Remembering Lester the Legend

The third death anniversary of globally renowned legendary moviemaker Dr. Lester James Peries falls on April 28. Lester who catapulted Sinhala cinema into sharp international focus through his cinematic creations, will indeed remain as the biggest brand name in the local film industry. Born on April 5, 1919 in Colombo, Dr. Peries was persuaded by his parents to prepare himself for priesthood but the old boy of St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya, by his own choice preferred to pursue his interest in theatre and films.

During his six-year stint as a journalist in London from 1946 to 1952, Lester cultivated his interest in films with great sincerity and commitment. Having joined the Government Film Unit (GFU) as an assistant director on his return to Sri Lanka, Lester worked under prestigious names like Ralph Keene and learned a great deal on the art of filmmaking. He made a number of documentaries at the GFU, but all the while he had been nursing the plot of a story that became a reality when he made his debut film ‘Rekhawa’ in 1955. 

• During his six-year stint as a journalist in London from 1946 to 1952, Lester cultivated his interest in films with great sincerity and commitment

From then on he began to understand the pulse of the people and made films that were embraced by the country’s film goers who were till then largely used to films made with some Indian influence. 

Among the memorable works of the undisputed, biggest brand name in the local film industry were Rekhawa, Sandeshaya, Gamperaliya, Delowak Athara, Ran Salu, Golu Hadawatha, Akkara Paha, Nidhanaya, God King, Desa Nisa, Madol Duwa, Weera Puran Appu, Kali Yugaya, Pin Hami, Baddegama, Yuganthaya, Awaragira, Wekande Walawwa and Amma Warune. 

Among those introduced to the cinema world by Lester James Peries are artistes who later went on to make it big in the Sinhala cinema industry. 

When he made Rekhawa in 1955, he introduced cinematographer Willie Blake and Titus Totawatte who was rated as one of Sri Lanka’s talented film editors. Veteran actress Iranganie Serasinghe also entered the film scene acting in a documentary titled ‘ Parissam Wenna Nethnam Kanagatu Wenna’ - directed by Lester. Later she acted 
in Rekhawa. 

Film legend Gamini Fonseka also made his film debut in Lester’s Rekhawa as a technician and was accidentally required to play a passing role in the film. 

Well known film maker K. A. W. Perera also made his debut in Rekhawa penning the 
film’s dialogues.

Rekhawa also had new comers to the movie scene. Rev. Fr. Marceline Jayakody penned the lyrics while talented musician Sunil Santha composed the melodies for the film which had debutante playback singers Indrani Wijebandara and Ivor Dennis. 

Sumitra Peries who joined Lester in Sandeshaya as an Assistant Director, later became his life partner. 
Among the other big stars who made their debuts in Lester’s films were Jeewarani Kurukulasuriya (Sandeshaya), Tony Ranasnghe, Anula Karunathilaka, Trilicia Gunawardena, G.W. Surendra, Wickrama Bogoda (all in Gamperaliya). 

The late film critic and veteran journalist Reggie Siriwardene also made his debut as the award-winning screenplay writer in Gamperaliya. Former Film Corporation Chairman and reputed film maker Tissa Abeysekara also made his film debut in Gamperaliya as the additional screen play writer.

Dr. Lester James Peries passed away on April 28, 2018.

Text: Ramesh Uvais