Upatissa Gamanayake


Don Upatissa Gamanayake alias Dias Mudalali was the deputy leader of the Jantha Vimukthi Peramuna during the 1987–89 insurrection. Not a prominent figure during the JVP's 1971 insurrection, Gamanayake emerged as a leader only after the releasing of the JVP detainees in 1977. He moved up rapidly in the party hierarchy during the JVP's 1977-83 democratic phase and became the second in command after the founder and the leader, Rohana Wijeweera. He unsuccessfully contested the 1983 Anamaduwa by-election under JVP. Gamanayake was captured and killed by the government forces in November 1989.

In popular media

The biographical film of Rohana Wijeweera's late life titled Ginnen Upan Seethala is ready to screen in silver screen. The film was directed by Anurudha Jayasinghe and popular actor Jagath Manuwarna played Gamanayake's role.