Final rites of the legendary Sri Lankan filmmaker late Dr. Lester James Peiris was conducted on Wednesday at the Independence Square in Colombo with full state honors under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Addressing the gathering at the funeral, President Maithripala Sirisena said Dr. Lester James Peiris is the one who introduced local culture and typical village features to the Sri Lankan cinema and created a local typical Sri Lankan cinema industry. He brought international fame to Sri Lanka by his creative work and his demise is an irreplaceable lost to the country, the President said.
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said Mr. Peiris is the pioneer who carried local cinema industry into the international arena. He made significant transformation in cinema industry by making films based on Sri Lankan novels.
Addressing the gathering Dr. Sunil Ariyaratne said that Dr. James Peiris dedicated his entire life for Sri Lankan cinema industry. He requested the President and the Prime Minister to set up a cinema museum at the place where he lived.
Venerable Dr. Bellanvila Dharmarathana Thera made an anusasana and Archbishop Rt. Reverend Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith delivered a speech on behalf of the Christians.
Internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan film director, screenwriter, and film producer passed away on Sunday, April 29 at the age of 99.
Dr. Peiris revolutionized the Sinhala film industry with his globally acclaimed film “Rekawa” in 1956. “Rekava” made a revolution in Sinhala cinema and was adjudged the best film in several international festivals.
He directed a number of films in variety of themes and represented Sri Lanka in many international film festivals winning awards.
He went on to produce 28 award-wining movies including Sandesaya, Gamperaliya, Delovak Atara, Golu Hadawatha, Nidhanaya, Madol Duwa, Weera Puran Appu, Kaliyugaya, Yuganthaya, Baddegama, Wekanda Wallauwa and Avaragira.
Dr. Peiris earned several honors and awards including the Sri Lankabhimanya tile, Sri Lanka’s highest honor for a civilian.
