Former President and United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for renewed efforts to preserve Sri Lanka’s classic films, urging that landmark works be digitised to ensure future generations can appreciate the country’s cinematic legacy.
Wickremesinghe made the remarks during a meeting with the UNP parliamentary group at his Flower Road office, where a discussion that began on political matters shifted to the subject of cinema, a field in which he is known to be an avid enthusiast.
He highlighted Lester James Peries’ Gamperaliya as a film that should be digitised and conserved, stressing the importance of safeguarding the nation’s cultural heritage.
He also noted that Sandesaya and its celebrated musical contributions, including lyrics by Arisen Ahubudu and an early song by Father Marcelline Jayakody, should not be allowed to fade from public memory.
Wickremesinghe further referenced composer Nimal Mendis’ work in Ganga Addara as an example of Sri Lankan cinema’s artistic value.
Drawing comparisons with international industries, he pointed to Thailand’s expanding film sector, noting that Thai films are now dubbed into English, French and Portuguese as part of efforts to enter the global market.
Members of the parliamentary group later left the meeting remarking, with some curiosity, on the breadth of their leader’s knowledge, from politics to cinema and beyond.
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