President
felicitates ‘doyen of Sinhala cinema’
[July
30, 2003 - 11.15 GMT]
 President Chandrika
Kumaratunga paid tribute to the maestro of Sinhala cinema Dr. Lester James
Peiris at a felicitation ceremony at President’s House, yesterday. She
presented Dr. Peiris with a special souvenir to mark the occasion.
Peiris
considered the father of a new wave of Sinhala cinema was awarded the
UNESCO’s prestigious Fellini Gold Medal, at the 56th
international Cannes Film Festival in May this year.
President
Kumaratunga reminisced her wedding to Vijaya Kumaratunga at which Dr. Peiris
acted as witness. “The presence of a film-artiste par excellence like Dr.
Lester James Peiris in Sri Lanka enhances the reputation of our country. He
being one of our artistes is our rare fortune”, she said.
She
further appreciated the contribution of the talented people in the current
film industry, influenced by Lester James Peiris, whose specific talents
helped to create cinematic productions of a high quality.
The
ceremony paid homage to the great filmmaker by screening a short film of his
life story.
Ministers
W.J.M Lokubandara and Karunasena Kodituwakku were among the distinguished
guests present at the ceremony.
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Last Updated
Date: July 30, 2003 -11.15
GMT. |
