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| Saturday, 2 October 2004 |
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Late Gamini Fonseka's service for the development of the local cinema will be remembered by the nation with gratitude, Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister, Vijitha Herath said yesterday in a condolence message issued on the death of the leading Sinhala film idol. Fonseka started his film career through Dr. Lester James Peries' film Rekhawa where he functioned as an assistant director and acted in a group scene. Thereafter he nurtured his talents by joining hands with David Lean in the film Bridge on the River Kwai,the Minister said. He said: "After playing the lead role for the first time in the film Pirimiyek Nisa he subsequently played lead roles in films such as Sandeshaya, Gamperaliya, Getawarayo, Dheevarayo, Chandiya, Parasathumal, Welikathara and Nidhanaya. His role as 'Willie Abeynayake' in Nidhanaya brought him real talents to the limelight. This role, which won popular acclaim should have come into greater international focus and attention truly the honour of introducing pragmatism into the cinema acting in Asia should go to Fonseka. Fonseka was also able to protect and safeguard the honour and respect of his profession and this is highly acclaimed by today's cinema artistes. He was also the first actor to speak out about social injustice and difficulties of the oppressed and the underprivileged. In this context his role as Nadaraja in the film Sarungale should come into special focus and discussion. It should be stressed that Fonseka never let room for communalism in the field of cinema. Fonseka who had directed 10 films won Presidential, Sarasaviya, OCIC, Swarana Sanka, Deepasika and several other awards during his film career. He has also won a D. Litt Degree from the International Open University in honour of the services rendered to cinema and art. He was acclaimed as the king of the cinema by his fans and his services should be remembered with gratitude.
He is no more, but his name will live on .... by Anjana Gamage Even before my tears had dried from mourning over father's sudden demise another shock awaited me - the passing away of one of his very close friends, film legend Gamini Fonseka. It was only early this year, that Fonseka was felicitated on the Golden Jubilee of his film career by a handful of people connected to the industry to pay him the Royal Salute at the BMICH. It certainly looked an event fit for crowning of an Emperor. Yes, it was the emperor who was crowned. He was none other than the super star of the Sinhala Silver screen Gamini Fonseka. The organisers fittingly themed this tribute as Raja Dekma that suited the man and his character as Fonseka was a rare specimen not only in the film industry but also in our society as a exemplary public figure. But today he is no more with us. This writer still remembers a poignant moment at the event, when some memorable film clippings of his was brought on the giant screen bringing nostalgic memories of the many characters portrayed in his film life that spanned five decades. Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne delivering the main address said that several public names have become popular in certain fields as experts in those fields. "To name a few, Prof. Senarat Paranavithana for Archaeology, Jeffry Bawa the architect, Dr. Lester James Peries for the Asian film industry, Pandith Amaradeva for Sinhala music and Malini Fonseka as the queen of the Sinhala Cinema and only Gamini Fonseka can be called the Emperor of the Sinhala cinema," he said. Fonseka addressing the gathering at the end of the ceremony, appealed to all artistes to stay away from politics. "There is a lack of good film plots today. Whatever the acting performance we do is not useful, if the plot could not bring a tear drop into the eye, or a sensitive feeling to the heart, and a smile to the face," he quipped. |
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