Writing
When unexpected secrets begin to surface, a seemingly ordinary life takes a complicated turn. As relationships are tested and difficult choices become unavoidable, the characters must confront the consequences of their actions—and the truths they have tried to keep hidden.
"El Hale Kiribath" is a short film directed by Ranga Bandaranayake. Set in the aftermath of the 30-year ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, the film follows a Tamil girl who arrives at a Sinhalese household in search of her disappeared brother from the war. The family she stays with carries their own unresolved grief, as their son was disappeared during the 1988–89 Insurrection. As the two sides confront their separate histories of loss, the story unfolds around the preparation and sharing of kiribath (milk rice), a traditional dish associated with celebration. Through this everyday ritual, the film reflects on memory, loss, and the complex intersections of grief, culture, and coexistence.
For You, The Disappeared is a poignant Sri Lankan documentary directed by Ranga Bandaranayake that explores the lasting impact of enforced disappearances. Centered on the voices of families still searching for answers, the film captures their grief, resilience, and unwavering demand for truth and justice. Written by Chamara Prasanna Kodithuwakku and produced by the Families of the Disappeared, the documentary presents an intimate and human perspective on loss and memory in the wake of conflict and political unrest. Through personal testimonies and evocative visuals, it stands as both a tribute to those who vanished and a powerful call for accountability.
