Besthiyage Don Bertie Sangathissa Gunathilake, popularly as Berty Gunathilake, was an actor and comedian in Sri Lankan cinema and television. He was most notable for the role “Baba” in the television comedy sitcom Vinoda Samaya.
In 1947, he was involved with Radio Ceylon through the ‘Lama Pitiya’ program while his comedy program called ‘Vihilu Thahalu’ on Radio Ceylon became a popular hit in 1954.
In 1951, the movie ‘Banda Nagarayata Pemineema’ starring Berty Gunathilake was screened while he later also acted in several more movies in a comedic role including ‘Pem Mal Maala’, “Palama Yata”, ‘Mana Mohini’ and ‘Somi Boys’. He gained widespread fame through his many comedic roles on the ‘Vinoda Samaya’ sketch comedy program which aired on Rupavahini for several years.
He died naturally at the age of 98 whiles receiving treatment at the Kahawatte Base Hospital.