Hemasiri Sellapperuma (born 25 October: ), is a Sri Lankan screenplay writer, editor and

filmmaker Filmmaking or film production is the process by which a Film, motion picture is produced. Filmmaking involves a number of complex and discrete stages, beginning with an initial story, idea, or commission. Production then continues through screen ...

in Sri Lankan cinema. He is a prolific director who directed the second most films in Sri Lankan cinema with thirty-six films in various genres.

Personal life

He completed education from St. Anthony's College, Panadura. During school, he achieved a medal of Queen as a Scout. He is also the chairman of the Lions club in Egodawatta. In addition to that, he is also a Justice in Peace. His cousin son

Rajitha Hiran Muthuthanthrige Rajitha Hiran Chamikara Fernando (), popularly known as Rajitha Hiran is an actor in Sri Lankan Cinema, stage drama and television. Particularly acting in comedy roles, Hiran is best known for the role of Ping Pong in the telev ...

is also a renowned comedy artist.

Career

While in the school, he worked as an editor at the institute of Serendib. He first directed a short film ''Saara Poro Jelivet''. After completing education, he joined with his mentor, Consistence Cooray. He is first person to produce films for children in Sri Lanka. Under Consistence, Sellapperuma worked as an assistant director for his films such as: ''Samaja Sevaya'', ''Gami Kolla'' and ''Asaranaya''. Later he worked as an assistant editor in the film ''Punchi Baba saha Nari Latha'' directed by Tissa Liyanasooriya. Then he joined with K. A. W. Perera and worked as an assistant director in several films including: ''Bicycle Hora'', ''Seeye Nottuwa'', ''Kathuru Muwath'', ''Aparadhaya Saha Daduwama'' and ''Lokuma Hinawa''. Meanwhile, he passed the written examination to register as a director and editor in National Film Co-operation by directing the film ''Sara Polowa Jaya Bimai''. In 1981, he made his debut cinema direction with the black and white film ''Jeewanthi''. After the success of the film, he made the second film ''Sathweni Davasa'' which became a blockbuster of that year. In 1982, at the

Malaysian Film Festival Malaysia Film Festival (FFM; ) is an annual awards ceremony organized by the ''Entertainment Journalists Association of Malaysia'' to honour excellence in Malaysian film. It is considered to be Malaysia's own equivalent to the Academy Awards ...

, the film won the Golden award for the Best Commercial Film in the Asia. In 1989, he made the blockbuster film ''Nommara 17''. The film broke several commercial records, where the film screened record 210 days at the 'National' cinema hall in Maharagama as well as screened in the opening cinemas for 200 days. However, before the screening, the lead actor Vijaya Kumaranatunga was assassinted. There was a big uproar in the cinema halls during the screening of the film. People were at queue at cinema halls from 8 am to witness Vijaya's last film. There have even been stabbing incidents recorded in 'Gemunu' and 'Manel' cinema theaters as well. In 18th Sarasaviya Awards in 1990, ''Nommara 17'' won the award for the Most Famous Film with 40,535 votes. He was honored with the 'Kala Jothi' Award as well. In 2015, he directed his last film ''Sanjaana''.

Filmography

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Sellapperuma, Hemasiri Sri Lankan film directors Living people Sri Lankan film editors Sri Lankan film producers Year of birth missing (living people)