A Tribute to Lester James Peries

With the eclipse of the Vesak moon

You calmly breathed your final breath

Bidding farewell to the nation you loved so much

Truly, the parting was sudden which compelled the people

To shed tears of immense sorrow

You were on the verge of completing-a masterly innings of a disciplined, Exemplary life

In fact a century in sight When you were summoned to his kingdom

Thus, ended an era of Unique cinematic achievements Lester, you sacrificed a glamorous career in the ribald trade of Journalism Chose the film industry In which field you excelled A commercial entity - an industry and an art form Since you were a wizard You restored the Sri Lankan film industry Shredding all foreign influences That invaded the local cinema For it to stand independent Was your ultimate goal No doubt you achieved it

In a dignified manner Generations of Sri Lankans would remember you

When they view your films of qualitative nature Moulded in the classical frame Which restored the culture of the nation

Which was truly rural and elevated you to Commendable heights We mourn the loss of a great artiste

A treasured citizen whose memory would be etched

In the minds of Sri Lankans indelibly

In the years to come Hope your journey to eternity was serene

As you were the Christian identity in Sri Lankan cinema.

Camillus Fernando