Lester James Peries:
Father of Sinhala cinema
As we all know, the first Sinhala talkie movie ‘Kadawunu Poronduwa’ was screened in January, 1947. But many believe that the real beginning of the Sinhala cinema started in 1956, with the screening of ‘Rekhawa’ directed by celebrated movie director Dr. Lester James Peries.
Lester is accordingly known as the father of the Sinhala cinema, largely due to his pioneering efforts in recreating films with a Sri Lankan touch.
Dr. Lester James Peries who was born on April 5, 1919, passed away on April 29 this year (2018) at the age of 99.
Lester who catapulted the Sinhala cinema into sharp international focus through his cinematic creations, was the undisputed biggest brand name in the local film industry.
The old Peterite returned to Sri Lanka after a six year stint as a journalist in London and joined the Government Film Unit (GFU) as an assistant director under renowned filmmaker Ralph Keene. He learned a great deal on the art of film making. He made a number of documentaries at the GFU, but all the while he had been nursing the plot of a story that became a reality when he made his debut film ‘Rekhawa’ in 1955.
From then on he began to understand the pulse of the people and made films that were embraced by the country’s filmgoers who were till then used to films made with some Indian influence.
Among his memorable works were Sandeshaya, Gamperaliya, Delowak Athara, Ran Salu, Golu Hadawatha, Akkara Paha, Nidhanaya, God King, Desa Nisa, Madol Duwa, Weera Puran Appu, Kali Yugaya, Pin Hami, Baddegama, Yuganthaya, Awaragira and Wekande Walawwa and his last Ammawarune.
The key words in Lester’s work philosophy are loyalty and commitment. And this trait was seen even among the members who worked in his films.
Among those introduced to the cinema world by Lester James Peries were artistes who later went on to make it big in the Sinhala cinema industry.
When he made Rekhawa in 1955, he introduced cinematographer Willie Blake and Titus Totawatte who were rated as Sri Lanka’s talented film personnel. Veteran actress Iranganie Serasinghe also entered the film scene acting in a documentary titled ‘ Parissam Wenna Nethnam Kanagatu Wenna’ - directed by Lester. Later she acted in Rekhawa.
Film legend Gamini Fonseka also made his film debut in Lester’s Rekhawa as a technician and was accidentally required to play a passing role in the film.
Well known film maker K. A. W. Perera also made his debut in Rekhawa penning the film’s dialogues.
Rekhawa also had new comers to the movie scene. Rev. Fr. Marceline Jayakody penned the lyrics while talented musician Sunil Santha composed the melodies in the film which had debutante play back singers Indrani Wijebandara and Ivor Dennis. Sumitra Peries who joined Lester in Sandeshaya as an Assistant Director, later became his life partner.
Among the other big stars who made their debuts in Lester’s films were Jeewarani Kurukulasuriya (Sandeshaya), Tony Ranasnghe, Anula Karunathilaka, Trilicia Gunawardena, G.W. Surendra, Wickrama Bogoda (all in Gamperaliya).
Popular film critic and veteran journalist Reggie Siriwardene also made his debut as the award-winning screenplay writer in Gamperaliya. Former Film Corporation Chairman and reputed film maker Tissa Abeysekara also made his film debut in Gamperaliya as the additional screen play writer.