GREED FOR POWER IS RAMPANT TODAY SANATH
CONTD. FROM LAST WEEK
Q. What is the era that really triggered a breakdown in the film industry?
Honestly, I must say that the 1978- 1989 era was the worst period for the industry and I hope many would agree with me. Decisions taken during that period directly contributed to the downfall of the industry. President Ranasinghe Premadasa took some steps to stop it and monitor it, but it worsened after his death. After that during President Chandrika Kumaratunga's regime our main request was to appoint Sumitta Amarasinghe as the NFC Chairman. But a gentleman with such efficiency, intelligence, commitment, dedication, loyalty and bravery could not rectify the damage already caused within a short span. The damage done was so huge. Not only with Sumitta, I have worked very closely with each and every NFC chairman appointed so far. I don't think anyone of them would ever accuse me of disrupting any of their good work done towards the upliftment of the film industry. I feel we are not doing enough to take advantage of the opportunities we have got. I think this is the best time for everyone to join hands and get a National Film Policy passed.
Q. Are you pointing an accusing finger at anyone?
I am not blaming anybody nor am I trying to defend or justify the acts of anyone. I am only voicing my conscience. The truth will surface some day.
Q. Did the Chandrika government take hasty decisions or did it discuss matters with the commission and industry personnel?
How did the commission work from day one? What kind of data did it collect? Anyone keen on bringing about a solution to the brewing crisis in the film industry can contact these commission members, study the data and apply them even today.
Prof. Senaka Bandaranayake, Gamini Weragama and Cyril Gunapala were appointed to the commission so that it could be an independent outfit. Do you know that they first spoke to Reggie Siriwardane who was the person who devoted a lot of time to devise the Film Corporation Act? Then they spoke to Dr. D.B.Nihalsingha who was the Chairman/CEO of the National Film Corporation during the golden era. They also spoke to renowned filmmaker Dr Lester James Peries. Fortunately, the members of this commission are still among us. Why can't we make use of them?
" I AM NOT BOTHERED ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE TALK ABOUT ME BEHIND MY BACK. I RESPECT THE RIGHT PEOPLE HAVE TO EXPRESS THEIR OWN VIEWS. BUT I HAVE MY OWN POINT OF VIEW ABOUT ME AND I RESPECT THAT.
Q. But you are an often misunderstood character in real life?
It may be so. I am not bothered about what people talk about me behind my back. I respect the right people have to express their own views. But I have my own point of view about me and I respect that. I am mature enough to differentiate between the good and bad. If I had done anything wrong, I am wise enough today to realize and rectify it.
As you said, I may sound being more spiritual now, but I don't wish to discuss them in public. As we age we have to reminisce the past and weigh the pros and cons. In the past people have even written books on me and made money. It might happen in the future too. But the most important thing is to know if such people are acting according to their conscience.
Q. Do you think that getting into politics was one blunder you made?
I don't think politics is my cup of tea. I believe that you can promote your country even without being a politician. I have done it before and I will not hesitate to do it even in the future by linking with anyone whose intentions are pure.
Today unhealthy trends are emerging in the global context too and these trends are detrimental to human life. Greed for power is rampant everywhere. People waste so much of money and stoop to any level to gain and remain in power under the guise of serving the people. Why can't they utilize this money for the welfare of the innocent people?
(Ramesh Uvais)