LESTER TURNS 93 THIS WEEK

Sri Lanka’s most prolific and globally celebrated moviemaker, Dr. Lester James Peries will turn 93 on Thursday, April 5.

Lester who catapulted the Sinhala cinema into sharp international focus through his cinematic creations, is undisputedly the biggest brand name in the local film industry.

Born on April 5, 1919 in Colombo, Dr. Peries was persuaded by his parents to prepare himself for priesthood but the old Peterite, by his own choice preferred to pursue his interest in theatre and films.

During his six-year stint as a journalist in London from 1946 to 1952, Lester cultivated his interest in films with great sincerity and commitment. Having joined the Government Film Unit (GFU) as an assistant director on his return to Sri Lanka, Lester worked under prestigious names like Ralph Keene and learned a great deal on the art of filmmaking. 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 film goers who were till then largely 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, Wekande Walawwa and Amma Warune.

The key words in Lester’s work philosophy are loyalty and commitment. And this trait was seen even among team members who worked in his films.

Among those introduced to the cinema world by Lester James Peries are now popular artistes who have made it big in the Sinhala cinema industry.

When he made Rekhawa in 1955, he introduced cinematographer Willie Blake and editor Titus Totawatte. 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.