Film glossary launched at ‘barred’ venue
The Concise Sinhala Encyclopaedia on Cinema and an English-Sinhala glossary of cinematic terms by Justin Belagamage, was launched at the National Film Corporation cinema hall recently.
The event was marred by pandemonium as the entrance to the NFC via the Rupavahini Corporation gate was mysteriously locked just as the event began, leaving invitees, film personalities and journalists stranded.
"I CAN’T IMAGINE THE HUMILIATION HE WOULD HAVE HAD TO FACE HAD HE COME"
While some invitees were seen arguing or pleading with the private security personnel that they should be let in since they had been officially invited, many turned away in anger unable to understand the rationale behind this high-handed act. Among those stranded outside the gate was globally renowned filmmaker Sumitra Peries who embarrassingly told us that Dr. Lester James Peries had also earlier planned to participate in the event.
“I can't imagine the humiliation he would have had to face had he come,” she told Impulse at the gate.
Many invitees went back in anger over the ‘out of bounds' scenario. Among them were media personnel who thought it was best in the interest of the institutions they represented to avoid
attending functions such ‘out of bounds' venues. It was later learnt that several top film world personalities had used their influence to get the gate open following orders from the top. Finally the distinguished guests including Ms. Sumitra Peries who tolerantly remained outside had been let in.