• Ananda Kumara combines two opposite fields
• AGH walks tall
• Sundera Lanka
• Thomian Sam performs in Auckland
• Malani directs Lucky in 'Sahas Gaw Dura'
• Treble teledrama treat from Swarnavahini
• She last sang 20 years ago
• Wijeya to be honoured
• Films Lester made
• Subbulakshmi infused life into Carnatic music
• 'Blast into 2000' with Malawana and team
• Annesley goes Down Under
• Fifth Satellite Hotel School foundation laid

Ananda Kumara combines two opposite fields

U.L. Ananda Kumara Liyanage is a specialized medical technician by profession. But his love for music and singing had never faded away dispite his interest in a different field.

Ananda Kumara's maiden CD with 18 original songs was released recently.

The music direction on this new CD was done by upcoming music director Vernon Jerome. Also the music arrangements for all the songs were handled by director Jerome.

Jayantha Gamini Perera, Denis Fernando and Corrine de Almeida also rendered their voices to this CD.

Ananda started his studies in Bulathsinghala Yatagampitiya Junior school and ended as a medical technologist attached to 'Mediquick'. 'I never mixed my profession with my musical career. I am a serious type of fellow when I'm working, and out of my laboratories, I'm a different type of person. I want to become a recognised musician in future and I'm working hard towards that goal' Ananda explained.

He also thanked Ranjith Mahendra, Dhammika B. Ramanayake and Gamini Madawanna . for helping and encouraging his musical career so far.

AGH walks tall

By Sanatha Weerasuriya

The first phase of the on- going refurbishing programme at the Airport Garden Hotel has brought the five star level to its sixth floor.

Fully refurbished luxury rooms at the 6th floor of the AGH is now ready to accommodate the winter arrivals to the country, said the General Manager of the hotel, Ranjan Stanislaus.

The new features added the new rooms are mainly meant for the business clientele. Internet facilities, a lap top computer, e-mail facility are some of the newly added features .

All 112 rooms at the Airport Garden Hotel are due to breath new air under this scheme

"It is a long term plan and it will take at least another year or so. We will be completing the fifth floor by March 2000." he said .

According Mr. Stanislaus, after completing the rooms , the project will be moving towards the public area such as lobby , restaurants and the expansion of the property will follow next.

'The lobby area will have a completely face lift and there will be no additional restaurants but the up grading of the existing 'Golden Dragon', the Chinese speciality restaurant, Society Coffee Shop and Bar will be done with all modern facilities to suit the new millennium ' GM added In future AGH will be branded as Taj Business Hotel.

'We would be more keen to get business visitors than leisure seeking crowd because we have a very good local clientale for weekends specially on Sundays enjoying many activities introduced by the hotel' he said. Wind Surfing, Health Club and Gym, learn to swim and yoga lessons are some of the main attractions of the local clientale

'Our Sunday buffet is one of the best in the suburbs of Colombo. We have limit this to only 100 pax on Sunday in order to give the best service to the visitors' said Asoka Fernando , the Sales Manager of the Hotel , who is the driving force of the sales team of the AGH.

Sundera Lanka

Independent Television Network in association with Taranga released a Video Compact Disc Sundera Lanka 'Sigiriya' at Galle Face Hotel on October 18.

Simultaneously popular artiste Jagath Wickrem- asinghe also released his latest CD Audio Cassette ' Thani Taruwa'. Jagath Wickremesinghe is not only a popular vocalist but also a lyricist, music director, whose melodies and renderings have touched the hearts of millions of listeners and has won many awards and accolades.

He won the first prize in the all island competition and qualified himself to represent Sri Lanka at the Asian Broadcasting Union (ABU) Golden Kite World song recital festival in 1990. In 1995 he won the Most Popular Singer of Sri Lanka (English) Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. - Presidential Award.

Winner of National Sumathi Tele awards as best teledrama singer and best music director. He has participated in a series of concerts as a singer and music director in many countries. 'Sagara Tharanaya', 'Bo Sinn Lanka', 'Siyothune Chandra Kinnarie', Isuru Kodeuwe,' ' Duka Hithena,' Obe Senehase', 'Mage Nango', are some of the titles in 'Thani Tharuwe'.Tourism and Aviation Minister Dharmasiri Senanayake was the chief guest.

Thomian Sam performs in Auckland

By Sanath Weerasuriya

Popular Sri Lankan entertainer Nihal Samarasinghe, better known as 'Sam the Man', left last week to New Zealand to perform at the annual Royal-Thomian Ball in Auckland.

Royalists and Thomians living in New Zealand have invited 'Thomian Sam' to be the guest star of this year's 'Ball' on October 23.

According to 'Sam', in his 42 year old career, this is his seventeenth International tour.

"On three occasions I was in the USA performing in New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, Los Angeles and in the state of Arizona. Three times I was performing in Dubai and twice I have gone to London and Africa. Also to Australia, Japan, Canada, Bahrain, Spain and Maldives', Sam said.

'It has been a great experience to work with different bands all over the world', he added.

On this tour he will be accompanied by two New Zealand Bands.

Sam the Man will be back in town in the first week of November in order to honour his contracts over here in Sri Lanka.

Whilst he is away, his Band will be featured at the Taj Exotica in Bentota and the Taj Samudra in Colombo.

At Present 'Sam the Man' performs six nights a week at these venues.

Sam the Man has been associated with the Taj group for the past ten years.

Sam's Band comprises of Nalaka Sylva - Bass guitar and Vocals, Angelo Cooray - Lead Guitar and Vocals, Chaminda Sebastian - Drums and Vocals and Agra Premaratne - Keyboards and Vocals.

Malani directs Lucky in 'Sahas Gaw Dura'

Of the handful women film directors in Sri Lanka Malani Fonseka enjoys the privilege of directing her husband in films and teleserials. The latest teleserial is 'Sahas Gaw Dura 'where she directed her husband Lucky Dias. " Even Lucky is an artiste when he is playing a role not only when I am directing but so under any director. Any director's aim is to get the best from any artiste for justice to the character that is being played " Malani Fonseka said.

She was busy preparing to telecast her fifth teleserial, a 20 episode, ' Sahas Gaw Dura' which is on ITN from October 23 onwards on Saturdays.. ' Nirupamala', 'Ping Mada Puthung', 'Depethi Dahara', and 'Menalada Puthe' were the earlier teleserials directed by her. After acting in over one hundred feature films she made she took to film direction by making 'Sasara Chetena' . ' Sahas Daw Dura' teleplay was written by Sunanda Silva." she said.

The main character in this drama is Sampath (Lucky Dias) who plays the role of a doctor. He is happily married to a social worker Chandani (Champa Sriyani) but they are not blessed with children. Chandani along with a team of fellow social workers visit a site reserved for a playground project. A group of hooligans led by a man called Sira disrupt them as they have ulterior motives to convert this place to carry on their nefarious activities.

Due to an incident that takes place between the social workers and Sira's gang, Chandani receives spinal injuries resulting in her being confined to a wheelchair.

Meanwhile the doctor visits a refugee camp in Anuradhapura where he meets Devika (Damita Abeyratna) a beautiful young woman. Devika is from Trincomalee. Her house where she was living with her parents was devastated by terrorists.

The doctor comes to know that she is an undergraduate but has attended campus only for three months. Her studies were interrupted as her parents were killed and the house destroyed by terrorists. He feels sorry for her and brings her to his house to make her continue studies. However after Devika is brought to the doctor's residence displeasure occurs between the doctor and his wife. His wife begins to suspect her husband. An old aunt of his wife played by Ratnavali Kekunawela fans the flame and the conflict widens and boils up to a point. The climax of the teleserial begins at this juncture with conflicts among the three characters.

Manel Wanaguru, Sandun Wijesiri, Prasanna Fonseka, Raja Sumanapala, Udaya Kumara Ranasinghe are some of those in the cast.

Rohama Weerasinghe has composed and orchestrated the musical score while Saman Sigera has cranked the camera. Sisira Senaratne is the editor.

Felicia Deen is the producer while Lucky Dias is its executive producer.

Treble teledrama treat from Swarnavahini

By Kumaradasa Wagista

Three new teleserials are scheduled to be telecast on Swarnavahini this week.

'Ek Mruganganaviyak', (A Beast Woman) directed by Kumarasiri Abeykoon started its telecast yesterday. It relates a love tragic set for family entertainment. Dilini (Sasanthika Jayasekera) belongs to a wealthy upper middle class family. Her friend Thanuja hails from an ordinary family.

Dilini befriends Lucky (Roshan Pilapitiya) whom she meets while studying for A/ Levels in a private tutory.

Lucky works for a drug dealer Willie ( Nimal Pallewatte). but he does not reveal his correct self to Dilini.

When Thanuja comes to know the love affair between Lucky and Dilini, the two friends fall out.

One day when the class leaves on a picnic Dilini makes an excuse and joins Lucky, who takes her to a rest house and leads her astray. After enjoying what he desired from Dilini, she is left high and dry. Lucky drowns himself by taking drugs.

Dilini now exposed to the wiles of a merciless society is disowned by her father.

Helpless and all alone she joins the easiest and the oldest profession in the world. Her ravaged body now needs medical attention. By mere luck she meets her school day friend Thanuja who is now a doctor. But the drama does not end there, it's only the climax of this 18 episode teledrama.

Sanath Samaranayake has written the teleplay. Tissasiri Perera is the music director. Videography director is Gamini Susantha

Sunil Siriwardena's 'Kulavilokanaya' ( A Matter Of Caste) is their second new presentation. It is scheduled to be on Swarnavahani for 20 weeks commencing from October 24.

The last Sinhala kingdom is the backdrop for the story. It unfolds a story of an aristocratic woman who followed her heart only to be banished from her family to live among the rodiya clan.

Pinsara (Roger Seneviratne) is the young man and the woman is Pabasara Biso (Nilmini Tennekoon) in this periodic tele serial based in the reign of Nayakkar Dynasty in Kanda Uda Rata. Actually Pinsara's father Gabadagamabara Nilame was a aristocrat who was in charge of a powerful regiment of the king's army who was banished along with his family to live with the rodiyas. It was a result of a planned conspiracy by Senarat Bandara Nilame. Gabadagambara Nilame relates the conspiracy that banished his family to live along with the rodiyas and teaches his son Pinsara the secret ways of mysticism the clan has inherited from time immemorial..

Pabasara Biso the daughter of a powerful village chieftain has to undergo banishment as she rejects the proposal to marry the son of another powerful village headman Bandara.Nilame. On hearing that Bandara Nilame's son who was proposed to take Pabasara Biso's hand, had earlier eloped with a rodiya caste girl, resulting his mother being driven into a frenzy.

The British are on the march to capture Senkadagalapura. The power hungry Sinhala chieftains are divided and interested only in achieving their selfish gains shattering unity. Amidst all this Pabasara Biso and Pinsara seek refuge in a tunnel. However when Royal edicts clask with Nature's laws, the resulting turbulence drowns the call of their hearts.

Mother Nature takes a stand to show that all beings are equal. Veena Jayakody, Radha de Mel, Wilson Gunaratna, Nihal Fernando, Edward Gunawardena and Menike Attanayake are also in the cast.

Sunil Ratnayake of Tele View has produced both these teleasrials. Sarath Seneviratne is the Videographer while Sunil Siriwardena has composed the musical score also.

Their third teleserial is the Sinhala dubbed version of a Hindi teledrama titled 'Berimatena' which conveys an emotional story of a woman. 'Berimatena' directed by Kishen Sethi is scheduled to be on air every Saturday and Sunday at 8.00 p.m.

Kiran Kumar, Samita Jaykar, RazaMurad, Renuka Shahane, Mangal Dhillion, Beena, Tom Alter, Sonu Waila and many others play in this teleaseral Talat Aziz and Sunil Kaushik have directed the musical score. Hari Haran and the music director himself are playback singers.

Renuka Shahane and Vishal Singh play the roles of Shamli and Avinash respectively in ' Berimatena'.

She last sang 20 years ago

Sri Lanka's song queen Rukmani Devi died 20 years ago on October 28. Religious observances and floral tributes will be made by her family members and fans at the Rukmani Devi Memorial Centre, Negombo. She died in a motor traffic accident in Ja Ela.

Rukmani Devi nee Daisy Daniel made her debut as a stage actress and a singer in dramas produced by B.A.W.Jayamanne in the late forties. Her duet 'Siri Buddha Gaya Vihare' with H. W. Rupasinghe, done as a teenager remains a hit song even today. She played the the main role in 'Kela Handa' a film based on a novel written by W.A.Silva of the same title.

She holds the record of playing the main role of Ranjini. opposite Stanley Mallawarachchi in our first Sinhala film 'Broken Promise'.

She married comedian Eddie Jayamanne but they were not blessed with any children.

Wijeya to be honoured

National Film Corporation has arranged a special programme to felicitate late film actor Wijeya Kumaratunga on his 54th. birth anniversary.

This programme commenced on October 9 and will spread out to next February where Vijeya Kumaratunga starrers will be screened in cinema halls both in the city and in the provinces.

Nine popular Wijeya Kumaratunga starrers will be telecast every Saturday on National Rupavahini till February. 'Baddegama', ' Ahas Gauwwa', 'Nangurama' (Tamil), ' Kadapathaka Chaya' and 'Mahagedera' are the teleserials that are scheduled to be on air, NFC sources said.

Film appreciation meetings and film festival focused on his films will be held in various parts of the country. Five seminars will be held in recognition of services rendered by Mr Kumaratunga to the local film industry. The first will be at Moneragala on October 30. The next will be at Anuradhapura on November 6, at Dehiattakandiya on November 17, at Embilipitiya on January 15 and the last seminar will be held at Beliatta in February where the date will be announced later, NFC sources said.

A Wijeya Kumaratunga starrer film will be screened at the conclusion of each seminar.

Six Wijeya Kumaratunga film festivals will be held in the following towns starting from Kalutara, Kurunegala, Negombo, Matara will follow with the concluding film festival being held at Elphinstone Theatre. Five titles will be screened in out of Colombo centres while the concluding festival will comprise a package of 7 feature films.

Films Lester made

By Kumaradasa Wagista

The longest journey starts with the first step, so goes the adage.Similarly began a colourful career. Film producer Lester James Peries entered filmmaking by attempting a 16 mm format 12 mins. b/w short film, 'Soliloquy' in 1949.

'Soliloquy' was made while he was working as a journalist in London. It was selected as one of the 10 best short films in 1950.

Mr. Peiris, Sri Lanka's cultural ambassador, celebrates his golden jubilee as a filmmaker this year.

Mr Peries was felicitated by his peers in the film world on his 80th birth anniversary last April 12 at Colombo Hilton.

Soliloquy' was followed by a 14 mins short film also in 16 mm format titled 'Farewell to Children' and A 'Sinhala Dance' ( 16 mm in b/w ) was made by him in the same year. 'Conquest of the Dry Zone' was his first documentary in 35 mm format which was followed by 'Be Safe or Be Sorry', then a family planning documentary 'Too Many Too Soon', 'Home from Sea', 'Foundation into the Future', 'Steel' and ' Kandy Perehara'.

After returning to the country in 1952 he joined the Government Film Unit. where he met Ralph Keene, cinematographer -director Willie Blake and editor - director Titus Totawatte.

The year 1983 is a year of triumph for Mr. Peries as the prestigious International Film Guide magazine voted him as one of the best 5 International film directors, a position no other local film maker has reached before or since.

At a time when many filmmakers were producing Sinhala films which were carbon copies of South Indian masala films filmed inside studio sets this trio decided to do a feature film keeping to our cultural norms and traditions resulting in Lester James Peries making his maiden feature film 'Rekawa', (The Line of Destiny ) in 1956. Filmed in outdoor locations, framing the scenic beauty of the country, comprising a cast mostly of non -professional artistes.

'Rekawa' holds the record of being the only Sri Lankan film to be entered in the Cannes Film Festival competitive section. This film apart from creating a milestone in the annals of the local cinema industry paved the path for a change in the course of Sinhala cinema.

Commenting on 'Rekawa' the late Georges Sadoul called it ' a model of poetry and honesty, and compared to the pictures of Robert Flaherty '

His next feature 'Sandesaya', (The Message 1960), was an epic on the Portuguese occupation of Sri Lanka. Then he filmed the first part of veteran novelist Martin Wickremesinghe's trilogy 'Gamperaliya'- The Changing Village (1963) and was later followed by the other two parts of the trilogy, ' Kaliyugaya (Age of Kali) and 'Yuganthaya' (End of an Era).

'Gamperaliya ' won the Golden Peacock award at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) ' 95.in New Delhi. It also won the Golden-Head of Palenque in Mexico., and several National Awards.

'Golu Hadawatha', (Silence of the Heart ) was made in late sixties. It was based on Karunasena Jayalath's novel of the same title. This movie was the official entry at IFFI '69, won the CIDALC Award in Delhi.

Lester James Peries' only children's film 'Pinhamy' in 1979 was chosen by the CIFTET Jury as the best children's film in Moscow.

'Nidhanaya' (The Treasure) was another film which won high acclaim from critics. Internationally it won the Silver Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival in 1972.

Leonard Woolf's celebrated novel 'Baddegama' ( Village in the Jungle) was made by Lester James Peries. So far he has made 18 feature films. with 'Awaragira' , ( The Sunset ) which was released in 1995.

Retrospective Homage Film Fetes have been held in his honour in many cities . The recent was at the Trivandram Film Festival where a package of films comprising both of Lester James Peries and Sumitra Peries were held.

In recognition of his services to the cinema an Honorary Doctorate was conferred on him by the Colombo University in 1985.

He is due to start work on his latest feature film shortly.

Subbulakshmi infused life into Carnatic music

By D.B.Kappagoda

Madurai born M.S. Subbulakshmi hails from a conservative family. She is the first woman recipient of the Sangita Kalanidhi title. She is also credited as the first singer to popularise Carnatic music in North India and in the west at prestigions venues such as Edinburgh festival, and at the United Nations.

Indian thought indentifies with the Bhakti tradition in which art is only a vehicle in the spiritual quest. It is said that her sonorous voice calms troubled minds, lightens heavy hearts, brings solace and upliftment.

The critic Gowri Ramnarayan said of her, "such fidelity to the pitch and resonance are the result of breath control, perfect diction and phenomenal concentration."

It is seen that no other artiste has been as successful in blending the intuitive and the reflective elements of art. She said of her success as a singer, "Faith in God and guru, loyalty to husband Thiagarajan Sadasivam guided life and music."

The success is due to her technical mastery, ceaseless practice, restraint and constant self-appraisal. This intelligence helps her Raga expansions ripen with age. It is also true when it is said, "It is not human art but divine grace which manifests itself through her music".

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'Blast into 2000' with Malawana and team

"Thank you for the Music" is what people will be saying to Annesley Malawana and Action Entertainment at the end of every musical show, dance and party, planned and executed by Annesley and his Action Team for those who seek their expertise.

Annesley Malawana, who needs no introduction to music lovers is at the helm of Action Entertainment - a company that has been set up to organize shows in music, song and dance to suit every taste. Once a client enters into a contract with Action Entertainment, Annesley will go into action with meticulous planning and execution to give any audience their money's worth. The ever popular "Annesley and Indrani in Concert" and 'The Stars of the 70's" are recent specialities organized by Annesley which were repeatedly staged to a packed audience.

The launching pad for the new company will be the New Year's Eve Dance organized by Action Entertainment as their major breakthrough at the B.M.I.C.H. According to Annesley there will be loads of fun and excitement and novel surprises all capsuled into an exciting package."Blast into 2000" will be an exciting experience and several friends domiciled in foreign countries who are coming to spend the festive season with their loved ones in Sri Lanka have already made reservations with Action Entertainment, confirmed Annesley.

Music for Dancing for this occasion will be provided by 'SIMPLE' a much sought after dance band down south and Negombo Circuit. There will be guest spots by leading artistes as well. A sumptous dinner and new year breakfast will also be served.

Tickets are priced at Rs. 4000/= per head inclusive of dinner and breakfast (catering by Mt. Lavinia Hotel).

Annesley goes Down Under

Annesley Mala wana will be undertaking his third tour to Australia in early November. He is billed to sing at a Gala Dinner Dance in Sydney on November 6, where he will be backed by "The Breakaways," a Sri Lankan band domiciled Down Under, together with Daya Silva,a well known musician,who will provide music at this grand dinner dance .

On November 14 Annesley will perform one man show again backed by Daya Silva.

He will be the guest artiste at another Dinner Dance in Brisbane on November 2 and will be backed by Shiran Gomez and his Band.

His final appearance will be on November 27 where he will be the guest star at a Dinner Dance in the Capital Canberra, where Daya Silva again will be providing the music.

This tour is organised by Daya Silva who is no stranger to the music loving Sri Lankans in Australia. Annesley says the Sri Lankans in Down Under love the songs of Moonstones and Super Golden Chimes.

Annesley hopes to be back by end November to concentrate on his maiden effort of organising the Gala New Year's dance which his company is organising. The dance "Blast - 2000" will be held at BMICH Banquet Hall on December 31.

Fifth Satellite Hotel School foundation laid

By Sunil Jayasiri

The foundation laying ceremony of the fifth Satellite Hotel School building was held at the National Holiday Resort, Bandarawela last Saturday. The chief guest was tourism minister Dharmasiri Senanayake.

The building which will cost 40 million rupees is the first Satellite hotel school in the Uva province. The other four Satellite Hotel Schools are situated in the Kurunegala, Weligama, Kandy and Anuradhapura Districts. Thousands of students graduate from these schools every year.

The Divisional Secretariat Complex building in Bandarawela, the temporary building till the school complex is completed was also opened by Mr. Senanayake. At the moment 60 students are studying two subjects, House-Keeping, Restaurant and Bar service in the hotel school. Other subjects will be taught in the near future. The minimum qualification to attend to the Hotel school is four passes at the G.C.E Ordinary Level examination.

At the opening of the Satellite Hotel School, Minister Dharmasiri Senanayake said " tourism is the fourth largest revenue earner in this country, so this is why we are building schools so that we can provide a better service". "We do not have Hotel Schools for the Sabaragamuwa and Eastern provinces but this will be provided as early as possible", Minister also said.

Tourism Minister also said that the main Satellite Hotel School in Colombo will be built soon and we have already received number of student applications from some countries, like Nepal and the Maldives. Financial aid for this project was offered by the International Labour Organization(ILO) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Ceylon Tourist Board Chairman H.M.S. Samaranayake said "Our main purpose is that the youth can attend the school with minimum qualifications. We hope more than 1500 trained students will benefit from the hotel schools soon.

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