Achieving greatness

Ishara Jayawardane

P U D Perera

An exhibition by senior photographer P U D Perera will take place at John de Silva Memorial theatre and Art Gallery on March 10, 11, 12 and 13.

History is full of unsung heroes, multitudes of silent laborers whose valor and contribution to society has not been recognized.

“Tyche is a daughter of Zeus, to whom he has given power to decide what the fortune of this or that mortal shall be.” - Robert Graves, The Greek Myths 1

In that sense P Upali Douglas Perera, affectionately known as P U D Perera, is one of the lucky few who have had the fortune of having fame thrust upon him. However it would not be incorrect to say that he has achieved greatness through his tireless work in the field of Sri Lankan photography as a film director / producer / director of photography.

Indeed one might say that Tyche has decided to bestow fame on this man who labored behind the camera, a mortal who labored for the love of his craft.

There is no reason to vouch for P U D Perera. No need for anyone to speak on his behalf because is feats speak louder than words. Indeed one would be doing this simple and modest man a great insult if they were to condense his achievements into 10- 20 words because his career is too large. Bit and pieces don’t do justice.

“During the 70s drama, cinema and music were very popular. At that time I was a very young photographer. I liked songs and dramas. I went to every event be it music or drama. “I have a darkroom and I develop the photos and print them. These days those photos are very valuable. I have done it so perfectly that today you can see the photographs clearly.” Said P U D Perera. Perera also said that a plan for making a photography museum is also in the making. This museum will feature negatives and cameras. It will also have discussions, seminars and art exhibitions.

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