Top film director Prasanna joins EAP media and entertainment board

Thursday, 15 August 2013 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

EAP Holdings recently announced the appointment of acclaimed film and theatre director Prasanna Vithanage as an Independent Director to the Board of the EAP media and entertainment sector which operates Swarnavahini, ETV, Shree FM, E FM, Ran FM and EAP Films and Theatres. The group strongly believes that with Vithanage’s contribution to the local and international entertainment community, combined with EAP Holdings vision to be a forerunner in the media industry will be a momentous step towards enhancing its offerings.

In response to the new appointment, Vithanage stated: “I am proud to take up this role with one of Sri Lanka’s most vibrant media and entertainment houses and I savour the challenge to help the group revolutionise our Films, TV and Radio sectors”. Vithanage made his entrance into theatre and drama in 1986 and has progressed to become one of the most respected filmmakers in Sri Lankan history with almost 30 years of experience. While his first movie “Sisila Gini Ganee” was a huge success, he continued his career with a string of other hit movies such as ‘Anantha Rathriya’, ‘Pawuru Walalu’, ‘Purahanda Kaluwara’, ‘Ira Madiyama’, ‘Machan’ and ‘Akasa Kusum’ which created benchmarks in the Sri Lankan film industry, further strengthening its position at various international film festivals. EAP Holdings Managing Director Jeewaka Edirisinghe, commenting on the appointment said: “The appointment of Prasanna Vithanage to the Board of Directors is a welcome step for EAP Holdings. As a leading entertainment company involved in developing the industry over the past few decades, a personality of Vithanage’s stature will undoubtedly enhance the value of the company and endorse its commitment to the industry. Vithanage has worked very closely with the company for a long period of time and we have enjoyed collaborating with him in creating new opportunities for the youth of Sri Lanka who are entering the field of entertainment. We welcome Mr. Vithanage to our Board of Directors and we look forward to creating new waves in the industry in the coming years.” He went on to say: “Mr. Vithanage’s appointment to the board is in addition to three other Independent Board Directors joining the apex team, and it is part of the wider restructuring process at EAP Holdings” The EAP Group, for decades has been making inroads into the media and entertainment industry by spearheading the shape and quality of the Sri Lankan cinema experience. Today, while the group has been responsible for producing many movies which has acclaimed box office success, it also operates the Savoy 3D Theatre, Liberty, Cinemax, Excel, Wilmax and Concord Cinemas. The progress of the group’s media and entertainment arm accelerated with its hands-on operations in the television and radio sector. Swarnavahini and ETV are two television channels that have won the hearts of many households and broadcasts top rated and award winning programs whilst contributing immensely to the local film and teledrama industry. Shree FM, E FM and Ran FM are three of Sri Lanka’s flagship radio channels, which have won international awards and accolades to prove its might in the industry. It is important to mention that EAP Holdings is the only company in Sri Lanka to boast a complete media and entertainment portfolio. With this as its trump card, EAP Holdings is looking to list the media and entertainment sector companies, on the Colombo Stock Exchange in the near future. This will no doubt be something investors will be looking forward to with much anticipation.