4. Aswesuma (2001)

Alternative title: The Compensation

Language: Sinhala

Director: Bennett Rathnayake

Running time: 112 mins

Starring: Joe Abeywickrama, Jackson Anthoney, Ravindra Randeniya

Bennett Rathnayake brilliantly handles the theme of an aged man trying to come to terms with his conscience in this film. The story begins with the cremation of the man's wife. With the cremation of his wife, the old man goes to the police asking the officers to take him into custody as he had committed three murders 52 years ago. The incredulous officers hear the tale of greed, lust and violence in a time when the British were on the verge of leaving Sri Lanka. The film has won several international awards including the FIPRESI award at the Mumbai International Film Festival. Commenting on the film the Jury chief at the festival Angel Comas said, "director Rathnayake basing on his own screen play has transformed a classical story into a telling human drama by its powerful narration".