Walpola had to forgo his education at a young age to support his family and for a time built masks for the Sri Lankan army .
Walpola 's father Palis Ayya worked with costumes for the Tower Hall theater .
Walpola had to forgo Walpola 's education at a young age to support his family and for a time built masks for the Sri Lankan army .
Walpola 's father Palis Ayya worked with costumes for the Tower Hall theater .