Passing of Sri Lanka’s first female filmmaker, Dr. Sumitra Peiris

Sri Lanka’s first female filmmaker Dr. Sumitra Peiris passed away on Thursday (19) at the age of 88.

With over 10 films to her name, and having served as a Screenwriter, Director, Producer and Editor, Sumitra Peiris arose as one of the country’s top-notch national icons.

Her outstanding contribution towards the advancement of Sri Lankan cinema working alongside her husband, late Dr. Lester James Peiris who is world-renowned as the Father of Sri Lankan Cinema, is to be celebrated.

She won 12 international awards and 12 national awards for the Best Editor and Director plus, was honoured by the title of “Kala Keerthi” by the Government of Sri Lankan 2005, the “Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” by the Government of Japan in 2021, also by an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Kelaniya for her notable contribution to local cinema. 

Dr. Sumitra Peiris also served as Sri Lanka’s ambassador to France and Spain in 1996-1999 and was also assigned the ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United Nations.