Lester James Peris is the internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan film director, screenwriter, and film producer. Known as the father of Sri Lankan cinema, he has been an active filmmaker since 1949 and has been involved in over 28 films, including shorts and documentaries.

He made his entry into national cinema with the globally acclaimed rekava in 1956, revolutionizing Sri Lankan cinema. He has received critical acclaim for directing films such as Gamperaliya, Nidhanaya, Golu Hadawatha, Kaliyugaya, Awaragira and Yuganthaya. Peris films often deal with Sri Lankan family life in rural settings and deep conflicted characters.

He has received numerous awards and honours for his role in filmmaking including the “Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award” at the 31st International Film Festival of India (2000), “Commandeur” (commander) in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) from the French government (1997) and the “Sri Lankabhimanya” The highest Civil Honour of Sri Lanka (2007).