UTV | COLOMBO – The government has decided to provide state patronage for the funeral of veteran and respected film director Dr. Lester James Peiris who passed away in Colombo last night (Apr. 29).
President Maithripala Sirisena has instructed the Presidential Secretariat to take necessary actions in this regard.
Internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan film producer and film director Dr. Lester James Peiris passed away yesterday at the age of 99, whilst undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.
Dr. Peiris attended St. Peter’s College, Colombo, before dropping out to pursue a career in journalism at the age of 17.
In 1947, he travelled to England on his mother’s advice to join his brother Ivan Peiris who was there on an art scholarship.
Dr. Peiris celebrated his 99th birthday on April 05 under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena at his residence in Thimbirigasyaya.
He will be honoured and remembered for the quality – rather than quantity – of his contribution to filmography in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Peiris planted a fresh seed in the film industry, setting a new standard with his creativity.
Dr. Peiris who has long been considered as the father of Sinhala cinema revolutionized the Sinhala film industry with his globally acclaimed film “Rekawa” in 1956.
In 1957 the film was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
The internationally acclaimed film director, screenwriter, and film producer went on to produce 28 award-winning movies such as Gamperaliya, Delovak Atara, Golu Hadawatha, Madol Duwa, Weera Puran Appu, Kaliyugaya, Yuganthaya and Baddegama.