Ratagedara sets sail

The Muhurath for Dayaratne Ratagedara's debut film 'Nil Diya Yahana' was held last week amidst a distinguished gathering of veteran filmmakers, film artistes and actors and actresses.

Ratagedara famous for his innovative direction for the small screen like 'Dekethi Muwahatha' and 'Bogola Saundiris' launches his maiden film which narrates around a tale of love.

'Nil Diya Yahana' also introduces two new producers to the Sri Lankan film industry. Ms. Mali Hettiarachchi and Sujeewa Shantha Hettiarachchi of Oreon Media.

The film also introduces Saranga Disasekara the son of versatile singer Narada Disasekara to the cinema and he will be playing opposite young Chathurika Peiris in the lead. The is script written by Dileepa Jayakody. Award-winning cinematographer, Donald Karunaratne makes a return after more than sixteen years to the film scene.

Director Ratagedara made his debut as a child actor in 'Madol Doowa' in 1975 and later achieved prominence as a make-up artiste under the able guidance of the leading make-up artiste, Ebert Wijesinghe. In recognition of his talent Ratagedara won Make-up artiste (stage) at the maiden Youth Awards Festival organised by the National Youth Council in 1978. Moving on to cinema he assisted make up in Lester James Peris' 'Weera Puran Appu' and Sumithra Peiris' 'Gehenu Lamai'. Ratagedara was able to broader his rappoatoare in the field of cinema.

The introduction of television gave Ratagedara an opportunity of gaining experience as an Assistant Director for 'Palingu Menike', 'Ran Kahawunu', 'Yashorawaya' and 'Tharadevi'. Later working as an Assistant Director in cinema he worked for a large number of films directed by Dr. Peiris, Ms. Peiris and Tissa Abeysekera.

Speaking at the Muhurath, veteran filmmaker Tissa Abeysekera spoke about Ratagedara's capacity of gaining experience and stated that experience will give him the needed expertise for the job of a director. "With the experience and knowledge he has he should have done this film long ago," Mr. Abeysekere said.

"It is our fervent wish that this film would give a brilliant filmmaker to the Sri Lankan cinema," he said.

Speaking on behalf of the producer, Ms. Malee Hettiarachchi said that it was their love for their country that led them to produce such a film.

"We have a responsibility towards our country and we thought presenting a good film would be a way to fulfill it," said Ms. Hettiarachchi who has been working in Greece for several years.

"And with what we have seen we are sure that Ratagedara is the right selection to do the direction for our film," she added.

Sri Lankan cinema is happy to welcome Ratagedara and it is our wish that this film will disclose the brilliant filmmaker that lies dormant in Ratagedara.