ANTON WICKREMASINGHE

The 25th death anniversary of the late film producer and former National Film Corporation Chairman Anton Wickremasinghe falls on November 27. He produced Dr. Lester James Peries’ Gamperaliya that won the coveted Golden Peacock award at the Indian International Film festival in the mid sixties. The film also bagged the award for the best movie at the Mexico Film festival. Mr Wickremasinghe was appointed Chairman of the National Film Corporation where he served for more than 10 years. It was in 1965 that businessman Anton Wickremasinghe who pioneered envelope manufacturing and engaged himself in building a successful trading company called Anton Wickremasinghe Ltd decided to make his maiden venture into film making. His friend Dr. Lester James Peries helped him in the creation of his maiden film Gamperaliya that went on to beat Richard Attenborough’s film ‘The Guns at Battasi’ to win the coveted and prestigious Golden Peacock award.