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Thursday Sep 19, 2024
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The Order of ‘Arts et Lettres’ is a honorific distinction, created on the 2 May 1957 by the French Minister of Culture in order to recognise eminent artists, writers and scholars for their efforts in promoting the awareness and enrichment of cultural heritage in France and throughout the world.
The decision to bestow Sumitra with this honour was made in recognition of her invaluable contribution as an author and film director with an aesthetic sense and proven talent as well as her active contribution to promoting French culture in Sri Lanka.
Her films, stretching from her very first feature film Gehenu Lamai (Les filles) in 1978 to the more recent Yahaluwo (Les amis), have been screened and highly appreciated in France and across the world. Her early visits to France, whether in the South or in Paris at the Conservatoire Libre du Cinéma Français, from which she emerged as the first qualified Sri Lankan filmmaker, along with the rest of her experience, have laid the foundation for her long-spanning and active career as an internationally-recognised film director. The public is already eagerly awaiting the screening of her latest film Vaish-Navee (Divine Messenger).
The joint homage given by the Cinémathèque Française in honour of Sumitra and Dr. Lester James Peries in 1988 was a historical first in the history of this institution which is a worldwide reference in the field of cinema. The third Festival of Asian Cinema in Deauville presented the Lotus d’Or Award to both wife and husband in recognition of their significant contribution to international cinema.
As an ambassador of Sri Lankan culture abroad, a Goodwill Ambassador who fought for the betterment of the situation of women and children throughout her career as a former Ambassador, Head of the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission to France and as a Permanent Delegate from Sri Lanka to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) head office in Paris, Sumitra has not only strengthened ties between Sri Lanka and France but several other countries as well.
Sumitra is an active member of the Board of Directors of the Alliance Française de Kotte, in which she plays a remarkable role in the development of the only official French language teaching institution and cultural centre in Colombo.
