• Ranjith : 25 years an artiste
• Sun shines in the cool hills
• EU Multiple Party at GFH
• Original Sony Music in Sri Lanka
• 'Energizer Groove' on TNL
• Treehouse Hostage
• Pandora's Clock
• Widow's KISS
• 'Baby Brokers'
• KAW completes 24 films in fifty years
• Two unusual teledramas
• Vajira schools young dancers
• 'Piyaar Kiya To Doma Kya': an interesting love story
• 'Super Cop' will storms Colombo soon
• Fassbinder films at GCI
• 'Field View Inn': a spot to remember
• 'Igilena Tharu" : Unusual plot
• Daniel Steels - 'Fine Things'
• 'Hey Ram' the magnum opus - distinct in style and content
• Millennium award for Lucky
• TNL's 'Live Wire'
• Picket Fences
• Forsook films for stage
• Craving for good film fare
• Show Stargate final episode
• Is this the so called media freedom?
• Fantastic E-FM DJing
• Noel fights for 'Copy Right'
• Brothers in action
• Eight-film package
• First original House-track from Jason K.
• New GM for Trans Asia

Ranjith : 25 years an artiste

Ranjith Mahendra Peiris celebrates 25 years as an artiste. He is a actor , singer, dramatist , and a writer. Ranjith started his film career in Vasantha Obeysekera's 'Diyamanthiya' in 1975. He acted in films such as 'Siuvranga Sena ', 'Avurudu Da', 'Suddha'(children's movie), 'Chandi Siriya', Nevatha Api Hamuvemu'.. etc.

He has done many children's tele dramas."Lokke mama', 'Kathandara Pituwa', 'Rataratawal Katha' 'Loku Aiya' are some of them.

Stage is also not a new place for him Ranjith has acted in many popular stage dramas such as 'Doni', Naralowa Wedak', 'Rasing Dev' 'Ran Teli', 'Punchi Minissu' etc.

'Wadu Weden Divi Rakeena' a traditional Moratuwa song was recorded in 1989 by Ranjith. Also Chandani Hettiarachchi's 'Sangeetha Sajje' was a creation of Ranjith.

"I have rendered my voice to four Sinhala films as a background singer ' he said

Television is his world . He started live local cartoons ,children's crossword puzzles and songs with cartoon characters

Ranjiths latest venture is writing. He has just finished his new book 'La Dalu',poetry on morals, traditions and culture for school children.

"This type of book was last published in early twenties and I think its a must for our society. children should be taught moral values and good traditions with cultured means "Ranjith said.

All proceedings from this book sale will be channelled for the fund on MRI scanner for the Neurological Institute

"I have to give due credit to a few people , who helped me in publishing this book. Sirimal Fernando of Astron Dr. Colvin Samarasinghe, Vasantha Obeysekera ,Prem Dissanayake Ranjith Dias , Sarath Wickrema and Dr. Sunil Ariyaratne. are some of them" Ranjith said.

Sun shines in the cool hills

Story and photographs by Sanath Weerasuriya

When I walked into Hotel 'Sunhill' in Nuwara Eliya, I never expected it to be a home away from home.

'Sunhill' is a star class hotel with all the facilities and the look from outside too paint a story of elegance and charm. But the inside has a different story.

'Sunhill' is a real home. I am really not comfortable with tied down rules of star class hotels such as dinner time, menus and restaurant facilities.

I was surprised to hear that I can order anything at anytime even outside the menu at Sunhill.

'Even you can order traditional red rice with 'Karawala Teldala" with pol sambol. Or in the morning for breakfast Manioc or Katta sambol with 'kiribath'. We do not hesitate to provide any request outside the menu. If you want 'kola kenda' we are ready to serve it. 'Guest requirement' is our service base. No matter, if it is typical village style meal.

That's why we are so popular with local travellers said A.M.K Raj, the Resident Manager of Sunhill.'

Though it is a hotel I never felt, I was away from home. From my daily bed coffee to home made lunch and typical red rice dinner with 'Ambual Thiyal' and 'Kos Eta Kalupol Maluwa' still makes my mouth water for more.

Hotel Sunhill is a beautiful Hotel centrally located facing the Nuwara Eliya Town Hall and the Race Tracks, will very soon be a land mark in the hill resort.

However, Hotel Sunhill was started as a Guest House in 1978. Today it stands refurbished and renovated retaining its elegance and charm. It has obtained the Ceylon Tourist Board's Star Class for confortable Rooms and delicious Cuisine.

'Sunhill' has ten standard rooms and 10 delux rooms with TV, telephone, piped music and balcony facilities.

"Though we are star class, we never get out of personnel attention and care for our guests. That's why we still fulfil their needs and wants. Mainly the local holiday makers are our main customers.

Overseas guests mainly use our hotel as a base to explore the surrounding area. But locals mainly stick to the hotel for meals and other facilities.

That's why it should be a home away from home" explained the proprietor of the hotel, Wasantha Perera.

He says he's the only person born and bred in Nuwara Eliya owning a hotel in his home town.

'Yes all other hotels are owned by companies or businessmen from Colombo' he said.

Sunhill has the best view of the city from its 'Unique View Lounge' on third floor. The lounge could provide conference facilities and can cater to around 100 persons with table arrangements.

Sunhill Lobby and Pub areas are beautifully designed. It is spacious and has an elegant touch of western culture. The Lobby could accommodate around 50 persons.

The Pub is cosy and warm with splendour all around with a well stocked bar.

The restaurant is fully furnished and can cater to 120 persons.

'We serve anything, from the menu or outside menu. Sri Lankan food is our speciality. But Chinese and western cuisine too are available on menu.' Raj Said.

Chefs Navaraja and Gamini are truly fantastic as they are prepared to cook anything the guests require.

They really made me feel at home in at this star class hotel.

'Personalized service is our motto' said Wasantha Perera.

'The excursions and trips can be arranged with prior notice' he said. Horton Plains, Hakgala Botanical Garden, Kandapola Tea Factory and waterfalls are premier attractions for the overseas visitors.

Camping, Cycling, Tracking and Safaris are popular with locals too.

The latest addition to the Sunhill is the sports centre with sauna baths. Snooker and other indoor games facilities are also available.

EU Multiple Party at GFH

By Sanath Weerasuriya

The Delegation of the European Commission in Sri Lanka organized a major international conference recently in association with the Centre for European Studies of the University of Kelaniya at the Galle Face Hotel.

The Goethe Institute, Alliance Francaise and British Council too joined in the organization of this event as sponsors.

The main objective of this venture is to contribute further to the ongoing debate on concepts of regional identity and diversity in Europe and South Asia. Attention was focused on political, economic and socio- cultural issues in the two regions.

This conference was a follow up to the first conference organized by the European Commission in Sri Lanka in 1998, on the theme: Regional Co-operation and Integration: perspectives from Europe and South Asia. The Center of European Studies of the University of Kelaniya joined the European Commission in presenting the conference in Sri Lanka, as part of the programme organized by the Kelaniya University to commemorate its fortieth anniversary.

In addition to local resource people there were resource people from Belgium, India, The United Kingdom, France and Germany.

The ceremonial inauguration of this conference was held at the Galle Face Hotel and the Conference sessions proceeds at the Jaic Hilton.

Some of the themes discussed at the conference are as follows: Europe and Asia: Entry to the 21st Century, European Economics and South Asia - Trade relations in the post WTO period, Socio- politics and History - Europe and South Asia, International relations European identity between the Supranationalism and Regionalism, Nation Building VS Nations Building, Mechanism of Human Rights Protection, Women's Right's, Identity, Hybridity, Cultural Pluralism and Diversity, Universal Aesthetic Expression - commemorating the past and Politics and Media.

Apart from the official inauguration dancing, music and singing coloured the ceremony.

Original Sony Music in Sri Lanka

Sony Music in Sri Lanka, recently released its new mega sound track "Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani" in Colombo and a singles album "Phir Bhi Hai Hindustani- Freedom Mixes".

This mega original sondtrack album is now available in Sri Lanka and the price is Rs. 125/= and Rs. 699/= for audio cassette and CD respectively.

In addition to the title song three re-mixes by well-known DJ's Akbar Sami and Bally Sagoo and Partners in Rhyme from VI enhance the music score. Lyric composition is by Javed Akhtar and music by Jatin & Lalit. Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani is the debut film of Dreamz Unlimited.

Top Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla play lead roles in the movie in a plot set amidst two rival TV channels. As the media war builds up, so does a breezy and light love affair between Shah Ruck & Juhi. Sarcasm at the maddening pace of today's modern world underlines the movies sub-themes of love, laughter and freedom.

"Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani" is directed by Aziz Mirza with cinematography by Santosh Sivan, and choreography by Farah Khan. "Phir Bhi Hai Hindustani" is the titlte song of the film.

Maharaja Entertainment (Pvt) Limited is the sole distributor for Sony Music in Sri Lanka.

'Energizer Groove' on TNL

Energizer together with TNL Radio had a competition called the "Energizer Groove". Seen in the picture is the winner Enrico Perera, receiving his prize courtesy of Energizer, from Nihal Wanniarachchi - Product Manager, Eveready Battery Company Lanka Ltd. Also in the picture is Dinah Haji Omar - TNL Radio. Representatives from Bates Strategic Alliance were also present.

Energizer, in a major global move, has revealed the next generation of Alkaline batteries - the New Energizer Advanced Formula. These batteries are available in Sri Lanka in cell sizes AA, AAA and 9-Volt.

Treehouse Hostage

After notorious counterfeiter Carl Banks breaks out of prison, he knows he's the most wanted man in the state. What he doesn't count on is being a ten-year-old's homework assignment! When one of Timmy Taylor's backyard traps catches Carl, Timmy sees the escaped convict as his ticket out of summer school. On Monday, Timmy's sure to ace his Current Events assignment and avoid summer full of boring classes!

But it's not going to be easy keeping Carl prisoner for the entire weekend. Timmy has to stop the police, the Mafia, his parents, and his noisy neighbourhood girls from discovering the fugitive in his treehouse. And don't think crafty Carl doesn't have a few tricks up his sleeve for Timmy and his pals!

Treehouse hostage is a laugh-filled family movie bursting with outrageous excitement and hilarious high jinx.

Sunday March 12 at 2 pm and Wednesday March 15 at 8 pm on ETV

Pandora's Clock

Richard Dean Anderson, Jane Leeves and Daphne Zuniga in a flight against time in 'Pandora's Clock'

Robert Loggia, Robert Guillaume, Stephen Root also star in Airline Pandemic Thriller

An airliner full of holiday travellers suddenly becomes a pawn in a game of international intrigue when a passenger collapses from an unknown virus that "makes Ebola look like a common cold" in "Pandora's Clock," starring Richard Dean Anderson ("MacGyver").

Based on the best-selling novel by John J. Nance, the four-hour mini-series will be on MTV.

Jane Leeves (NBC's "Frasier"), Daphne Zuniga ("Melrose Place"), Robert Loggia ("Jagged Edge"), Stephen Root (NBC's "NewsRadio") and Robert Gullaume ("Benson") also star in the airborne thriller, directed by Eric Laneuville (NBC's "ER," "If Someone Had Known") and written by David Israel ("Midnight Caller," "The Untouchables").

Quantum Airlines Flight 66, a 747 bound from Frankfurt to New York, is a routine flight full of holiday travellers eager to get home for Christmas. However, the passengers and crew are suddenly pitched into a race against time when one of the passengers collapse.

Seeking an emergency landing, Captain James Holland (Anderson) is shocked to find that no airport in Europe will allow him to touch down - the sick passenger is the carrier of a virus so deadly that it can kill million within days! Fighting the clock, a depleting fuel supply, panicking passengers, and a rogue CIA terrorist operation intent on shooting Quantum 66 out of the sky, Holland is forced to take matters into his own hands. With the assistance of the flight crew headed by lead flight attendant Barb Rollins (Jennifer Savidge, "Lois & Clark"); two able passengers, United States Ambassador Lee Lancaster (Guillaume) and his beautiful aide Rachel Sherwood (Leeves); and a brilliant CIA virologist, Dr. Roni Sanders (Zuniga), Holland must weave through the potentially lethal maze of biological warfare, international terrorism, and political duplicity in order to ensure the safety of his 250 passengers.

Four part mini-series on Wednesdays at 10.00 pm on MTV from March 15

Widow's KISS

Sean Sager (Mackenzie Astin) has a dilemma. He is eighteen years old and his mother has recently died in a car accident for which his father Justin (Bruce Davison) was reponsible. Six months after her tragic death, Justin remarries an attractive, mysterious woman who moves in to the family home.

The woman not only tries to remove all traces of Sean's dead mother's memory, but also seems to be making moves on Sean behind his father's back.

The new Mrs. Sager, formerly Vivian Fairchild (Beverly D'Angelo) a seductive, moody widow, begins to dominate and disrupt Sean's relationship with his dad, a successful attorney who is madly in love with his new wife.

Just one month after the wedding, Justin is dead of what appears to be a heart attack. Sean is convinced that Vivian is responsible for his father's death. Sean solicits the help of Eddie Costello (Dennis Haybert) a down on his luck private investigator who once worked for his father.

As Eddie begins to size up the situation, he realizes that nothing about Vivian is as it seems. She appears to have a history of being widowed, always walking away with a sizeable inheritance. Eddie convinces the police that Justin's death may in fact be murder. The police, however, believe Sean is the prime suspect.

Vivian meanwhile, has coolly taken charge of the Sager estate, making Sean's life hell, rubbing his nose in the fact that she is the sole beneficiary of his father's will.

When she finally discovers that Justin never changed his will, and that the ten million dollar estate is still in Sean's name, she vows to reverse that situation even if it means Sean's death.

As the drama heats up, Sean begins his first year of college, unaware that he is still well within Vivian's grasp.

With his life in danger and the police closing in to arrest him, Sean risks everything to bring his father's killer to justice, not realizing that the person closest to him is at the very heart of the crime.

'Baby Brokers'

After contacting Los Angeles psychologist Debbie Freeman (Cybill Shepherd) in response to her search for a baby to adopt, Leeanne Dee (Nina Simemszko) and Frankie Dees (Tom O' Brien) arrive from Las Vegas by bus with their Downs Syndrome son, Frankie, Jr. After setting them up an apartment, Debbie learns that Leeanne is only twelve weeks pregnant and, despite her lawyer's objections, insists on going through with the adoption.

With Debbie unaware that she is being caught up in a web of deception, Leeanne continues to smoke cigarettes and eat poorly during the pregnancy, disguising her bad habits while asking for more money to maintain her family as she calls other couples to offer their new baby to them, too.'

Meanwhile, with her divorced parents split over the decision to adopt a child on her own, Debbie turns down a date with co-worker Detective John Kurland (Jeffrey Nordling) when she finds he has no interest in having children.

While Debbie excitedly prepares for the arrival of the baby, Leeanne accidentally tips off another couple's lawyer to their racket, forcing her and Frankie to hastily leave town. After evidence suggests they were offering their baby for adoption all across the country, Debbie turns to John, who isn't very encouraging about the prospect of bringing them to justice.

Although reluctant to publicize her grief, after John suggests turning to a television news programme for help, Debbie agrees to meet with producer Tom Colbert. As Debbie and John track their whereabouts with Tom, Leeanne and Frankie meet with a family in Las Vegas who are eager to adopt. start their new life together as parents.

Sunday 12th March at 9.30 p.m. on Rupavahini- 2

KAW completes 24 films in fifty years

By. Susitha R. Fernando.

"Undaya" being screened on the fifth circuit is the latest film of the veteran film producer and director K.A.W. Perera. The film was has been released after six long years.

K.A.W. who worked at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) then Radio Ceylon as a programme organiser joined the film industry in 1950. Mr. Perera entered the hall of fame by writing the script for "Rekhawa" the masterpiece of Dr. Lester James Peiris' 50 years ago.

During his career this film director also has introduced so many new comers to the industry who have now made a name in their own fields. Among them are Premasiri Khemadasa and Gratiaen Ananda who have made a name in music. Dharmasiri Gamage and Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne were introduced as lyric writers in the films 'Sanasuma Kothanada' and Lokuma Hinawa'. Among the many actors he introduced to films were Geetha Kumarasinghe, Freddy Silva and Rex Kodippili.

It was exactly four decades ago that director Perera introduced himself as a director, co-directing the film "Pirimiyek Nisa" in 1960.

"Undaya" is the 24th film directed and produced by one who has won local and international awards for his works of art.

For the film "Lasanda" (1974) KAW was awarded with an international award at the Tashkent Film Festival. He has also produced four films.

In an interview to the TV Times Mr. Perera said 'Undaya' would be his last film. He will not produce anymore films.

Speaking on the production of films in this country he said. Film Production is a risky job for a person like me. Someone who can spend money only can do it. But I will continue as a director. He also hopes to direct films for children.

It was not on a happy tone the film director spoke of his latest production for he had to undergo many trying moments.

The problem was aggravated when five copies of the film for the first time in the country had to be released breaking even the national rules.

And out of that two copies were released in Colombo. The procedure was to release only two or three copies of a film but after 50 years there were five released. Even the world class film "Jurassic Park" was released with only two copies. The films was released not only in the English film theatres but also in oriental film theatres.

The director who had produced the film after many financial setbacks said "I have done this production after taking loans from the banks and waited for six years for the release.

I have infact had written to the President about this and pleaded for sympathetic answer from her", The director looked a man who was at a loss to say why he entered this show business which has proved to be unpredictable.

Two unusual teledramas

At 8.30 pm every Monday and Tuesday two teledramas telecast on Swarnavahini are "Weda Mahaththaya"and "Gini Pupuru,".

Weda Mahaththaya

Produced by J. Mampitiya and Directed by Nimal Ratnayake the story is woven around a tragic end of a village doctor. This teledrama depicts how difficult it is to protect the values of traditional villages when strangers come to the village from the city.

The teledrama shows the struggle of the village doctor who does not want to exploit his patients for sake of money. He loses his wife and marries in order to look after his two daughters. He gets another girl from his second marriage.

When the girls grow and strangers arrive from the city tragedy begins in the village. The doctor faces an untimely death when he was killed by some strangers. Life becomes hard for the daughters who suffer with broken marriages. Not only their lives but the entire future looks bleak.

H.A. Perera, Richard Weerakkodi, Daya Tennekoon, Ananda Wickramage, Premasiri Kalpage, Susantha Chandrapali, Visaka Siriwardena, Roshan Pilapitiya play main roles in the teledrama.

Gini Pupuru

Directed by Kumarasiri Abeykoon and produced by Sunil Ratnayake for 'Teleview', "Gini Pupuru" teledrama revolves around a model 'Romayne' who lives with her mother when her husband left her with a child.

A security officer facing a traumatic experience of seeing a pretty woman being murdered one night roams through out the teledrama. This experience frightens the security officer often. And later when the security officer is falsely charged with murder the story takes a new turn.

The main roles are played by Cyril Dharmawardena, Gamini Hettiarachchi, Jayantha Bopearachchi, Cletus Mendis, Sewmini Iddamalgoda, Nelum Perera, Nimal Pallewatta, Rohana Weerasinghe and Sunimal Dabare.

Vajira schools young dancers

Vajira Chitrasena, the foremost female exponent of the Kandyan dance offers a unique opportunity for young male dance lovers to launch themselves in a creative career.

The Kandyan dance still essentially being a male art requires more young men to pursue it.

With financial burdens more on men and despite the modern world's acceptance of the fine arts as creative career, few have reached professional standards and fewer stick around to find out.

In order to preserve and nurture this unique art, Vajira who has no funds to maintain a permanent troupe and despite having some regulars who perform for the sheer love of it, believes in sharing her knowledge with the next generation.

While offering a small allowance (out of her pocket which never amassed wealth) as subsistence for the young men, she invites dedicated young men with an aesthetic future in mind to dedicate their lives to the Kandyan dance form. "Unemployed young school leavers who are able to stay are ideal - but with long term plans" she emphasizes.

Those interested may contact her at No.11, School Lane, Rajagiriya where she conducts her regular classes.

'Piyaar Kiya To Doma Kya': an interesting love story

'Piyaar Kiya To Doma Kya' is a Hindi musical love story, featuring Kajol, Salman Khan and Dharmendra. 'Piyaar Kiya To Dorna Kya' will be screened at Empire and Areena, Katugastota from Friday, the March 17.

Empire cinema is now equipped with the latest stereo sound system, which was installed recently.,

'Piyaar Kiya To Dama Kya'- this story is about a closely-Knit conservative family consisting of Chcha Thakur, his nephew Vishal Thakur and niece Muskan who reside in a small town in the beautiful foothills of North India.

Vishal loves his sister Muskan more than anything else in the world and her welfare and happiness is of utmost importance to him. At the same time, he is extremely possessive and protective of her to the extent that he takes all her decisions himself. Muskan harbours an desire to study in a city college and thereby expose herself to the fast paced outside world. This obviously meets to the dissent of Vishal who disapproves of her staying away from home. However on 'raksha bandhan,' Muskan is successful in convincing her brother and realizing her dream.

On her first day of college, Muskan meets Suraj- a neglected only son of a millionaire.

Due to his incompatibility with his stepmother, Suraj chooses to live in a hostel with his friends who in turn live on his money. However, Suraj is not interested in his father's affections but is in search of love which he finds in the form of Muskan. But, due to a dangerous fight that ensues between Vishal and Suraj, Vishal takes Muskan back to their town deeming the city college as a bad influence for her.

In the meanwhile, Suraj follows his love to her town and wins Chacha Thakur's confidence by saving his life and thereby finds a place in their home, Vishal turns angry upon seeing Suraj but is unable to take immediate action since everytime he tries to, Muskan stands between them, and what frustrates Vishal even more is Chacha Thakur's fondness for Suraj even though he is unaware of Suraj's true identity.

Will Vishal be successful in driving Suraj out of town and thereby out of Muskan's life?

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