Sunday Times E-Paper

A gracious lady in addition to being supremely talented

Mrs. S. Gunawardena

I was shocked and saddened to hear of the demise of renowned film director Kala Keerthi Dr. Sumithra Peiris. I became an admirer of Lester James Peiris’ and Sumithra Peiris’s films, and had the good fortune to meet the couple at their then residence on Dickmans Road (now Dr. Lester James Peiris Mawatha) in Bambalapitiya) one afternoon back in 2008.

Sumitra greeted me warmly at the entrance and accompanied me to her husband’s room where he was resting. I will never forget this gracious gesture and her humility, and the short time I spent with both of them in their home.

Before I left, as a memento of my visit, Dr Peiris signed and gave me a copy of the First Day Cover affixed with a stamp honouring him that was issued on April 5, 2002.

I have also met them on several occasions when they came for service on Tuesday evenings to St. Anthony’s Church Kollupitiya.

After Mrs Peiris moved to her new residence in Mirihana Nugegoda, I did not get an opportunity to visit her, although she invited me several times.

Sumithra Peiris was a supremely talented, highly cineliterate artist who made films of great artistic value. Her films were entertaining and profound. They changed the way you saw the world. As a film editor she contributed to the behind the scenes alchemy of film. I was able to see all the extraordinary films she contributed to either through editing or directing starting with Gamperaliya. The only film I was not able to see was her last film, Vaishnavee. When I mentioned that I had missed it in the cinemas, she told me that it would be broadcast on television—where I was able to see it.

Sumithra Peiris was an exceptional human being. Her cinematic achievements were numerous, but she conducted herself with humility and integrity. She made great contributions to Sri Lankan and especially to Sinhala cinema. Her passing brings the curtain down on one of the most talented Sri Lankan film directors and editors of all time.

LETTERS/APPRECIATIONS

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2023-03-26T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-26T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://sundaytimes.pressreader.com/article/287586724160981

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