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Herbert M. Senevirathne (24 april 1924 – 07 June 1987) was an influential Sri Lankan playwright.

Early life
Sinhala cinema’s gifted all-rounder Herbert M. Seneviratne who excelled as an actor, lyricist, director, producer and scriptwriter.

Herbert Mendis Seneviratne who was born in Kahawa on April 24, 1924, studied at Balapitiya Siddhartha Vidyalaya and Mahabodhi Vidyalaya Colombo where he was exposed to books. The first song he penned ‘Lalitha Kala Opa Karana’ was sung by Chitra Somapala in 1945. The 70-year-old song is popular among music lovers even today.

He later penned about 2,000 songs and among them were popular songs like Mewila Penewi Roope, Maya, Anna Sudo Ara Paata Walaa, Piduru Sewikala Pelpathe, Aloke Pathura, Me Saumya Rathriya Gewila Yathi, Chandraya Paaya, Sudata Sude Siriya Dile Pun Sande, Ada Andanawa Himiyani Yasodhara, Dushmantha Aho Kimado, Adaraya Nisa Harde Bendena, Etha Ahase Nege Dinindu Paaya and several others.

Herbert M. Seneviratne who was offered the task of writing songs for B. A. W. Jayamanne’s ‘Umathu Wishwasaya’ in 1952, also got an opportunity to make his debut as an actor. He later acted in several films like Irangani, Dosthara, Daskon, Handapana, Siriyalatha and Senehasa for which he won the best actor’s Sarasaviya award in 1970 while the most popular actor’s award went to the late Gamini Fonseka.

Herbert M. also directed films like Senehasa, Ran Ethana and Situ Diyaniya.

The talented all rounder passed away on June 7, 1987.