G. D. L. Perera
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G. D. L Perera is a Sri Lankan film director and dramatist.
Perera's interest in drama began as a student at Prince College, Kotahena where he met arts patron Edwin Hewakapuge. He joined the Labour Department after finishing secondary schooling at Nalanda College Colombo and following the victory of S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike began the Kala Pela group with Hewakapuge, Denawaka Hamine and five others.[1]
Perera's fourth play with this group, Sama, gained him notice in 1960. Sakkara Vattam and Mehev Lokeka (1962), Ratu Rosa (1963), Totupola (1964) and Andare (1965) were also well-received. At the State Drama Festival in 1962 Leonie Weerasinghe was judged the Best Actress for her role in Mehev Lokeka. In 1964 Totupola was selected best production and best in stage décor (Gamini Wickremasuriya) and merit awards were awarded to Denawaka Hamine and Gamini Wickremasuriya.[1]
He also produced 'Ratagiya Attho' the first Sri Lankan teledrama to be filmed in England.
Perera entered film with an adaption of Sama. His sophmore effort Dahasak Sithuvili starring Henry Jayasena and Nilanthi Wijesinghe came out in 1968 and was critically aclaimed. He followed this with a Sinhala version of Romeo and Juliet.[1]
