Sumitra Peries: Final rites with State Honours on Saturday (21) at Independence Square

by Zulfick Farzan 20-01-2023 | 12:53 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Final Rites of the late Dr. Sumitra Peries will take place at the Independence Square in Colombo on Saturday (21) after 4 PM, announced the Ministry of Home Affairs.

It added that the final rites will be performed with State Honours.

Kalakeerthi Dr. Sumitra Peries, Sri Lanka's first-ever professional female filmmaker passed away on Thursday (19) morning. She was 88 years old at the time of her demise.

Her passing marked the end of Sri Lanka's oldest family in cinema.

Sumitra Gunawardena was born on 24th March 1934 at the Boralugoda Walawwe, and was the strong female representation from one of the most popular political families, the Boralugoda Gunewardene's.

She received her primary education at Visakha Vidyalaya in Colombo and went on to become the first ever Sri Lanka to enroll at the London School of Film Technique.

Later she later returned home to Sri Lanka, and her life reached a new turning point after meeting her life partner Lester James Peries.

Sumitra made her debut in Sri Lankan cinema as the Assistant Director for Sandeshaya, a product of the late great Dr. Lester James Peries.

Kala Keerthi Sumitra Peries was also presented the prestigious Sarasavi Awards for her involvement in Lester James Peries' Gamperaliya, Delowak Athara, and Ahasin Polawata.

In 1978, she brought to life the movie Gehenu Lamai, becoming Sri Lanka's first-ever professional female filmmaker.

With over 10 films to her name , and having worked as screenwriter, director, producer and even editor of documentaries, Sumitra has emerged as one of the country’s foremost cultural icons.

Vaishnavee that screened in 2018 was the last movie she directed.

At a time when it was considered taboo for women to be involved in arts, the late Sumita Peries set the foundation to many more to follow her footsteps and achieve what was once frowned upon.

As the last of her generation in the industry, Sumitra’s contribution to Sri Lankan and Southasian cinema is indisputable.