Simon Sashawa of Sinhala Caucasian Chalk Circle passed away

Sri Lankan stage actor Santin Gunawardane passed away yesterday (April 15), two days after he celebrated his 75th birthday.

Santin became popular as Simon Sashawa, a role he acted in Henry Jayasena's 'Hunuwataye Kathawa' drama. It was an adaptation of Bertold Brecht's Caucasian Chalk Circle. Hunuwataye Kathawa was a prescribed text for G.C.E. (Advanced Level) examination for many years and the drama was shown all over the island.

Santin acted in Hunuwataye Kathawa for 28 years in 3000 shows. He set foot on the stage in 1962 in Henry Jayasena's Janelaya (The Window) and acted in many stage dramas, a few tele dramas and films.

This handsome guys romantic acting was one of the pillars of the success of Hunuwataye Kathawa. It was first staged on March 08, 1967 in Lumbini theater, Colombo.