The doyen of Sri Lankan Cinema, and internationally recognized as one of the world’s great film directors.

His film classics include

Gamperaliya (The Changing Village / 1963), which won the Grand Prix (Golden Peacock) at the 3rd International Film Festival of India 1965,

Nidhanaya (The Treasure / 1970),

Kaliyugaya (The Age of Kali / 1983) and Yuganthaya (The End of an Era / 1985).

He is a member of the Legion of Honour (Republic of France) and received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Film Festival of India in January 2000.