Talented Sri Lankan actor Jagath Chamila who bagged the best actor's award at the New York City International Film Festival in New York for his outstanding role in 'Sameege Kathawa' (Sam's Story), returned to the country on Saturday evening.

 

 

Several film world personalities thronged the Bandaranaike International Airport to welcome the hero, who became the first Sri Lankan actor to win the New York City International Film Award.

 

  

 

The only actor who had won an international award in the best actor category earlier was Joe Abeywickrema in 1999 when he won it for Prasanna Vithanage’s Purahanda Kaluwara at the Singapore International Film Festival.

Sam’s story was directed Priyankara Vithanachchi who was also with Jagath at the film festival together with the film’s associate producer Wimal Deshapriya and art director Athula Sulthanagoda.

Jagath was nominated in the best actor category among top US, Denmark and Cuban actors.

 

 

Besides Jagath Chamila who played the title role in the movie, Menik Kurukulasooriya, Victor Ramanayake, Sanath Gunathilake, Nilmini Buwaneka, Thesara Jayawardana and others also played key roles.

Sam’s Story based on the critically acclaimed book of the same name written by Capt. Elmo Jayawardena that won the Gratiaen Prize in 2001, is yet to be screened in Sri Lanka.

 

 

 

 

Ramesh