Gamani captured in Karuwalagaswewa
Ruwini Jayawardana in Puttalam
Shooting is in full swing on the sets of Rear Admiral Sarath
Weerasekara’s maiden movie Gamani. The movie boasting of a cast
comprising some of the most talented actors in the field shot some
scenes at Karuwalagaswewa in the Puttalam district recently. A few
scenes were shot at the Puttalam Army Training School in which actors
donned in home guard outfits underwent a comical scene of a tiring
inspection.
The movie is based on a true incident which unfurled at Gonagala ten
years back.
“Fifty-seven civilians were massacred by the LTTE during the affair.
I heard the news when I was at sea and attached to the navy. I was
haunted by the fact why the home guards were not able to protect the
citizens from the attack. Ironically, a couple of years after the
incident I was put in charge of the Civil Defense Force (CDF),” related
the battle-hardened individual who became the highest-ranked serviceman
to take to the director’s seat.
Becoming the Director General of the CDF certainly helped him in his
creation as it dealt with a topic close to home. He says that the main
reason for him to engage in movie-making is to boost the morale of the
CDF which played a vital role in ensuring the security of the boarder
villagers eclipsed by the shadows of terrorism.
“Terrorism is a national problem. Therefore the people, excluding
those who are siding for terrorism, should play their part in
eradicating terrorism, directly or indirectly. Artistes should take
measures to make creations promoting the confidence and mind set of the
forces.
Unfortunately what had been happening so far is the exact opposite.
Some film-makers have been painting a very bleak picture of the forces
through their movies and projecting it in the international arena,” Rear
Admiral Weerasekara explained adding that such creations helped
terrorists to justify their actions in the eyes of onlookers.
“I have even stated before that such kind of creations amounts to
treason,” he elaborated, pointing out that such productions paved way
for him to take to moviemaking. Gamani sheds light on the strength and
humane side of the local military forces.
Though many films and teledramas have been based on the July
conflicts and the unjust treatment of the Tamil citizens, he said that a
movie has yet to emerge on the theme of his choice.
He said, “Gamani also sheds light on the army’s attitude towards the
Tamil citizens. For instance it is those in the south who provide some
of those who were once LTTE supporters in the Manik Farm camp with food.
Angampora, our native martial art, is also included in the tale.
Ritigala Sumedha who is well versed in this fighting technique did an
exceptional job for the shots.”
Another significant aspect in connection with Gamani is that 57
coffins had been brought in with 600 citizens for the shots of the
funeral procession. A storm had descended during the event refreshing
their memories. A similar storm had taken over the skies on the day the
scene had taken place in real life.
“I believe that there is some significance to the incident,
especially as we engage in this production for a worthy cause,” the
renowned wordsmith who had scripted a couple of books said.
The cameraman of the project, Saman Sigera, had worked with Rear
Admiral Weerasekara for nearly 20 years, making short films during his
stint in the navy. The producer is Upali Rajapakse. Bimal Jayakody and
Dilhani Ekanayake take on the lead roles. Shooting will conclude next
month. The team hopes to launch the movie towards the end of the year.
Cast:
W. Jayasiri
Dilhani Ekanayake
Bimal Jayakody
Sanath Gunatileke
Suminda Sirisena
Chandrasoma Binduhewa
Mahendra Perera
Lakshman Mendis
Saranapala Jayasuriya
Veena Jayakody
Damitha Abeyratne
Sarath Kothalawala
Jayani Senanayake
Muthu Tharanga
Kumara Thirimadura
Anuruddhika Padukkage
Raja Ganeshan
Gihan Fernando
Dharshan Dharmaraj
Ranjith Rubasinghe
Jagath Chamila
Jagath Beneragama
Asela Jayakody
Sampath Chaminda Jayaweera
Sujani Menaka
Manel Weeramuni
Dayadeva Edirisinghe
Prema Pathiraja
Natalie Nanayakkara
Malkanthi Jayasinghe
Giriraj Kaushalya
Geetha Kanthi Jayakody
Manel Wanaguru
Mali Jayaweerage
Divya Dharshani
Ishani Ruvindika
Director: Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekara
Producer: Upali Rajapakse
Cameraman: Saman Sigera
Editor: Ravindra Guruge
Assistant Director: Asoka Athaudahetti
Art Director: Sunil Wijeratne
Production Manager: Palitha Tennakoon
Music: Nadeeka Guruge
Make-up Artist: Priyantha Dissanayake
Costume Designer: Sanjeewa Karunaratne
First Assistant Director: Ravindra Thanthirige
Second Assistant Director: Vernon Abeysinghe
Still Photography: Dammika Pathiratne
Hair Dresser: Thushara Vidhanagamage
Sound Recording: Sujith Perera |