Veteran artiste Jayalath Manoratne passed away after a prolonged illness.

Manoratne was 71 at the time of his demise.

Maniratne conquered many spheres of art including stageplays, cinema and teledramas and has directed a number of award-winning stage dramas.

He was a lecturer by profession. Highly versatile actor from drama to comedy, Manoratne has won awards ranging from OCIC, Presidential, Sarasavi, Raigam Tele'es, Sumathi and the State Literary and Drama awards. He was the best actor back to back in 1991 and 1992 for his performance in Socrates and Dvitva