By Chamalee Ahangama
Ayu was screened in celebration of the 74th anniversary of Sri Lankan cinema at Savoy Cinema, Wellawatta, on January 22. It is the maiden movie production of General (retired) Daya Rathnayake and the second film directed by Chathra Weeraman after Aloko Udapadi.
After dedicating a moment of silence to remember all those deceased in the field of local cinema, including Sinhala, Tamil, Malay and Muslim directors, producers, actors, actresses, technical and non-technical contributors to the Sri Lankan film industry, a special award of appreciation was presented to the ‘Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema’ Dr. Malani Fonseka for her 155th acting contribution in her illustrious career of over five decades. The award was presented by the guest of honor, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardhana, attended by the State Minister of National Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Arts Promotion Vidura Wickramanayake; Chairman of National Film Corporation, Sri Lanka, Jayantha Dharmadasa; Ayu Producer, General Daya Rathnayaka; Ben Holdings Group Director, G.T. Jayaseelan on behalf of EAP movies; Ayu Director, Chathra Weeraman; Weeraman Brothers Director, Saman Weeraman; Independence Television Network Chairman, Sudath Rohana along with part-sponsor of the award and FLEXPORT Chairman, Dr. Nandadasa Narayana. The tribute speech for Dr. Malani Fonseka was done by veteran actor and member of board of directors of National Film Corporation Dr. Ravindra Randeniya.