Sri Lanka’s first woman film-maker, Dr. Sumithra Peries, passed away at the age of 88 in Colombo. Dr. Peries, began her career as an assistant director and editor and was Sri Lanka’s first female film-maker and a key figure in bringing women’s stories to Sri Lankan cinema. Over the course of her career, which spanned more than 10 films, Dr. Peries worked as a director, film-maker, and screenwriter. Some of her best-known works include Gehenu Lamai, Ganga Addara, and Yahaluvo. Dr. Peries, who was born Sumitra Gunawardena in 1934, was married to the late Dr. Lester James Peries, considered the father of Sri Lankan cinema. She also served as Sri Lanka’s ambassador to France and Spain from 1996 to 1999 and was later appointed as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United Nations. Remains will lie at 15/3 Gower Street, Colombo 5 from 10 am today and the cremation will take place at General cemetery, Borella tomorrow (21). Cortege will leave residence at 5 p.m. (Read more about the life and legacy of Dr. Sumitra Peries on page 6)
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