[3] In 1956 he entered cinema as a child artist with the film Rekava directed by Lester James Peries with the role "Sena".
After that film, Dharmapriya acted in several commercially successful films directed by Lester, including Delovak Athara, Desa Nisa and Gehenu Lamai.
Then, he studied cinematography under Willie Blake and worked as an assistant cinematographer in the films Gamperaliya and Delowak Athara.
[3] His maiden cinematography came through the film Adarawanthayo directed by Amaranath Jayathilake.
He was the chief cinematographer in the films Pem Kurullo, Bonikka, Mawubima Nathnam Maranaya, Adara Kathawa, Salambak Handai, Salli Thibunata Madi and Mawubime Weerayo.