Filmmaker Sunil Wimalaweera:

Proposals likely to materialize

Ishara Jayawardane

Sunil Wimalaweera is no stranger to Sri Lankan Cinema. He knows the trade inside out and has recently had a hand in what can be called an ‘experiment’ in Sri Lankan cinema. Sunil has been in the film making business for 25 years and has produced and directed two films; Sugandi in 1979 and Patipatini in 1982. He has received accolades as a lyricist acting in the capacity of one for many films with more than seven films to come out.

Wimalaweera’s hour came during a Muhurath he attended. This Muhurath was held to mark the film Sadisna. Here, he met State Film Corporation Chairman Kumar Abeysinghe.

Wimalaweera attended the Muhurath in the capacity of a lyricist. There he had the opportunity to make a proposal to chairman Kumar Abeysinghe.

“There are directors who have not had the opportunity to make films for several years because of problems related to production” said Wimalaweera.

His proposal to Abeysinghe was to give two films to two directors within an year, courtesy of the State Film Corporation. One, to an artistic director and one to a commercial director.

The idea and objective being that the money generated by the commercial film will be able to support the artistic film and cover the cost of both films. This will in turn be a means of revenue for the State Film Corporation and all involved in the film making.

The proposal was well received. Kumar Abeysinghe said; “I will do four films in one year. Give me time for two months, I will notify the president.”

“This will invariably be the lifeblood for Sri Lankan cinema” summed up Wimalaweera.