In the 1960s when print media was the only avenue for publicity, he breathed life to a new trend in poster printing that became vital in the resurgence of Sinhala stage drama.

As the late artiste Henry Jayasena noted in his column in 2007, "His little press at No.10, K.D.David Mawatha, Maradana [the I.P.B. press] with its 'Victoria' Press Machine and its 'Gold & Jobber' Printing Machine was the haven of writers, poets, playwrights, producers, directors, actors and aspiring young men of the theatre for over four decades."

Somapala also appeared in several films and teledramas as an actor. His appears in creations such as 'Diya Keta Pahana', 'Dunhinda Addara' and 'Prabhathaya'.

His remains will be brought to the Jayaratna parlour at 2pm tomorrow (April 14) for public felicitation and final rites will be held at 5pm at the Borella Cemetery.