Internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan film producer and director, Dr Lester James Peries, died at the age of 99 in Sri Lanka on Monday.
Dr Peries' funeral will be held on Wednesday with full state patronage, President Maithripala Sirisena instructed.
A world-renowned filmmaker since 1949, Peries played a significant role in promoting Sri Lankan films to the world, reports Xinhua.
He was involved in over 28 films, including the popular film "Rekawa" which he directed in 1956.
Dr Peries' movie "Wekande Walauwa" was Sri Lanka's first ever submission movie for the Academy Awards.
He had earned many honours and awards both locally and internationally including the Sri Lankabhimanya title which is Sri Lanka's highest honour for a citizen.
