Ganga Addara - Reviving a timeless endeavour

Three women got together to breath life into this evergreen creation. Laticia Botheju scripted the novel which was later adapted as a film by Sumitra Peries. Recently Sudharma Nethicumara took on the task of transforming the beloved story into the small screen.

This is the story of Ranjith, Nirmala and Dr Sarath Pathirana. It is a story of childhood bonds, innocence, romance and sacrifice. Director Saranga Mendis had given a new twist to the tale which features Ravindra Randeniya, Saranga Dissasekara, Shalini Tharaka, Buddhadasa Vithanachchi, Anula Karunathilaka, Veena Jayakody, Douglas Ranasinghe and Niroshan Wijesinghe. The teledrama will be telecast on Sirasa TV from November 27, every weekend at 8.30 pm.

Significantly Ganga Addara sets a milestone in the country's teledrama scene because it will be the first teledrama produced by Sudharma. She is no stranger to the arts, glamour and entertainment scene for she had been playing her part in enhancing some significant quality productions in the past.

Starting off her link with arts at a young age, Sudharma had been a disciple of Master Premasiri Khemadasa and had taken part in his maiden Russian Opera Yallah. She has even learnt to pay the violin under Edward Jayakody. Working with Sangeetha Weeraratne and Shereen Kumaratunga, Sudharma is part of the S-Three group which puts together some of the most entertainment packed events in the country. She is also a top business woman in the island for she plays a significant part as a director of the Salaka Senkada Group whish is owned by her husband Gamini.

Credits
Director : Saranga Mendis
Producer : Sudharma Nethicumara
Cameraman : Prabath Roshana

"The teledrama is based on the novel. It was written to suit not only the wide screen and the mini screen but a variety of other media. Ganga Addara is the first local teledrama shot in HD format with underwater scenes. Surendra Perera rendered his voice for the popular song sung by Vijaya Kumaratunga in the movie. Hangum Bindu Bindu Ya Vevi, a song penned by Ajith Galapatti and sung by Leslie Thomas will also be included," said the multi talented individual who is also the proprietor of the'Seasons' fashion outlet in Welikada, Rajagiriya.

My husband Gamini Nethicumara has been a pillar of strength in my endeavours. I also wish to thank Vipula Botheju, the son of author Laticia for presenting me with the rights of the book. He did not sell it for money but made a request for me to save a cattle which is destined to be slaughtered. I promised to take on the task once the teledrama is telecast," she noted adding that she is also grateful to Sumitra Peries for her well wishes and Sirasa TV channel head Susara Dinal for allocating space to telecast the teledrama. She aims to produce a movie in the future. The teledrama is a project to test her wings but one which she had put in much effort and dedication. The second chapter of Ganga Addara will begin work in November 20.

Daily News - article by Ruwini Jayawardana