Jagath Manuwarna’s debut film, Whispering Mountains, won several awards at the recently concluded 9th Derana Film Awards. As Manuwarna’s first feature film, Whispering Mountainshas made a notable impact on both the international and local film festival arena, receiving various awards and recognition.
Images: Shan Rupassara
Twenty years ago, he arrived in Colombo as a young school leaver, fueled by an intense passion for acting. He honed his skills at the Tower Hall Foundation, where he actively participated in theatre productions, not only as an actor but also in stage management roles. In a recent interview with Youth Observer, he reflected on receiving his first award for stage management at the State Drama Festival for his work on ‘Malsara Bisau’ by Hemantha Prasad. “At that time, we did everything we could to ensure the success of our theatre productions. We had little in terms of material possessions, but our unwavering passion for art drove us. The aspiration to become actors and create films was the guiding force in our lives,” Manuwarna recalled.
As a talented actor with a successful track record in theatere, television, and film, Manuwarna is recognised for embodying the role of ‘everyone’s friend,’ earning the deep trust of his peers. He considers this trust to be one of the key reasons for his achievements in all his endeavours. For him, filmmaking in a country such as Sri Lanka has led to a newfound understanding. “The true magic behind my filmmaking is my friends.
They have been my most valuable asset throughout my journey. From scriptwriting and development to casting, shooting, and post-production, my circle of friends has provided unwavering support at every stage. I believe in the power of collaboration. In a nation with limited resources, our greatest strength lies in human capital, giving us the potential to excel in both art and politics. Together, through collective effort, we can accomplish remarkable things. This belief in collectivism is a cornerstone of my work in cinema,” Manuwarna said.
Besides being a talented actor in both theatre and film, and having shown his skills as a director, Manuwarna is known for his unconventional political stance. His empathetic nature and belief in the power of collaboration may be reasons for his desire to pursue a career in politics.
He consistently advocates for the oppressed and actively participates in struggles and rallies when the country is in need. His heartfelt yet genuine expression of anger, desperation, and objection during a press conference in 2015, which addressed the attacks at Kumbukgate for ‘Aluth Parapura,’ significantly contributed to the defeat of the Rajapaksa regime and the establishment of the ‘Yahapalana’ Government. However, the rulers of ‘Yahapalanaya’ took the people’s power for granted, ultimately leading to their failure.
Jagath Manuwarna at the Derana Film Awards
Manuwarna has remained at the forefront of the “Aragalaya” movement, continuing to uphold his progressive political stance against the oppressive regime. “This country needs to be reset in every aspect, including economically and culturally. As a representative of the youth, that is my mission in politics,” Manuwarna said.
Although he is well aware that he does not come from a professional background in economics or policymaking, he has immense trust in the party he represents. “I believe that the necessary structural changes can only be achieved by the NPP Government. People have tremendous trust in us, which we experience when we travel around the country.
Citizens are very hopeful about this change following the new President’s appointment, and they are eagerly awaiting the formation of an NPP Government at the upcoming elections, optimistic that it will steer the country in the right direction,’ Manuwarna said.
Manuwarna hails from Galaha in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, and as he prepares to run for election in his hometown, he reflects on how little has changed in his village and in other towns within his district since his childhood and early adulthood. “The majority of the people are struggling to meet their basic needs. I believe that every parliamentarian appointed in each area should pay more attention to their communities, build genuine rapport with the people, understand their needs, and work to improve their lives. If every politician puts in a sincere effort, I think, despite our limited resources and infrastructure, we can still make the necessary changes to uplift the lives of the people in this country. That will be my main task in politics,” he said.
Artist vs politician
As an actor and artist who values a free life, it may seem quite paradoxical to represent a political party rooted in strong Marxist ethics and discipline. When I asked Manuwarna if he ever felt restricted by the code of ethics of the NPP, he responded, “No, I have never felt that the party is a burden on my artistic or personal life. The NPP is not a party that suppresses personal desire. We live as normal human beings, but the party has implemented a code of ethics that supports a better community and country, which we all respect.
At the end of the day, no one is completely free in this world; we are all bound to something. Therefore, being bound to the party’s ethics that uphold social contract with the country and its people it had has never felt like suppression to me.” he said.
It is an undeniable truth that the soul of an artist can never be fully extinguished. As Manuwarna steps into the world of politics, which will make a demand on his life and energy, it is also saddening to consider whether this path might hinder his artistic journey. Having made significant artistic strides through his debut teledrama ‘Kodi Gaha Yata’ and his film ‘Whispering Mountains,’ gaining both national and international recognition, he has no intention of sacrificing his artistic self for a political career.
“I will always be a filmmaker. That is my passion. Right now, I believe we have a responsibility to work for our country’s betterment. For a better film industry and a more engaged audience, we need a country with strong economic stability and cultural development. I already find myself missing my passion, but I am also committed to my political life. Striking a balance between these two pursuits will make me more productive,” he said.
Millennials in politics
As Manuwarna represents the first wave of the millennial generation with the opportunity to enter Parliament if he wins, “We are advocating for millennials who have lived through the civil war for nearly three-quarters of their lives.
We have experienced fear and uncertainty, enduring brawl after brawl, and have observed opportunistic politicians exploiting situations for their own benefit. However, we remain hopeful for the potential changes that can be made in the country’s political culture,” he said.
Although Manuwarna’s ‘Lamborghini’ metaphor has generated both positive and negative reactions, deconstructing his statement and emotions reveals that he was clearly asking for power to combat the repressive regime of the past.
It is evident that many millennials who will represent the new Parliament must view their ‘Lamborghini’ not as a luxury to indulge their personal desires, but as a symbol of power and responsibility to fulfill the social contract they have with the people.
