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Kala Korner - by Dee Cee

The Jacksons lead the way
Possibly it was a unique occasion when a father and son won recognition at the recent Sarasaviya Film Festival for their acting ability. The honours went to Jackson Anthony and son Sajith Anuttara. Both had acted brilliantly in 'Suriya Arana' , the most popular film in 2004. They played the characters of a father and son in the film. Yet Jackson won the Best Actor award for his performance in 'Randiya Dahara' (along with Geetha Kumarasinghe, who was adjudged Best Actress). Anthony Junior won a special merit award for the talent he displayed as the naughty boy in 'Suriya Arana'.

In recent years Jackson has dominated the scene in the field of performing arts whether it be the stage, cinema or the small screen. He first displayed his talent on stage with a stunning performance in Sugathapala de Silva's 'Marazad' which brought him the Best Actor award at the 1986 State Drama Festival. Among the other plays were 'Lomahansa', 'Dhawala Bheeshana', Madhura Javanika', 'Ath' , 'Tharawo Igilethi' and 'Mora'. Among the host of teledramas, 'Pitagamkarayo' stands out as an unforgettable performance contributing much towards making Tissa Abeysekera's creation a classic.

In cinema, 2005 was a distinctive year for Jackson when he collected awards at regular intervals. First it was the Presidential Awards 2004 in July when he bagged the Best Actor award for 'Suriya Arana'. His role in 'Aswesuma' made him the Best Actor in 2001 in the belated Presidential Awards held in September. And now it's the Sarasaviya Awards. Apart from acting, he displayed his talent elsewhere too when he wrote the dialogue, script and directed the film, 'Juliyetge Bhumikawa'.

Jackson is a man of many parts. We see him on Swarnavahini TV displaying his knowledge and presentation capabilities in varied programmes. One night he will be boating along the Mahaweli ('Ganda Dige') clad in denim slacks telling us all about the interesting places to see on the way. It's a most exciting environmental journey. Another night appearing in national garb, he will remind us of our past moderating the 'Sinhale Maha Vansa Kathawa' most effectively. Obviously he reads a lot and studies a subject thoroughly. That makes listening to him so interesting whether it be the coverage of the Kandy Perahera, climbing the Sri Pada in the off season or trudging to Kataragama with pilgrims from the North. His feature programmes on Swarnavahini are a treat indeed. If I remember right, he was attached to the Department of Archives after graduating from the Colombo University, where he would have acquired the taste for research.

Jackson's has been strenuous journey, yet a treat to the audiences. As he said after collecting the Sarasaviya award, "it's a recognition of the tears we shed over the years." He was referring to the new generation.
Well done Jackson, keep going!

Hail Henry!
It was so heartening to hear that the Sri Jayawardenapura University had conferred a D Litt on our foremost dramatist and author Henry Jayasena. A most deserving act indeed! A Sri Lankan dramatist has been recognized by a higher educational institute possibly a little late in the day.

"I wish Manel was living to share this joy," Henry said responding to the award.
And not many days later, he was in the National Honours list receiving the 'Kala Keerthi' award.

Henry was awarded the Eagle Award of Excellence the other day when his contribution (along with Premasiri Khemadasa's) was recognized by Eagle Insurance Company which selects two persons each year for such recognition.
It's nice to see Henry back in action with the new production of 'Hunuwataye Kathawa'.

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