GDL’s shattered dream
Dr Nimal Sedera
Like the two initials NM in the politics of Sri Lanka three initials
GDL were commonly used in this country in the field of drama and film in
the 60s referring to a creative personality GDL Perera, the architect of
the Kala Pela the most popular drama circle of that era.
Sri Lanka lost his contribution to the local drama and film after he
was offered a scholarship by Britain. That happened in 1969. GDL took a
deep liking to the British society where his talent was recognised and
found opportunity to find employment in the field he preferred and
further his studies. He was soon made the Manager of the classic Cinema
circle in London where he served from 1975 to 80. He served in the BBC
for quite a longer period while his wife Gethanjali worked as a
librarian. Their only daughter Sajini was born in 1972 in London. From
69 to 99 for a period of three decades GDL lived in London.
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GDL looking at the massive studio
complex |
GDL produced award-winning drama Thotupola in 1964. He produced the
best Sarasavi film in 1965 Sama. He produced the best film of the year
Dahasak Sithuvili in 1968. He produced the most creative teledrama Rata
Giya Ettho.
He decided to return to Sri Lanka and spend his last lap of the life
giving his knowledge to the younger generation.
I made friendship with GDL as I too live eight kilometres away from
him on the same Kandy Mahiyangana road. I arrived at his Studio complex
a week ago and spent a useful afternoon in this picturesque location
enjoying a meal cooked by GDL and Geetha, and listened to the story of
their shattered dream.
GDL’s dream was not a simple one. He wished to set up a complete
place where he could begin training on drama and film. He was firm in
his mind that it should be a place away from Colombo and that it should
be in a beautiful location. In 1987 he visited Sri Lanka with this dream
in his mind and travelled extensively looking for such a location. It is
in this trip he spotted the land where he now resides in Karaliyadde 23
kilometres away from Kandy. Nowhere have I seen such beauty in Sri
Lanka! It is difficult to imagine how GDL selected this spot to realise
his dream. The narrow two-acre sloppy land by the Victoria dam was
purchased by GDL. Having bought the land GDL had to enter an unexpected
battle with the Mahaveli authority - to make a long story short.
May I say that GDL ultimately won his battle.
The expensive process of construction of the buildings began. He
provided residential facilities for fifteen students. He then put up
buildings for the lecturers. Then selected a panel of lecturers. To his
surprise he found that the country was not geared or such a product. GDL
then turned to the youth living around his studio. He offered training
free of charge and managed to get a group of youth.
He filmed some stories with the intention of showing them on the TV
channels. He was told that the channels preferred light dramas that they
could find sponsors. He reproduced his award winning Thotupola and
staged in his own theatre.
“Taking a crew to show a drama in Colombo is an expensive affair,”
says GDL. “Today the hiring of a bus to Colombo is 30,000 rupees from
Karaliyadda.” Gradually the massive building complex he did turned out
to be a white elephant and a haunted place. Geethanjali and GDL spend
time here with their five pet dogs somewhat frustrated that their
massive investment of millions did not produce the anticipated result.
“I want to go back to London. There at least I could live closer to
films an drama I love.
Our daughter would be closer to us. I tried to give my best to the
nation. It was not accepted. But I am happy that I tried to do it.”
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