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Sri Lanka bids adieu to the Doyen of Sinhala cinema
View(s):The Doyen of the Sinhala cinema Dr. Lester James Peiris was laid to rest amidst a large and distinguished gathering at the Independence Square in Colombo on Wednesday.
The funeral was conducted with state patronage
The funeral was conducted with state patronage and President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa were among those who gathered to bid farewell to the renowned film maker.
Colombo’s Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith led the funeral service while members of the Buddhist clergy too were part of the funeral ceremony. Dr. Peiris passed away Sunday night at the age of 99.
Several speakers including the President and the Prime Minister extolled the contribution by the late film maker to Sinhala cinema.
The Government also declared the day of his funeral as a Day of National Mourning as a mark of respect.
Dr. Peiris was born on April 5, 1919. His debut film Rekawa was made in 1956 after which he went on to direct many films that were considered landmark productions in the history of the Sinhala cinema.
A pensive Sumitra Peiris flanked by Malani Fonseka on the right
Indian film director Adoor Gopala Krishnan speaks with Sumitra peiris
Nanda Malini peruses a tribute