Veteran Sri Lankan artist and cinema technologist Givanta Arthasad, regarded as the creator of Sri Lanka’s first animated cartoon film, has passed away at the age of 73.
He passed away at the Panadura Base Hospital, according to reports.
Arthasad, who was a brother of veteran film director Dinesh Priyasad, is considered a pioneer in the fields of animation and special effects in Sri Lanka’s cinema and television industry.
He made a significant contribution to Sri Lankan cinema by creating Dutugemunu, released in 1979, which is regarded as the country’s first animated cartoon film.
In addition to animation, Arthasad demonstrated his talents in several fields, including painting, cinematography, makeup, art direction and film grammar.
He was also the author of Cinema – Maya, an important publication on cinema technology and film language.
Arthasad also served for a short period as the Director General of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.
His contribution to the development of animation, visual effects and cinema technology in Sri Lanka is widely recognized.
