Vasantha Obeysekera


Vasantha Obeysekera, was a Sri Lankan film director and screenwriter.

Early life and career

Kala Keerthi Vasantha Obeysekera who was regarded as one of the foremost film makers in the 70s decade graduated from the University of Ceylon in 1962. He served on the Editorial Staff of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited from 1964 to 1970. In addition to his editorial work, Obeysekera wrote several short stories during this period.
Obeysekera entered the film industry with Sath Samudura in 1967 which he co-wrote and worked on as assistant director; it was Sri Lanka's entry at the Moscow International Film Festival. In 1971 he was awarded a certificate in Cinematography by the Comité de libération du cinéma français.

1970s

In the 1970s Obeysekera wrote and directed Ves Gaththo, Valmathuwo, Diyamanthi and Palangetiyo . Palangetiyo won the Presidential Film Awards for Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Film.

1980s

1983's Dadayama also won the Presidential awards for Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Film. It was a commercial success as well. Obeysekera made Kedapathaka Chaya in 1989 after a five-year break.

1990s and 2000s

In the late-'90s, Obeysekera made Maruthaya, Dorakada Marawa and Theertha Yathra . These also secured several OCIC and Presidential Awards.
Salelu Warama, Agni Warsha, Aganthukaya, and Sewwandhi were made in the 2000s.

Filmography

He has directed 13 films across many dramatic genres.
  • No. denotes the Number of Sri Lankan film in the Sri Lankan cinema.
Released dateNo.Film
12 December 1970234Wesgaththo
2 April 1976339Walmathwuwo
28 May 1976342Diyamanthi
27 April 1979417Palagatiyo
20 May 1983558Dadayama
24 March 1989687Kedapathaka Chaya
9 June 1995831Maruthaya
2 December 1998904Dorakada Marawa
1 October 1999922Theertha Yathra
17 October 2002990Salelu Warama
7 April 20051048Asani Warsha
7 December 20061080Sewwandi
31 May 20071087Aganthukaya

Death

He died on 8 April 2017 in a private hospital in Colombo.