Damayanthi Kariyawasam (Dhammi) (Anula Karunathilake) is a mischievous school girl. Sugath Weerasekara (Wickrema Bogoda) is a shy and introverted boy, who is new to the school. He is quiet and talented in studying. Dhammi is immediately attracted with this behavior and both become friends, which eventually grows in to a special relationship.

Sugath, who has lost his parents when he was very small, has a brother, who studies at university. He talks about his relationship with Dhammi, with his brother, Sarath (Wijeratne Warakagoda) as well.

But, the day they have their final exam, Dhammi tells Sugath that she only loved Sugath as a brother and not to keep any further hopes about her.

Sugath is heartbroken and comes home to meet Sarath. In the meantime, he pases his exams with flying colors and Sarath also marries Champa (Sriyani Amarasena), who is willing to accept Sugath, as her own brother.

But, Sugath who is unable to forget Dhammi, keeps thinking about her and gets in to drinking. He also loses his job as a teacher and sadly departs from home.

One day, Dhammi comes to meet Sugath and reveals the secret for her sudden change. She states that her marriage with her cousin, Nihal was arranged by their fathers, when they were small. She tells him that she still loved Sugath, knowing that she would never have the chance to become his. She begs for forgiveness from him for playing with his feelings and asks him to change for her sake, and to return home.
 

Golu Hadawatha (Translation: Silent Heart) was a popular 1969 Sinhalese language romance film directed by maestro Lester James Peiris. The film stars Wickrema Bogoda and Anula Karunathilake in the lead roles. Based on a novel by Karunasena Jayalath, its screenplay was written by Regi Siriwardena. Music was by Premasiri Khemadasa. The film is far in advance of its time and shows the touch of a master in the cinematography. The first half of the film depicts the story though the eyes of Sugath and the next half the audience see the story through the eyes of Dammi. The film departs from the normal recipie of Hero, heroine, villain, joker, songs, fights etc and was regarded as one of the land marks in Sri Lankan Cinema.
 

It was awarded the Best Film, Best Director and Best Actress of the year at the prestigious Sarasaviya Awards Festival. The film, which depicts the love affair between two school going teenagers, created a sensation among Sri Lankan film lovers, both young and old, and is considered a landmark in the history of Sri Lankan cinema.