Sinhala film debuts in Tel Aviv

A special screening of Gamini Hewawitharana’s film “Yakada Diyaniyo” took place last week at Cinematheque in Tel Aviv, Israel, drawing a large crowd of Lankans living in the area. The event, which was attended by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, as the chief guest, provided an opportunity for the Lankan expatriate community to view the much-anticipated film.

Speaking to Sunday Island, Nirosha Kumary Rathnayake (Niro), the producer of the film, shared that she had been living and working in Israel for several years. Given her long-standing ties to the country, she decided to host a special screening of the film while it is awaiting its debut in Sri Lanka.

The enthusiastic response to the screening has led Niro to plan additional shows in other Israeli cities, ensuring that more Lankans abroad will have the chance to see the film.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Ambassador Bandara for his support and invaluable advice, which played a key role in making this event a success,” Niro said.

The film, which was produced at the request of Niro’s late son, Chathura Rathnayake, holds a deeply personal significance. Chathura, who had a passion for acting and boxing, requested his mother to produce the film so that he could take on a leading role.

Tragically, Chathura passed away at the age of 22 before the film could be screened. “My heart was broken, and I couldn’t bring myself to watch the film for three years. But I felt it was time to fulfil the promise I made to him,” Niro explained.

She shared fond memories of her son, who was a student at Vidyartha College in Kandy and an accomplished boxer. “He won numerous awards in boxing and was also a talented coach. His uncle, Anuruddha Rathnayake, represented Sri Lanka at the Olympics, and Chathura looked up to him as a role model,” she said.

The cause of his untimely death remains undetermined, though Niro speculated that it could be related to an allergy.

The producer expressed her gratitude to Mangala Madugalla for his support in bringing the film to life. Additionally, she emphasized her willingness to share “Yakada Diyaniyo” with international audiences.

“I would be more than happy to screen the film in other countries if requests are made,” she said.

Looking ahead, she hinted at the possibility of another film project, contingent on the interests of her second son, who is also passionate about acting and boxing.

By Sujeeva Nivunhella in London