Journey from Layard Broadway to Lake House editor

Veteran journalist, writer and cinema expert A. D. Ranjith Kumara’s newest book ‘Kosgashandiye Kolugetaya’ (The kid at Kosgashandiya) , a biographical novel about his journey as a journalist and cinema lover will be launched on April 7 at the BMICH.

Capturing the political, social and cultural changes in the time Ranjith Kumara who served 25 years as a journalist and Editor of Sarasaviya while organisnig the Sarasavi Film awards and 20 years with Sumathi newspapers writing about cinema and organising Sumathi tele awards.

“Kosgashandiya in Colombo 14 is where I was born and the centre space of this area was Layard Broadway, named after Colombo’s first mayor Layard. Not only the mayor but his relatives who held important positions like the Government Agent and the IGP were living at Layard Broadway,” Ranjith Kumara said highlighting the reasons for naming his newest book ‘Kosgashandiye Kolugatiya’.

“The area comprising of all races and religious groups were in hyper activity whenever there was a festival or religious event like Vesak, Hindu and Muslim Festivals and even the Church Feast of St Joseph’s church in Grandpass,” Ranjith Kumara went down the memory lane. “Layard Broadway was like now Colombo 7.

“My father was a printer and a producer of stage dramas. He produced a play called “Carnival” and its main role was played by former President R. Premadasa.” Having witnessed 1964 first Sarasavi film awards at Asoka theatre which was at the same vicinity Ranjith Kumara was dreaming to organise such an attractive event.

“I could remember how we waited at the gallery to get the glimpse of yesteryear stars or secretly touch their clothes when they were walking along the red carpet,” Ranjith said going back to his childhood memories.

Ranjith’s father who was an ardent fan of cinema printed small film magazine called ‘Niliya’ (Actress) and little Ranjith would be spending time with the photos of Sri Lankan and Indian actors and actresses.

At the school Ranjith directed a 10 minute long short film ‘Wera’ (Effort) to a script by his classmate and renowned wordsmith

Premakeerthi de Alwis. And it was screened at film festival where Anura Bandaranaike was the chief guest. Following this he directed the feature film “Nimwalalla” .

It was during this time that Ranjith wanted to join Sarasaviya newspaper, published by the Lake House. “The then Local government Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa who was a family friend asked his secretary to take me to the Chairman of Lake House, D. R. Wijewardene.

“Mr. Premadasa advised me how I should dress nicely and should meet Mr. Wijewardene.

Having met Mr. Wijewardene I was first sent to Daily News where I was asked to translate a news. But I was not happy there and I rushed back to Mr. Wijewardene’s office without knowing that it was not proper to gatecrash to the office of Lake House Chairman. Mr. Wijewardene asked me what was the issue and I told him that I wanted to join Sarasaviya not Daily News. His response was “why didn’t you tell me earlier” and then asked me to report to work by 10 am on the following day.

“This journey I started continued for 25 years out of which I was the editor of Sarasaviya for five years” Ranjith said.

The book also contained interesting stories relating Sri Lankan cinema, its stars and others interesting information.