TV Times

TV Times

GDL Perera back to his love
Filmmaker G. D. L. Perera once again comes to the limelight with his latest teleplay “Samanala Gamanak” (Butterfly Trail). GDL was the producer of award winning stage plays ‘Sakkarawattang’, ‘Mehev Lokeka’ and ‘Thotupola’. He is also the creator of internationally screened films ‘Saama’, ‘Dahasak Sithuvili’ and ‘Romeo Juliet Kathawak’ and producer of tele production “Ratagiya Aththo”.

Having been domiciled for 30 years in England he is back home for good. He resides at Karalliyadda a remote village in Kandy. He has started an Institute to train and help under privileged youngsters to gain entry to the world of entertainment-which is a voluntary service.

Back in 1968 he started the first ever two-week residential course in film technique for youngsters and continued to conduct it annually. I. N. Hewawasam, Bermyn Lyle Fernando, Parakrama Niriella, Stanley Alwis are only a few from the Kalapela film institute.

Since returning home two years ago he started the Kalagaraya at Karalliyadda in Kandy. He started with four students but now has over forty. Last year, through a short play called ‘Suraasura “ he introduced a few youngsters to stage acting. This time he is introducing more through the tele play “Samanala Gamanak” (Butterfly Trail).

Written in lighter vein, “Samanala Gamank” is a satire on the accepted norms and practices seen in the drama production scene. It is about the experiences and encounters of a dedicated young group of amateur actors who are on a-week long tour to present their latest production a countrywide .

While introducing new comers -Sumedha Kumari Madugalla, Palitha Bandara Wijesinghe, Ayesha Udakumbura, Nuwan Akalanha, Kanchana Gannele and Asela Ranasinghe GDL has solicited the support from some of his veteran friends in the field too, for this project.

Roshan Pilapitiya , Daya Alwis, Namel and Malani Weeramuni, Nilanthi Munasinghe, G.R. Perera, Elson Divithurugama, Buddhi Wickrama, Gnananga Gunawardana are the guest artistes.

Tissa Madawala of London acts as Technical Director with award winning P.U.D. Perera in the photography section and Visarada Jayathissa Alahakoon (“Sathuta Vilai” fame) in music. ‘Samanala Gamanak’ will be the first tele production to be made at “GDL Studio” in Kandy.

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