school drama Samanala Kanda in 1986, he able to win the Best Actor awards in the inter-school drama competition from 1990 to 1992. He made his first film appearance in 1992 in Gurugedara (Teacher's Home), directed by Vijaya Dharmasiri. He won the Best Actor award for his role in Sunil Chandrasiri's play Don Juan at the State Drama Festival in 2005. In 2013, he won the best actor's award for his leading role in Sameege Kathawa (Sam's Story) at the New York City International Film festival in New York.

### Television serials

* Api Ape
* Api Api Wage I and II
* Aswenna
* Avul Haraya
* Bus Eke Iskole
* Girikula
* Govi Thaththa
* Helankada
* Jayathuru Sankaya
* Jeewithaya Lassanai
* Jodu Gedara
* Kota Uda Mandira
* Maha Polowa
* Maama Haa Ma
* Mama Nemei Mama
* Manikkawatha
* Miringu Sayura
* Nagenahira Weralin Asena
* No Parking
* Paradeesaya
* Pawani
* Roda Hatara Manamalaya
* Ron Soya
* Ruwan Maliga
* Sakura Mal
* Samanalakanda
* Sandagira
* Sada Pinibidaka
* Sihina Genena Kumariye
* Sudui Usai
* Swayanjatha
* Tharu Kumari
* Theth Saha Viyali
* Udu Sulanga
* Verona
* Visuviyas Kandu Pamula
* Yasa Isuru

## Filmography

Key :
| † | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 1992 | Gurugedara | | |
| 1995 | Maruthaya | | |
| 2000 | Me Mage Sandai | Prospective soldier | |
| 2002 | Thani Thatuwen Piyabanna | Football player | |
| 2005 | Asani Warsha | Pradeep Godakumbura | |
| 2005 | Sulanga | Threewheel driver | |
| 2007 | Uppalawanna | Rathnapala | |
| 2008 | Hathara Denama Surayo remake | Dougie | |
| 2011 | Gamani | Sunimal | |
| 2012 | Prathiroo | Suresh | |
| 2013 | Samige Kathawa | Sam | Best Actor - New York City International Film festival (2013) Creative Performance (Male) Gold award - SIGNIS Salutation Awards Ceremony |
| 2015 | Ho Gaana Pokuna | Madhuwantha | Only the voice |
| 2017 | Hima Tharaka | | |
| 2022 | Hithumathe Jeewithe | Wimale | |
| 2023 | Thattu Deke Iskole | Uncle Pala | |
| 2023 | Kadira Divyaraja | | |
| 2023 | Ape Principal | | |
| 2024 | Weerya | Aloka | |
| 2024 | Passport | Amare | |
| 2024 | Sri Siddha | | |

## Awards

* Best Actor Award in the inter-school drama competition - 1988, 1989, 1990
* State Drama Award (Best Actor) for Don Juan - 2005
* President award (Best supporting actor) for Asani Warsha - 2005
* Raigam tele award (Best supporting actor) for Roda Hathare Manamalaya - 2005
* SIGNIS Tele Cinema Award (Best supporting actor) for Roda Hathare Manamalaya - 2005
* Sarasaviya Award (Special Jury Award) for Asani Warsha - 2005
* Sumathi Awards (Best Actor) for Swayanjatha - 2011
* New York City International Film Festival (Best actor in a Leading role) for Sam’s Story - 2013
* Boden International Film Festival (Sweden) - Best Actor for Govi Thaththa- 2021