The journey from Layard Broadway to Lake House editor
Veteran journalist, writer and cinema expert A. D. Ranjith Kumara’s newest book ‘Kosgashandiye Kolugetaya’ , a biographic novel about his journey as a journalist and cinema lover will be launched on April 7 at the BMIC.
Capturing the political, social and cultural changes in the time Ranjith Kumara who worked as a journalist and Editor of Sarasaviys for 25 years while organisnig the Sarasavi cinema awards and 20 years with Sumathi newspapers writing about cinema and serving film industry as a journalist.
“Kosgashandiya in Colombo 14 is where I was born and the centre space of this area was Layard Broadway, named after Colombo’s first mayor Layard. Not only the mayor but his relatives were the most important people like Government Agent, and IGP were relatives were Layards,” Ranjith Kumara said highlighting the reasons name his newest book ‘Kosgashandiye Kolugatiya’.
‘The area comprising of all races and religious groups were in hyper activity whenever there is Vesak, Hindu and Muslim Festivals and even the Church Feast of St Joseph’schurch in Grandpass,” Ranjith Kumara went down the memory lane. Layard Broadway was like now Colombo 7.
“My father who was a printer and he also producer of stage dramas and he produced a play called “Carnival” and its main role was played by former President R. Premadasa.
Having witnessed 1964 first Sarasavi film award at Asoka theatre in the same vicinity Ranjith Kumara dreamt to organise such an attractive event.
“I could remember how we waited at the gallery to get the glimpse or secretly touch their clothes when they were walking along the red carpet,” Ranjith said going back to his childhood memories.
Ranjith’s father who was an ardent fan of cinema printed small film magazine called ‘Niliya’ (Actress) and Ranjith would be spend time with the photos of Sri Lanka and Indian actors and actresses.
At the school Ranjith directed a 10 minute long short film ‘Wera’ (Effort) to a script by his classmate Premakeerthi de Alwis film. And it was screened at film festival where Anura Bandaranaike was the chief guest. Following this he directed the feature film “Nimwalalla” .
It was during this time that Ranjith wanted to join Sarasaviya printed by the Lake House as a writer. “Then Local government Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa who was a family friend asked his secretary to take me to the Chairman of Lake House D. R. Wijewardene in 1969.
“Mr. Premadasa advised me how I should dress nicely and should meet Mr. Wijewardene.
Having met Mr. Wijewardene I was first sent to Daily News where I was asked to translate a news. But I was not happy there and I rushed back to Mr. Wijewardene’s office and opened the door. Mr. Wijewardene asked me what the issue and I told him I wanted to join Sarasaviya. Then he said why didnt you tell me earlier and he asked me to come by 10 am on the following day.
The journey he started went for 25 years out of which he held the important position of Sarasaviya editor.
The book also contained interesting stories relating Sri Lankan cinema, its stars and others.
Searching for that next furry family member but couldn’t find one in your area? Hitad.lk has the solution with our extensive listings of dogs for sale in Sri Lanka!