Lester James Peries and the Evolution of Sri Lankan Cinema

Although there is a general feeling of dismay concerning the current status of cinema in Sri Lanka, filmmaker Lester James Peries continues to fight against the obstacles to create cinematic works that are worthy of recognition both locally and internationally. At the time the following interview was conducted, although he was not actively working on a project of his own, he was nevertheless engrossed in contributing to his wife Sumithra's new film. The interview was conducted at his house on Dickman's Road (recently named Lester James Peries Mawatha as a tribute by the government to his services to Sri Lankan cinema), Colombo, Sri Lanka, May 9 and 10, 2007.