Cultural DIARY

Sergeantge Nendamma

Sando Harris in a scene from the play

Sando Harris's rib-tickling comedy 'Sergeantge Nendamma' will go on the boards at the Tangalle Prison Hall today at 9.30 a.m. There will be two repeat performances at the Tangalle Town Hall on the same day at 3.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m.

The play is produced by Chanchala Warnasuriya and is directed by Sando Harris.

Mahindagamanaya soon on big screen

by Mohammed NAALIR

"Mahindagamanaya", the arrival of Arahat Mahinda in Sri Lanka with the noblest gift of Buddhism, changed the country's history and laid the foundation for a civilisation based on Buddhism.

This is literally the story of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is commemorated every year on Poson Poya Day, but there have not been many attempts to portray it artistically, through film or television.

Sri Lankans, regardless of their religion, know about the meeting between Arahat Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which led to the spread of Buddhism in the country. But there have been few attempts to tell the complete story in a way that all could comprehend.

This is about to change, as several leading film personalities are wrapping up shooting a film which comprehensively depicts the advent of Buddhism to Sri Lanka.

The film, titled "Mahindagamanaya" is the maiden movie directorial effort of Sanath Abeysekara, who has 32 teledramas to his credit. The idea of making a film on this great event in the country's history came to him when he was reading the Mahavamsa. He has remained faithful to the Mahavamsa account when making this movie.