• galore at TVT contest
• "Shaym Benegal" to do
• 'Degamdora Mayawa' talk of broken family
• Wijiyan gets Sama Sri Award
• "Theertha Yatra" goes in search of roots
• "Rajya Sevaya Pinisai": story of politicians and politics
• 'Rohan's' bring home the flavours of India
• Globalised spirit at Kandy's 'The Pub'
• SPP takes wing

galore at TVT contest

By Sanath Weerasuriya

The first semi-final of the 'TV Times Talent Contest - Search 2000' was held at the Airport Garden Hotel on September 5.

'TV Times Talent Contest - Search 2000' is organsied by Sohan Dissanayake entertainment unit in collaboration of TV Times and Dream Team.

The first semi- final was held under the patronage of Mignonne Fernando of 'Jetliners' fame. There were a couple of top musicians were also there to boost the occasion. Sunil and Piyal of Gypsies, ex-drummer boy of Jetliners Aruna Siriwardena were some of them.

Forty eight contestants were listed under four main categories - Instrumental, Junior vocals, senior vocals and group vocals.

Dream Team was on stage to back the contests and Bevil Palihawadana was the master of ceremonies for the TV Times Talent Search.

Among the distinguished guests were George Weerakoon (the senior partner of the entertainment unit), Aruna Siriwardana. (ex member of Jet Liners) Sunil Perera and Piyal Perera of (Gypsies) Nishantha Perera the (committee President), Sunethra Perera (Sue School of Music and Dancing) Malcolm Perera (Dream Team) - Vernon Dabara (The managing director of Clasp Print and Graphics) - Premaratna Trickawala of Industries Motor and Geers Ltd) and Daya Hewavisanthi (A leading Gem Merchant in Ratnapura). Results and the photographs of the finalists will appear on the official newspaper, TV Times soon.

The second semi-final of the TV Times Talent Contest will be held at 'Harbour Room' the Grand Oriental Hotel, Colombo on September 26.

The grand finals will also be held at the main ballroom, Lotus Hall of the GOH on October 9 under the patronage of Hon. Minister Dharmasiri Senanayake. The Guest of Honour will be Lanil Jayawardena, the General Manager of Grand Oriental Hotel.

TV Times Talent Contest is organised by Sohan Dissanayake Entertainment Unit in collaboration with TV Times. Airport Garden, Rupavahini 2 - Kodak Films and Clasp Printing Graphics Ltd.

"Shaym Benegal" to do

By The Stringer

Reportedly the renowned Indian filmmaker Shaym Benegal has finalised plans to do location filming for his latest film in Sri Lanka.

Presidential Media Advisor Sanath Gunatilleke will co-ordinate work in this production which is yet untitled.

Shaym Benegal who was in Colombo early this year to attend the Indian Film Retstropective held in Colombo held preliminary discussions during his short stay regarding his intended project.

Asian Film Centre General Secretary Ashley Ratnavibhushana initiated the move to invite Mr Benegal for the above event sought Mr Gunatilleke's help regarding this matter. "It's too early to discuss details about this film. Mr Benegal has definite plans to visit Sri Lanka to do this film, which centers around a political incident said," Mr Gunatilleke before leaving Colombo last week to attend Cinemaya Film Festival in New Delhi.

He further said this project strengthens President Chandrika Ban-daranaike Kumaratunga's desire to ensure the production of quality films by both Sri Lankans and outsiders and also to make quality films available for viewing by the Sri Lankan public"

"In fact as a person with long and close connections with the Sri Lankan film industry, I am aware that National Film Corporation (NFC) was exerting itself to fulfill this wish to import quality films. In keeping with this policy to develop a film culture in Sri Lanka the immediate past Chairman Prof Somaratna Balasuriya and former General Manager Gamini Weragama assisted by Ivan Weerakkody worked hard to organise a number of film festivals and seminars. They have also obtained a number of quality international films for exhibition in Sri Lanka. These officials had to overcome many hurdles to achieve their aims. These are commendable tasks. However there is much to be done if the policy of the President is to bear fruit. It is true that without a proper film culture to appreciate quality film, there can be no chance for the Sri Lanka film industry to develop qualitywise.

NFC faced much difficulties in acquiring foreign films like ' Some Birds Can't Fly', ' The Godmother' and Mr Gunatilleke's good offices helped to clear the way. Mr Gunatilleke as the country's leading film personality helped in obtaining a favourable response from quality film distributors, specially American and European.

Present NFC Chairman Tissa Abeysekera is well aware of the hopes of the whole film industry. He has undertaken an onerous task. It's left to him to infuse life to an industry that he was revelling in during his formative years. He contributed his best as a creative script writer and director.

It's time now that the local film industry unitedly moved forward to achieve what the President dreams for the future, a vibrant national film industry.

'Degamdora Mayawa' talk of broken family

A new teleserial titled' Degamdora Mayawa is scheduled to be on Swarnavahini from September 21.

Leela according to the story is the only daughter of a village ayurvedic physician. She marries a man called Wijedasa, a stranger, who comes to the village.

However Leela gives birth to two children. Unfortunately disagreements and conflicts start between Leela and Wijedasa. Unable to live in the midst of severe difficulties Leela seeks the help of a social worker and gets her two children admitted to an orphanage. When their father visits the orphanage the two children disappear.

Leela goes back to the village and finds the house empty. The two children go back in search of their mother.

Daya Alwis, Damitha Abeyratna, Janaka Kumbukage, Cyril Dharmawardena, T.R.Perera, and many others play in this teledrama which is directed by Sen Thillakaratne.

Wijiyan gets Sama Sri Award

Veteran author, critic cum journalist K. Wijeyan was awarded the "Sama Sri Award '99 ' by the All Community Organisation, recently. He was also bestowed with a tributary award ' Kala Nenjan' (Man With a Cultural Heart).

Mr Wijeyan who has won several awards earlier for his reviews and impartial criticisms on stage, films and cultural activities has authored about 25 short stories and 12 novels where most of them are based on ethnic harmony.

He has also contribute much on electronic media on this subject as well as on youth activities. Mr Wijeyan is only sorry that a book written by him on ethnic harmony titled 'Manitha Nilehal ( Human Shadow) could not be published." The manuscript on ethnic harmony was burnt by extremists when it was in the hands of the publisher during 1983 disturbances' he said.

However he gave the same title for a short story competition organised by a Tamil daily paper in memory of publisher Thurai Viswanathan and was selected as the best short story. He based that story on the Central Bank bomb incident. Human race , religion or ones language are only accidents in birth was the message he gave in the short story. He was awarded a handsome cash prize and a trophy for the creation. 'Vidihukala Natchatram ' (Morning Star) The presentation took place at the Town Hall Ratnapura recently where Labour Minister John Seneviratne was the chief guest.

The Sama Sri Organisation (SSO) comprise people of all communities and religious beliefs. Our motto is to honour those who have served the nation in various fields like culture, religious, social, art, and even businessmen, (SSO) sources said.

"Theertha Yatra" goes in search of roots

'Film director - writer Vasantha Obeysekare's ' Theertha Yathra ' (The Pilgrimage) is scheduled to be the next release in fifth circuit cinema halls, from October 1 onwards. This movie is his 10 th feature film.

A few years ago Mr Obeysekare was having discussions with officials of Probation and Child Care Department to make a documentary on the subject of Child Adoption. While in this process the then head of this department related a story of a young girl faced with the problem of finding out details of her biological parents. " The narration of this young woman's story inspired me to such an extent that it resulted in this film ' Theertha Yathra' " Vasantha Obeysekare said. "There was no need to introduce any scenes of violence as the story did not require them in any form. It's a family drama for the family audience".

This entire film is made sans violence even by a word. It moves so soft flowing like a 'Theregatha, he added.

Asked whether it is a 'one woman' show of main character Menaka (Yasodha Wimaladharma) he said "I do not say so however Menaka is playing in a number of scenes in this film as these sequences are coined in building up her Menaka's character." he said.

He is confident that there would be thousands of people in this country facing the same plight and this film may be a reflection on their lives on themselves not only on such persons but even many others who see it. Vasantha Obeysekera says that all artistes have played their parts well for which he is thankful.

The young up coming film actor Channa Perera( Kusal ) is Menaka's lover." This young actor has done justice to Kusal's character." Vasantha Obeysekera said. Three other characters are Simon ( Joe Abeywickrema), Suriya Bandara, (Ravindra Randeniya ) and Grace, (Veena Jayakody).

Jayanath Gunawardena is the cinematographer. Elmo Haliday is the editor. Rohana Weerasinghe has directed the musical score. Chandran Rutnam and Asoka Perera have produced the film on behalf of Taprobane Pictures (Pvt) Ltd.

"Rajya Sevaya Pinisai": story of politicians and politics

By Kumaradasa Wagista.

There was a time when we experienced unofficial curfews in many parts of the country. Arrangements are now been made to impose an unofficial curfew once again in some parts of the city.

It's something that city dwellers should not be alarmed about because this situation is needed to shoot a few sequences for a film titled 'Rajya Sevaya Pinisai (RSP), written and directed byUdayakantha Warnasuriya. He has already given the necessary instructions to art director Sunil Wijeratna to draw the art department program for the shooting.

"Creating the atmosphere for a day time curfew is not that easy specially in Colombo which is always packed with action. This is going to be the final scene to be filmed for this film" director Waranasuriya said.

RSP is based on some true to life incidents that happened in the country about a decade ago.

The political crisis that prevailed in the country during this period and the politicians of the day are portrayed in the film of which K.D.Dayananda is the cinematographer.

Sequence shooting of the film was delayed due to the death of Udayakantha's mother a few weeks ago. If not for the family bereavement shooting would have ended by now.

The plot revolves around a powerful Minister, Janaka Situbandara (Sanath Gunatilleke). Mahesha Upamali ( Geetha Kumarasinghe ) is a middle aged widow. She loves music and dancing.

Her second marriage with an old man named Sumanasekera (Joe Abeywickrema) is almost a failure. Sumanasekera is only a namesake husband. He doesn't mind living a henpecked life as long as his desires are fulfilled.

Mahesha Upamali succeeds in getting around the Minister to get favours done for her own benefit.

The Minister exercises unlimited powers to move the machinery of state terrorism.

Then comes political cut throatism and the people become helpless. Utter chaos prevails in the country.

" Power craze, desire to accumulate more and more wealth, nepotism and favoritism among the power hungry rulers finally end as those involved are destroyed like moths around a fire.

After the final scene of the unofficial curfew is filmed Udayakantha Warnasuriya has scheduled a 10 day voice dubbing schedule which would be followed by Stanley de Alwis editing the film..

The only song in RSP is rendered by Nirosha Virajini set to the melody of music director Dilup Gabadamudalige.

Director Warnasuriya is thankful to the Defence Ministry and Police Department for the cooperation extended in producing the film.

Ranjith Jayasuriya produces RSP for Ureka Films.

'Rohan's' bring home the flavours of India

A culinary voyage at Rohan's North Indian restaurant offers the most options in cuisines. A B.O.I approved grade "A" restaurant complex in Union Place is now one of the popular places for Indian cuisine. Fine Dining restaurant serves authentic North Indian cuisines and brings home the flavours of India. The "Rods" is an exclusive bar with all brands of foreign liquor and a bottle bank for members.

The newly refurbished Garden Cafe offers the Executive lunch buffets at Rs. 140/-nett and beer at Rs.70/- nett on week days. Fully air conditioned Garden cafe is ideal for kids' and adults' birthday parties. The Chef Joshi and the team was flown from India to give you the real taste of North Indian dishes. Banquet Hall is available for seminars, weddings, corporate get-togethers, conferences, dinner dances.

Globalised spirit at Kandy's 'The Pub'

By Rajpal Abeynayake

The new "The Pub" opened adjacent to the Bake House in Kandy looks good - sounds fine, and creates great atmosphere. "The Pub" is novel for the hill capital, equipped with ESPN wide screen satellite TV for diners on the inside, and a very popular balcony space outside which is buzzing for those who want to chill out to Kandy's soft breezes maybe with a beer in hand (and cumin battered fried handella with chillie mayonnaise dip to go with it....)

From the rotund wooden bar table to the cane chairs on the outside and the wooden floor, the Tourist Board approved restaurant creates classy ambience. But it's an experience coupled with good food friendly service and great innovations that makes the Pub special. There is free e- mail for the globalised spirit; and game rooms for the young and young and heart - a pool table is on the cards.

It's difficult to choose between the air conditioned elegantly friendly interior and the cheery balcony, but, the food in both locations is originally fascinating. "It's fusion cooking and entertainment," says the Managing director- Nadjija Weeraratne, the innovative sprit behind the Pub. Try the orange Peanut butter dip with the Chinese Rolls, listen to the flutes and the kathak, and experience the nip in the Kandy air - and you will probably get a rough idea of Weeraratne's "entertainment" tag. I recommend the spaghetti and mixed grills too.

Though primarily targeting a tourist clientele ( tourists who don't want to walk too far from Kandy Lake for a beer and a meal ) the restaurant caters to all comers who want entertainment in this heritage city that still has a relatively subdued nightlife compared to bustling Colombo for instance.

SPP takes wing

By Sanath Weerasuriya

'Super Pink n' Purple' led by Lincoln de Silva will embark on their first overseas assignment in early October.

They will be in Bahrain on October 14 to perform at the 'Sri Lankan dance' organised by the Sri Lankan club in Bahrain. The latest addition to the line-up of the band is Estelle Gunesekera. Estelle was with X'periment for along period of time and 'formed her own band 'Rage'.

Rage was disbanded some time ago and 'Super Pink n' Purple' is her new company. 'Super Pink n' Purple' now comprises Subash who plays bass, Mangala Weerasekera on guitar, Nishantha Dengamuwa on drums, Jayan Fernando on keyboards and Mohan Kasthurisingha on guitar. 'Subash is the longest standing member of the band. He is going on his tenth year with 'Super Pink n' Purple'. Mangala also a versatile musician, who had been playing with many bands in Europe for years. Nishantha is the main vocalist, who sings with me. Others too handles vocals', said leader Lincoln. Lincoln, who is a veteran in the music scene, has more than thirty years of musical experience behind him. 'Super Pink n' Purple' will be in action at the Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Kandy for the millennium dance this year.

'We play pure music. We do not use sequencers or use any programmed music when we perform. We play 'Live' music

Return to Mirror Magazine Contents