Highest award conferred on Lester

Rohan Mathes

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat last Saturday, conferred the highest ever and the most prestigious Sri Lankabhimanya award on one of the greatest sons of the soil, the globally famed Dr. Lester James Peries, for his immense and unique service to the Sri Lankan Cinema.

This supreme national award had been bestowed for the exceptionally outstanding service rendered by him during the last 50 years, to bring the Sri Lankan Cinema to what it is today.

In recognition and in gratitude, of his innovative cinematic creativity, dexterity and commitment, Lester James Peries, better known as the doyen of the Sinhala cinema, was felicitated at this simple ceremony, in which several ministers, Parliamentarians, celebrated artistes and other distinguished guests, also participated.

Beginning from Rekawa, other films such as Gamperaliya, Delowak Athara, Nidhanaya and Ammawarune, had been some of his greatest and highly acclaimed contributions to the local cinema.

This Sri Lankabhimanya award had been conferred to Dr. Peries by the President, following the Gazette proclamation no. 1485/25 of February 2, 2007.

Peries told the Daily News later, that the Sri Lankabhimanya award, conferred on him by the President was the most treasured award he had ever received during his lifetime, in recognition of his contribution to the Sri Lankan cinema. "This award which I received from my own Motherland, is the award which I cherish most, from all other international awards received by me," he said.