However, there are several moot points that our authorities, the movie industry and restoration enthusiasts have to ponder on. There are more recent Sinhala movies such as Akasa Kusum (Flowers in the Sky) and Samanala Sandhvaniya (Butterfly Symphony) which may not need restoration per se but they need to be digitalized and preserved as soon as possible for the benefit of future generations. This was a long overdue step and we are glad that there are organisations interested in this kind of work.Īmong the top Sinhala movies which deserve restoration are Gamperaliya (Change in the Village), Nidhanaya (Treasure), Rekhava (Line of Destiny), Sandeshaya (Letter), Golu Hadawatha (Silent Heart), Akkara Paha (Five Acres), Madol Doowa (Madol Island), Beddegama (Village in the Jungle), Ahasin Polowata (White Flowers for the Dead), Thun Man Handiya (The Junction), Gehenu Lamai (The Girls), Bambaru Avith (The Wasps are Here), Hathara Denama Soorayo (Four Champs), Ran Muthu Duwa (Golden Pearl Island/the first Sinhala colour movie) and Siripala Saha Ranmenike (Siripala and Ranmenike). The all-digital restoration was initiated by Four-In-One Institute, to which all local film lovers will no doubt be grateful. Scripted by Tissa Abeysekera, the film also starred Suweenitha Weerasinghe and a host of other well-known stars. These are two of the finest actors ever to have graced Sri Lankan and Asian cinema and the action thriller became a natural hit.
The film revolves around a clash between local thug Goring Mudalali (Joe Abeywickrema) and newly appointed ASP Randeniya (Gamini Fonseka). Shot in Point Pedro well before the conflict erupted, “Weli Kathara” was first screened on October 27, 1971. This outstanding film which is often included among the 10 best Sri Lankan films was also considered South Asia’s second Cinemascope film. This is commendable, since a whole generation has grown up without seen this fine masterpiece of local cinema. But that’s not all - with the digital restoration, this 1971 hit movie will be back in theatres islandwide. Nihalsinghe has been fully restored with digital technology and was recently screened at the National Film Corporation’s ultra-modern theatre. Sri Lanka’s first Cinemascope film, ‘Weli Kathara’ the debut direction by visionary filmmaker Dr. I got the cue from a recent stellar achievement of a few Sri Lankan film lovers, which should be applauded by all. I am glad to once again get an opportunity to write about a topic that I feel so passionate about – the restoration and preservation of the best Sinhala movies in digital (and if possible, film) form.