 |
| Dr Sarath Weerasekara and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa Picture by Nissanka Wijerathne |
Though peace has dawned in our country, the memories of three decades of terrorism are unforgettable. There are past experiences that would haunt our memory forever.
Lessons need to be learnt to avoid repeating the same mistakes. This is the basic message in Gamani, Rear Admiral Dr Sarath Weerasekara’s maiden movie which will begin screening in theatres island wide soon.
Gamani depicts the essence of the terrors of the LTTE. The film is woven around a real story which occurred in a village called Gonagala, located in the Ampara District. It is spearheaded by a personality who was the Director General of Civil Security Forces which played a key role in concluding the conflict.
The Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Mass Media and Communication Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, the cast of the movie and crew of Gamani and many other key figures in the industry were present for the press show of the film.
Addressing the gathering at the event Dr Weerasekara said, “No possibility was shown towards developing a literature based on the conflict after the incident. Instead most artistes directed movies which projected soldiers having intimate encounters with Tamil women or soldiers’ wives betraying their spouses with other men in the village.
Though these productions gained international recognition, they degraded the morale of the soldiers. I wrote many newspaper articles on the harm caused by such actions. They told me not to meddle with their affairs but to concentrate on the naval activities. Gamani was born as a product of their reaction to their charges. It highlights the role played by some heroic individuals of the era.”
Directed by a personality who has first hand experience in the battlefield Gamani captures the hope, terror, joy, sorrow, relief and devastation of the common man. It also targets the solder and his contribution to ensuring the people’s safety as well as his personal traits.
Bimal Jayakody and Dilhani Ashokamala take on the lead roles. Sanath Gunatileke, W Jayasiri, Geetha Kanthi Jayakody, Mahendra Perera, Damitha Abeyratne, Veena Jayakody and others comprise the rest of the cast.
The film features some angampora fight scenes and comedy sequences. It caters to the young and old and is a film to watch out for. With an abundance of talent and the cream of the nation’s artistes among the cast, Gamani will surely carve a niche among its audience.
Courtesy - Daily News By Uvindu ILLPERUMA
