SUMITTA AMARASINGHE

The 23rd death anniversary of wellknown cinematographer and former National Film Corporation Chairman Sumitta Amarasinghe falls on December 13. Sumitta Amarasinghe who was born on August 5, 1932 in Divulapitiya studied at Ananda College Colombo and learnt about films and cinematography in India from 1953 to 1957. He made his film debut here as an assistant cinematographer in Dr. Lester James Peries’ ‘Sandeshaya’. In 1964 he married Sumithra Perera. Dilani Amarasinghe is his only daughter. In the sixties, the hardcore film lover who pioneered moves to set up the National Film Corporation also served at the Government Film Unit. He played a key role for the welfare of the Sinhala cinema industry together with big names like DR.D.B. Nihalsinghe. Amarasinghe who served as the Film Corporation chairman from 1994 until his demise in 1995, was also a director at state television Rupavahini. Among the films he worked as cinematographer were Parasathumal, Ransalu, Abuddassa Kale, Getawarayo, Thilaka Saha Thilaka, Induta Mal Mitak, Desa Nisa, Wasanthe Dawasak, Aradhana, Duhulu Malak, Deveni Gamana, Thung Mang Handiya, Ahas Maliga and several others. He clinched six Presidential and Sarasaviya awards for his contribution to some memorable films.

The hardcore film lover pioneered moves to set up the National Film Corporation