TIME IS RIPE to react to my detractors: Sanath
“Even before I underwent my heart surgery, I urged President to ensure that film sector tax concessions are not compromised
“I must at the very inception express my heartfelt thankfulness to Consultant Cardiologist Dr. P. Priyadarshan, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon Dr. A. Jayakrishnan, hospital staff members Mada Vilasini, Mr. Sumith Rathnayake, Miss Suji and others who helped me recover well after my bypass surgery. I have no words to express my gratitude to them. I know I will have to be cautious in resuming film work,” said veteran film actor and director Sanath Gunathilake when we sought his views about the current status of the Sinhala cinema industry.
COMING TO THE TOPIC OF POLITICS AND CINEMA, YOU CONTINUED TO ENGAGE IN POLITICS AFTER THE DEMISE OF PRESIDENT PREMADASA?
In fact, I told the late D. B. Wijetunga who became President, that I never intended to engage in politics thereafter or had any plans to contest the 1993 May 17 Provincial Council elections. Incumbent Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was also with D. B. Wijetunga when I made my stand clear. But the President did not heed my request. I told him that I entered politics on the invitation of President Ranasinghe Premadasa as I saw some hope that our cinema industry would benefit by it. But I had to heed the request. I am so grateful to President Wijetunga for saving the National Film Corporation building without letting it go into the hands of the Iranian government. Thereafter I had spoken and discussed issues pertaining to our film industry with Presidents Chandrika Kumaratunga, Mahinda Rajapaksa and Maithripala Sirisena but due to various reasons we could not fulfil such missions. As a person who honestly tried to do something for the welfare of our cinema, I must say that we have not had a national policy for films or arts after 1977. Since there is an ongoing case on certain issues regarding our cinema, I must also hasten to say that even at this stage there may be people with vested interests trying to mislead the government and the authorities. I am a believer that things can be and should be sorted out through discussions and the majority views must be accepted. I am not going to remain silent?
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
I have not given up my determination to work for the welfare of our cinema. Even before I underwent my heart surgery a few months ago, I urged President Maithripala Sirisena to ensure that the tax concessions enjoyed by our film sector are not compromised. I wrote to the highest authority in the Finance Ministry giving my suggestion for the Budget proposals then scheduled for November 5 last year. Daily Mirror Life Impulse carried the news on its front page. If I am called upon to make any clarifications regarding any matters pertaining to our cinema I will certainly come forward to present facts. Since Sanath Gunathilake’s name was made popular by our cinema, I am duty-bound to do something in return for the industry.
YOU SSEEM TO BE DEJECTED?
I am not a man who can be put down easily. I can be killed but not defeated. I am sad. I was an accidental entrant to cinema. I made a name in this industry. But there are some people who make baseless allegations against me. But if you believe in yourself you must believe that the truth can never be suppressed. There are some people who pose as if they are on my side subtly tell me not to respond to false allegations levelled against me. As a man who has not exploited our cinema for personal gain or glory, I must say that i have discussed and even argued on this matter with almost all Presidents of this country. The leaders know that I have spoken the fact. The time has come now not to keep mum anymore. I will come out with the bitter truth. You die only once. This applies to my rivals too.
YOUR NEWEST ROLES BEFORE THE CINE CAMERA?
I am so happy that my fans who have nostalgic memories of my past films, are keen to know what I am upto in the cine world in the future. ‘Peni Makuluwo’ that featured me last year did not get a decent release, publicity or backing. The DVD of the film will prove my point. ‘Sangili’ is being screened now in which I have done justice to my role as many people claim. Don’t miss it and don’t forget to give your feedback – whether it’s good or bad.