Heart for Art
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
He is a figure who had proven himself in a variety of sectors, each
different from the other. From sports, telecommunications, media,
entertainment or politics, Sumathi Group Joint Managing Director
Thilanga Sumathipala aims togive the 'been there - done that' policy a
new meaning.
 The strong willed persona who had spearheaded many projects in the
country is all set to showcase his brainchild operation, the Sumathi
Tele Awards for its successful 14th year. The brainchild project of a
gala ceremony to felicitate artistes in connection with television took
form as a result of his strong connection with the entertainment field.
"The television broke to the scene and was at the zenith of
popularity in the late' 70s and early' 80s and it soon proved itself as
a growing market. It became a source which united the whole family as
all family members thronged in front of the set to watch teledramas
towards daybreak. I realized that there needs to be a certain
standardization and recognition for the work. This urges the creators to
enhance the quality of my creations and maintain our identity.
Television programs have a great impact on shaping the opinion of the
viewers so there needs to be certain guidelines.
"When Sumathi Awards was incepted there were only four television
stations: Rupavahini, ITN, TNL and MTV. I discussed with their
representatives and decided on the features of the ceremony," he related
on how one of the most sought after events in the calendar came to be.
"I am pleased that we have grown every year. It is no easy task to
stage the event for a continuous 14 years. This is aimed to recognize
the true talents of those who are connected with the mini screen," he
added. Speaking on the new additional features to the awards ceremony he
said that a special award will be given to journalists of four leading
television stations who had been in the battle-field to telecast live
updates.
"Despite the risk on their lives, they have done a wonderful job by
bringing on-the-spot coverage from the war zone. Such efforts should be
appreciated. We will have a modern set for the actual event because many
footages will be screened. We have even shifted to a new venue, the
Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, because it houses more seats," he opined on
this year's glamorous event which will unfold on October 24.
Many believe that the teledrama industry of the country is on the
decline. Monotonous tales made on a low budget and unnecessarily lengthy
tales which do not denote any specific meaning had crowded the set.
However Sumathipala believe that there are still some creations that
are worth taking note. These may be rare but they are the ones which are
etched in our mind long before the story had concluded.
He says: "More than a hundred teledramas are telecast everyday in all
local channels. Due to the economic crisis the producers may have been
compelled to cut down on the budget but no matter how many episodes the
creation consists we have to see if the director had made the best out
of the limited sources at hand and if the cameraman had captured the
scenes in an artistic manner.
It all comes down to a balance of economy. If you have an outstanding
creation, there is no stopping the viewers."
He also explained that many directors hand their seat over to the
assistant directors so that they can meet up with the growing demand.
Unfortunately some members of the pack are less experienced and this
reflects on their work.
"It is the most deserving of the lot that gets the cake. Artistes who
have won awards have been recognized in the industry and a wide number
of opportunities have come across those who have emerged as the most
popular actors and actresses," he emphasized while noting that lengthy
creations have existed on a smaller scale in the past.
"We used to listen to Muwan Palassa when we were young. If there is a
good listenership, readership or viewership, then there is a target
audience. It is not easy for a creator to continue a story for years
while keeping the audience engaged. That alone is a skill which needs to
be noted," he said.
Speaking about the art and political scene, two fields which are
poles apart, the steadfast figure said that his link with the art scene
had happened long before he ventured into politics. His parents, U.W.
Sumathipala and Milina Sumathipala, had been in filmmaking and as a
result of this, the young lad had witnessed some of the greatest stars
of yesteryear moving in and out of his dwelling.
"You should really posses the warmth and heart for it. The Sumathi
group had made several outstanding creations like Ahasin Polowata, Ganga
Addara, Duwata Mavaka Misa, Uppalawanna and others. My mother is the one
who reads the stories, decides on one and chooses the artistes. She has
a story in mind and is working on deciding on the artistes," he
revealed. He related that the Sumathi group has no intention to venture
into teledrama making at the moment. |
