‘Lester, Cinema and Sri Lanka’ launched on maestro’s 97th birthday

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe being presented a copy of ‘Lester, Cinema and Sri Lanka’ by Commercial Bank’s Deputy General Manager Marketing Hasrath Munasinghe in the presence of Dr. Lester James Peries and the author of the book Ajith Galapaththi

The ceremonial launch of a book on the life and work of Dr. Lester James Peries, the doyen of Sri Lankan cinema was held to celebrate his 97th birthday. The event was attended by the Prime Minister, Media Minister, relatives, veterans from the film and media industries and well-wishers.

‘Lester, Cinema and Sri Lanka’ is a tribute to the pioneer film director whose 20 cinematic masterpieces are credited with being works that defined and influenced the evolution of the film industry in Sri Lanka and won international approbation. Rekhava, Gamperaliya, Sandeshaya, Delovak Athara, Golu Hadawatha, Nidhanaya and Baddegama are acknowledged for their revolutionary creativity. Rekhava was nominated for the prestigious Palme d’Or award at the 1957 Cannes Film Festival and he was awarded the Fellini Gold Medal by UNESCO at the Cannes International Film Festival for his outstanding film career in 2003.

This in-depth study on Dr. Lester James Peries is written by Ajith Galappaththi, a veteran in the cinema, journalism and advertising industries. He is also a member of the foreign television program evaluating board of the Ministry of Mass Media and a member of the Teledrama evaluating panel at Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.  

Commercial Bank partnered the book launch ceremony held at the residence of Dr. Peries. “We considered it a privilege to partner the launch of this latest book on the maestro, as it will enrich the base of knowledge on his contribution to the industry and inspire future generations,” the bank said. Commercial Bank actively participates in activities that uplift the local arts field through event sponsorships and assisting productions and publications that promote local artistic talent. As part of its commitment to the development of local skills in film making by supporting high quality productions, the bank funded the re-telecast last year of the award winning teledramaKadulla, the production of which the bank funded in 1992.