LANKA’S IMAGE CAN BE FORTIFIED VIA ARTS AND CULTURE Sumith Tissera
(PIX NISSANKA M. D.)
M"This message could be taken to the world through arts and cultural programmes "
edia Foundation International founder President Sumith Tissera who is now domiciled in Canada is in the country these days on some official projects relating to the foundation he represents.
“I have appointed Ranga Premaratne as the President of the Sri Lankan branch while the New York and Canada branches are also actively involved in promoting our arts and culture. I feel if we make an additional effort and think out of the box, we could let Sri Lanka’s name shine in every part of the world. I started the foundation in1988 together with personalities like Rev. Fr. Ernest Poruthota, Ravindra Randeniya, H. D.
Premaratne, Ranjith Kumara and Milroy Perera as the patrons. We felicitated several noteworthy artistes who received accolades for the first time in their lives. We started with Prem Jayanth and followed it up with Ariyaratne Kahawita, G. S. B.
Rani Perera, Haroon Lantra, Malani Fonseka, Sonia Dissa, Roy de Silva, Christie Leonard Perera, Dharmasiri Gamage, Ernest Soysa, Lata Walpola, Sriyani Amarasena, Jayasena Jayakody, Udula Dabare, Tony Ranasinghe, Ravindra Randeniya, Anula Karunathilaka, Saman de Silva, Ruby de Mel and others. After the world cup cricket victory in 1996 we felicitated Arjuna Ranatunga, Sanjeewa Ranatunga and Chaminda Vaas,” said Sumith recalling the key events he organized in the capacity of Media Foundation International founder. “In 1998 I organized events in 15 cities in the US to coincide with our 50th Independence Day celebrations. I still remember with gratitude the support we received from the then Ambassador Warnasena Rasaputram and his top officials Sumanasena Abeywardana and Oscar Jayawardana. MIF New York president Nimal Rajapaksa and Canada President Wanni Dhanawardana also play a major role in promoting our arts and culture. I must also appreciate the services of branch members Sohan Perera, Sarath Jayasiriwardana, Samantha, Ajith Jinadasa, Manju Wijesinghe Sudesh Muthu and others,” he said.
“Sri Lanka has defeated terrorism and shown the world its courage and commitment to peace. But this message could be taken to the world of through arts and cultural programmes. If I am given a chance, I will certainly undertake such a mission with the support of my two branches in New York and Canada, if I receive support from the relevant stakeholders,” said a confident Sumith Tissera who has produced a tele drama and acted in films as well as tele dramas.
“I hope to organize a grand ceremony to felicitate the late filmmaker H. D. Premaratne. I also have the last film script written by Tissa Abeysekara who said it was the best script ever written by him. I hope to make the film in the near future. I’ll be going back to Canada in a few days but my love for my motherland will remain forever. I am extremely grateful to my wife Sandhya Tissera and daughters Chalanayani and Hasangani for the overgenerous support they give me always,” said Sumith in a grateful tone.