Tsunami-Vishama Bhaaga tussle creating waves?

The crisis-ridden Sinhala cinema industry has been gripped by another fresh crisis over the release date of Dr. Somaratne Dissanayake’s newest movie ‘Tsunami’. This film produced by Renuka Balasuriya was slotted for release on December 26 to coincide with the tsunami 15th anniversary. But unfortunately the globally award-winning director and producer are crying foul that injustice has been meted out to them by the EAP film circuit which has now lined up another film – Vishama Bhaaga, for release this week in their circuit.

The EAP circuit is currently screening ‘Rush’. According to filmmaker Somaratne Dissanayake and producer Renuka Balasuriya, they had signed an agreement in January this year with EAP ensuring that their film ‘Tsunami’ would be released on December 26, 2019.

But they now allege that despite that written assurance, Lalith Rathnayake’s Vishama Baagha has been lined up for release in the EAP circuit from December 16, which means Tsunami would not get the anticipated release on December 26.

Somaratne Dissanayake and Renuka Balasuriya have made tremendous contributions to uplift our cinema industry during tough times and their films have always carried positive messages to society. Even ‘Tsunami’ carries a positive and all-important social message influencing people to shun petty differences and start living as true human beings. On the other hand, producing high budget films is not an easy or feasible task in this country. But this duo have been doing it amidst hurdles, largely for the passion they have for our cinema industry.
The tragic part of this episode is that some elements, apparently with vested interests, have started mud-slinging campaigns on social media against Somaratne and Renuka. We believe, stakeholders of one  industry should not be allowed to take their issues outside their perimeters. Issues should be sorted out amicably. There are no issues that cannot be sorted out through negotiations.  History has proven that much bigger battles have been resolved and defused through talks.

by: Ramesh Uvais