Douglas Ranasinghe
Biography
Douglas Ranasinghe is a prominent, veteran Sri Lankan actor, dramatist, director, writer, and broadcaster who has contributed to local cinema, theater, and television for over five decades. Born on May 27, 1945, in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, he is widely celebrated for his versatile character acting and distinct screen presence. He received his primary education at St. Anne's College, Kurunegala and later honed his filmmaking crafts at the prestigious London International Film School.
Known For & Full Filmography13 Titles
Drama Series - 2019, 16 episodes • as Aseni's Grandfather
A bitter musical rivalry intertwines with a complex, cross-class romance between a talented middle-class band leader and the daughter of a wealthy, corrupt businessman. As their relationship sparks severe backlash from her powerful family, they must navigate intense socioeconomic conflicts. Meanwhile, a fierce, high-stakes competition between rival youth bands tests the loyalty, friendships, and ambitions of the young musicians involved.
Movie - 2026, 2h 15m • as Upali Samaranayake
A murder investigation is reopened after 8 years, making life far more complicated for a man related to the case and his family.
Movie - 2017, 2h 15m • as Thanasiva
Aloko Udapadi is a Sinhalese epic historical film based on the story of King Valagamba of Anuradhapura (89 – 77 BCE).
Movie - 2002, 2h 15m • as Police O.I.C.
An elderly man who regrets certain events in his past life displays his struggle to relieve the bottled-up feelings which had disturbed him throughout his life. Opening with the funeral of the elderly Guneris' wife the film follows the revelation of his past which is filled with a number of tragic events including a triple murder he had committed 52 years ago.
Movie - 1987, 2h 15m • as Siridasa
This psychological drama attempts to dwell into the mind of Aravinda, whose Buddhist empathy and detachment are contrasted with his worldly friends and relatives. The English translation of the title, "The Way of the Lotus" implies Aravinda as Lotus-rising above dirt and mud to blossom.
Movie - 2018, 2h 15m • as Richard Aluwihare
As the rage against British colonization in Sri Lanka continues, civilians are having a new hope about their new activists.
Movie - 2017, 2h 15m • as Upali Samaranayake
(Sinhalese: ධර්මයුද්ධය) is a 2017 Sri Lankan Sinhala Family drama film directed by Indian director Cheyyar Ravi and produced by MTV Channel for Sirasa Films of The Capital Maharaja Organization Limited and is distributed by M Entertainments.It is a Sinhala remake of the Indian Malayalam- language film Drishyam originally written by Jeethu Joseph. Dharmayuddhaya follows the story of Harishchandra; a self-made businessman, loved and respected by all in the area. His wife and two children are his most valued treasures of his life and he spends lot of time watching films which is his hobby. Due to a stranger who enters their lives, his life along with the lives of his wife and daughters’ change unexpectedly
Movie - 1985, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
A 1985 Sri Lankan drama directed by Sarath Gunaratne. The film features performances by Douglas Ranasinghe and Sriyani Amarasena. Ideally noted for its visual style, the film won the award for Best Black and White Cinematography at the 14th Sarasaviya Awards, alongside an award for Best Female Playback Singer.
Movie - 2016, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
Zoom (2016) is a Sinhala 3D horror-romance film revolving around twin sisters, Naduli and Sanuli. After Naduli dies in a tragic accident, her soul takes over her guilt-ridden sister Sanuli's body to reunite with her lover, Nisal. The film focuses on the psychological conflict, as family and friends try to exorcise the soul, leaving the audience to wonder which twin will survive.
Movie - 2013, 2h 15m • as King Suprabuddha
Sri Siddhartha Gautama is a Sinhala movie released on 24 January, 2013. The movie is directed by Saman Weeraman and featured Anchal Singh and Gagan Malik as lead characters.
Movie - 2006, 2h 15m • as Divisional Secretary
Sumanawathie's elder son is a Buddhist monk. Her daughter has run from home and married a man who ignores and quarrels with the daughter. Sumanawathie's younger son Saliya gets a job as a soldier. Sumanawathi gets upset as she is left alone in her house. As the film progresses she gets to know that her son has disappeared during a war operation. Her health declines rapidly. After a long time, Saliya comes again to her home alive. Meanwhile her elder son is killed by terrorists when he travels with a team to distribute goods to the poor people.
Movie - 1994, 2h 15m • as Siri de Silva
This European thriller, set in Sri Lanka, attempts to expound upon the philosophical implications of life, death, and memory. JB, an academic famed for his studies of oriental culture and alcoholic who has never recovered from his wife's suicide, returns to Sri Lanka to translate a book written on glass. It is supposed to contain Buddha's discourse upon memory. While he is there, an attractive nurse, Julia asks him to assist a young boy who wants to locate his father who is now living in a Tamil-occupied area. The Tamil terrorists will kill any trespassers. Compounding JB's conflict in deciding to go is that his former home where he lived with his wife is in that area. Unbeknownst to him, the boy is really a Tamil spy.
Movie - 1983, 2h 15m • as Aravinda
Malin parts ways with his father Simon after realising that their ideologies do not match. While the father believes in using fear to control his employees, the son believes in equality and justice.