D. B. NIHALSINGHA

The 82nd birth anniversary of veteran filmmaker D. B. Nihalsingha falls on May 27.

DBN who was the first to be conferred with the title of ‘Professor in Cinema and Television’ in Sri Lanka, passed away on April 21, 2016.

DBN who made award winning movies like Welikathara, Maldeniye Simion, Kelimandala and Ridee Nimnaya was the pioneer who introduced cinemascope film technology to Asia, the first cameraman who used hand-held camera for film shooting in the Asian region and the first who introduced colour tele dramas to Sri Lanka.

Last year he embarked on a commendable deed by devising a four-year degree course on film and television at the Kelaniya University.

He was the only Sri Lankan to have hands on experience in the world’s largest fully digitalized film and television station in Malaysia.

He was the founding CEO and General Manager of the National Film

Last year he embarked on a commendable deed by devising a fouryear degree course on film and television at the Kelaniya University.

Corporation from 1972 to 1978.

Nihalsingha’s parents were legendary journalist D.B. Dhanapala and the late Rathi Dhanapala. His brother was veteran photo journalist D.B. Suranimala.

D. B. Nihalsingha will be remembered for his outstanding contributions to the field of arts as one of the few talented filmmakers, a superior cameraman, high class administrator in the cinema industry, a pioneer in introducing new technology and a teacher who produced local and international cinema and television professionals.