Lester at 86 embarks on his 20th film:

"A director needs to work. It is oxygen. It can prolong your life"

by Kumar de Silva

The House at Dickman's Road came alive last Friday morning with personalities from the Sri Lankan film industry, the media, and a sprinkling of family and friends. The Peries' large pet Great Dane Sheeba had been tied at the back of the house, as was her two month old, and equally too-friendly daughter, Cleopatra, so they wouldn't intimidate the guests.

At an auspicious hour just after 09.30 am, almost three weeks away from his 86th birthday April 5, Lester James Peries gave himself the best birthday present ever - signing on as Director at the muhurath of his 20th film - 'Ammawarunay' (Mother) produced by Jagath Wijenaike.

Queen of the Silver Screen Malini Fonseka was also at hand to sign on for the lead role in her umpteenth film. But this was her seventh with LJP. Prior to this had been 'Akkara Paha' (1969), and her stunning character performances in 'Nidhanaya' (1970), 'Veera Puran Appu' (1979), 'Beddegama' (1980) and 'Wekande Walauwwa' (2001).

A Silumina Films Presentation, 'Ammawarunay' revolves around a sickly and ageing widow Sumanawathi (Malini Fonseka) and her relationship with her two sons - Kassapa Hamuduruvo the Bhikkhu (Pradeep Dharmadasa) and the soldier Saliya (Roshan Pilapitiya) who returns from the war.

"I don't think there's another actress in Malini's age group who can play this very complex character. One third of the role is non-verbal. Sumanawathi locks herself up in her silent uncommunicative world with a rapidly fading memory. You need someone who can be very expressive in facial playing, with hardly any dialogue, towards the end of the film. I've worked with Malini for nearly four decades and I do know her potential", LJP said confidently.

Malini, in turn, considers it "a great honour to be cast in LJP's latest film", and modestly added, "I hope I'll get even a very small role in his next".

When half a century ago LJP cast Mallika Pilapitiya as the little boy's teenage sister in his first film 'Rekawa' (1956), little did he realise that in 2005 he would cast her son Roshan in his twentieth film. "I don't go by sentimentality but I've also seen Roshan play a soldier in a couple of teledramas. Roshan's been very keen to do a film with us. He's worth giving a chance too". To Roshan this is a dream come true. "I've been waiting to play a main role in a Lester James Peries film", he says.

Pradeep Dharmadasa is a relatively newcomer to the silver screen, although he's seen very much on Swarnavahini. Given his talent and facial structure, there's no doubt he'll do well as Kassapa Hamuduruvo.

Just like Malini, so is Tony Ranasinghe (Rathanapala Hamuduruvo the Head Priest), an old timer in LJP's films, going back nearly four decades to 'Delovak Athara' (1966) and totaling seven in all. Although having played in several of Sumitra's films, this is however Sanath Goonetilleke's third with LJP ('Kali Yugaya' - 1982 and 'Wekande Walauwwa' - 2001).

Many thought that after the resounding international success of 'Wekande Walauwwa' (Mansion by the Lake), LJP would call it a day and retire from film making. "That is what I should have done", he says laughingly. "Making a film at this age is going to be very difficult. I'm looking forward to a lot of co-operation from Sumitra. But then the story was interesting... You never can retire from this business. You think you should but then something always happens... Producers haven't easily come my way through my young years and the middle period. It was really quite surprising that Jagath came along..."

At the Edinburgh Film Festival, when presenting 'Wekande Walauwwe' and LJP, the festival's director said - "Sadly this may be his last masterpiece". Adds LJP, "I then thought why not take the challenge and make another film. And that's what I'm doing now. The whole idea about making films is not to make masterpieces, but more to keep on working when a chance comes along. Huston for example made his last film from a wheelchair and it was a fairly good film. A director needs to work. It is oxygen. It can prolong your life".

Sumitra, whose name might not feature prominently in the credits, will nevertheless play a pivotal role at Lester's side. "Given the small cast and intensity of the relationships, I think this is the most ambitious film he has taken on", she says. Since 'Rekawa' I don't think he has gone so deep into the rural landscape, as he does with this film".

By the end of March, the Perieses, cast and crew, pots and pans will all literally take up residence on location in Dambulla. On Sumitra's experienced shoulders will also fall the responsibility of 'recreating' a similar Dickman's Road home environment in Dambulla to keep the 86-year LJP comfortable during shooting - and all this replete with Rupasinghe the driver, Kamala the cook, LJP's favourite armchair, and possibly their (now) inseparable Sheeba and Cleo.

The crew

Jagath Wijenayaka - Producer

Lester James Peries - Director

Lester James Peries and Somaweera

Senanayaka - Original story

Somaweera Senanayaka - Screenplay

K. A. Dharmasena - Photography

Upali Perera - 1st Asst. Director

Ravindra Guruge - Editor

Mani Mendis - Art Director

Sarath Wijesekara - Production Manager

Ranjit Rubasinghe - 2nd Asst. Director

Hemantha Gamage - Make-Up

Janak Mayadunne - Still Photographer

The cast:

Malini Fonseka - Sumanawathi (Mother)

Gayani Gisanthika - Premalatha (Daughter)

Pradeep Dharmadasa - Kassapa Hamuduruvo (Son)

Roshan Pilapitiya - Saliya (Son)

Asoka de Zoysa - Ranbanda (Son-in-law)

Tony Ranasinghe - Rathanapala Hamuduruvo (Chief Priest)

Manjula Kumari - Sunanda

Daya Tennekoon - Appuhamy (Temple)

Sanath Gunatilleka - Doctor (Village Hospital)

Palitha de Silva - AGA Officer (Provincial Council)

Sarath Kotalawela - Beggar at Temple

Pix: Tennyson Edirisinghe

Landmark work of Sri Lankan English Literature

Professor D. C. R. A. Goonetilleke's landmark book 'Sri Lankan English Literature and the Sri Lankan People 1917-2003', published by Vijitha Yapa Publications, was launched on February 16 at the auditorium of the National Library Services Board.

The Chief Guest was Secretary-General of the Peace Secretariat Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala. Dr. Dhanapala recalled the days when Professor Goonetilleke and he had read English together at the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya. He pointed out how long it takes for a literary tradition to mature, given that the tradition of our literature in English is of comparatively recent origin. He observed that university teachers in Sri Lanka shoulder a heavy teaching load and commended Professor Goonetilleke's scholarly achievements despite this.

Dr. Lakshmi de Silva, who also addressed the large gathering present on the occasion, illustrated how Professor Goonetilleke's books such as 'Salman Rushdie and his edition of 'Joseph Conrad: Heart of Darkness had won high praise from famous critics abroad and how effectively Professor Goonetilleke's anthologies of Sri Lankan literature had been able to introduce our literature to readers in South Asia and in the developed world. She concluded: "the vicissitudes that the nation has undergone and their effect on our writers as well as on our land is a major concern of the author.

Consequently the book is rich in thinking points and, of course, talking points. It is also rich in information presented in an attractive style that makes for rapid reading, and I am sure scholars, readers and writers will be grateful to Professor Goonetilleke for the meticulous attention paid to what seems to be every writer in every genre. It is a massive work and a great service to us and to future generations."

Professor Goonetilleke explained his purposes in writing the book. He had written not only a literary history but also a cultural and social history. He had confronted the key events of our time such as Independence, the social revolution of 1956, nationalism, the insurgencies of 1971 and 1988-89, and the ethnic conflict, as recorded in the literature. He was addressing not only those interested in literature but all those concerned about Sri Lanka.

Vijitha Yapa said that he had published the book because of its importance and because it would benefit a wide range of readers, including teachers and students.

'Ahara Mihira' cookery demonstration VCD

by Anjana Gamage

The first ever cookery demonstration VCD in the country, titled 'Ahara Mihira' by veteran cookery demonstrator Lakshmi Lorensuhewa will be launched on March 16 at the Public Library Auditorium at 3.00 pm.

Sinhala and Tamil new year which is just one month away, will be the busy days for housewives intent on displaying their culinary expertise. But organising a perfect party for some friends or even 100 acquaintances is not easy. Especially when it comes to planning the menu and setting the dessert to compliment the rest of the fare.

Worry no more. 'Ahara Mihira' (Taste of Food) first ever country's cookery VCD which was earlier published as a book will come as a god send to many desperate housewives looking for some party menu planning guide.

The VCD which offers catering facilities to a crowd of 100 or more, contains recipes and menus for special occasions such as 'Kiri Ammawarunge Danaya', 'Sanghika Dana, Kiddies birthday parties and weddings is the first such compilation to be launched in Sri Lanka.

"I have been in the catering business for over 25 years and the art of quality food items was learnt through trial and errors during that period", Lakshmi said.

Whether it is a birthday party, a wedding, home coming, almsgiving or any other event of importance, 'Ahara Mihira' VCD is a guide to providing a delicious meal package from a starter to main course to the desert.

Another important factor of the VCD is that it shows the correct method of mixing the ingredients as well.

Bharatha Natyam Arangethram of Amandi and Ravindi

The Bharatha Natyam Arangethram of two sisters of Amandi and Ravindi, students of Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo will be staged at Bishops College hall on March 18 under the patronage of former Principal of Visakha Vidyalaya M.N. Edussuriya.

The present principal Mrs. R.N. Amarasinghe and renowned dramatist Henry Jayasena will be the Guests of Honour on this occasion.

Amandi and Ravindi are pupils of veteran Bharatha Dancing teacher Priyadarshini Bandara and they are daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Samanmal Gunaratne.

'Hela Rasa Nidhanaya'

A cultural show highlighting Lionel Ranwala's dances, songs and instrumental music will be held at the BMICH at 6.30 p.m. on March 19. The proceeds will be in aid of tsunami victims.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Vijitha Herath will be the chief guests.

The show sponsored by Ceylon Tourist Board is organised by Sarath Namalgama for SNT Productions.

Iranian Film Week begins today

The Cultural Section of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran will present an Iranian Film Week from March 14 to 18 for the purpose of introducing the contemporary Iranian films to the Sri Lankan audiences.

After the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iranian cinema began a new trend, when the cinema was selected as a key medium for creating and spreading a new cultural model in the service of the new found ideals.

Five outstanding works of the world renowned Iranian directors Majid Majidi and Abbas Kiarostami are listed to be shown at the Cultural Section of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, No. 6, Flower Road, Colombo 7, commencing today March 14, 2005. The films will be screened at 5.30 p.m. on each day (entrance free).

The Cultural Section of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran takes pleasure in presenting some of these outstanding works for the viewing pleasure of filmgoers, critics and general public of Sri Lanka. Since only a limited number could be accommodated, entrance will be on first come first basis.

The schedule will be as follows:

14/03/2005 - Rain-Director Majid Majidi

15/03/2005 - Colour of Paradise - Director Majid Majidi

16/03/2005 - God will come - Director Majid Majidi

17/03/2005 - The Children of Heaven - Director Majid Majidi

18/03/2005 - And Life goes on..... - Director Abbas Kiarostami.