SUMANA GOMES SPEAKS ABOUT PROSTITUITION

SUMANA GOMES SPEAKS ABOUT PROSTITUTION

Sumana Gomes, the famous erotic actress of the silver screen left the country on the 10th of December. During her short stay in Sri Lanka she has given interviews to many newspapers. Among  them, there was a specialty about the interview which was given by her to ‘Mawbima’ newspaper where she had expressed her views on prostitution.
She stated that many incidents of sexual abuse and rape are reported daily and that people try to find alternatives because of the strict rules and regulations of law, legalizing prostitution could be a solution for all these.
Her views on some of the questions that were asked from her are as below:

Where do you reside at the moment?
“In New York, America”.
Your name reminds the Sri Lankans of an erotic queen. Why is that?
”When I was acting, technology wasn’t that developed. Yet, I am surprised to hear such stories in an era where the technology has developed into its peak. If I acted like the actresses in Hollywood movies, I won’t even be alive. I prefer people calling me “Flame of the Sinhala cinema” other than been called the “erotic queen”. It was first coined by the later journalist Rohana Kumara. I like that title because every actress can’t be the ‘Flame’.”
Some point their fingers at you saying you acted naked.
“That is a total misunderstanding. I haven’t acted in a single movie showing my total nakedness. I have acted half naked and that too, I have shown only half my breast or my legs. But I don’t see any faults with that since that is relevant to the film. “
Do you think that idea will suit a country which has a history of 2550 years of Buddhist culture and heritage and who have been considering the culture to be its crown.  
“If that is the case, my question is why on earth did that country with such a big culture got mad by seeing my leg. Now, let’s put it this way. We all want our children to follow the correct path. How much ever we try to protect them, one day we will have to let go of them to be on their own. Children change when they start schooling and when they start seeing things around them.Nowadays, especially when they see the internet. They will smoke and they will start associating with girls. Won’t that happen? So, will they get spoilt only by watching my movies?”
People who talk about been bare-breasted with disgust, appreciate Sigiri graffiti with high respect. Where do you think is the fault?
“I think that everyone didn’t reject me. Only people who criticized me were the ones who were in the industry. Cherio Sergeant too was shown in the film halls in which my films- “Ragaye Unusuma” and “Unusum Rathriya” were shown. My posters were pasted around one hall. No one has hooted while I was acting in Cherio Sergeant. They used to come and congratulate me before leaving the theatre. Some in this field thinks that I am the worst woman who was born into this field. I don’t know how that happened.”
Why did you want to break that frame work?
“I was straight when I spoke. Had I too been telling the world that I never acted in such films, I would have been recognized. Yet, I became worse because I didn’t say so. There were other reasons for me to do that. I discussed and agreed with the director before undertaking anything. I didn’t want to say I have never done those when I did them.”
Do you think that abortions should be legalized?
“Yes.”
Why do you say so?
“When we look at the present day society, people are spending really sad lives. Living is the most difficult thing to do. We have become so busy. We love our children. We have to look after them but how can we do all that?”
Do you agree to legalize prostitution?
“Yes.”
Why do you say so?
“I love my country a lot. I respect it too. But I think our country has fallen into such a state because of the strict laws. Look at the number of rapes that are been reported daily. One reason for that is less sexual education. People are frustrated. I think many things will change if the law loosens a bit”.
Whatever people say about you, there was an ear where the youth went to watch your movies to send away their sex arrears. They pasted your posters on their walls. Isn’t that true?
“There was a lot who loved my figure. I was very famous among army soldiers. Newspapers which published my photos were sold fast. Therefore, I believe in what you said. I think it is a good deed that I could satisfy at least one person.” 
Are you scared to talk about certain things in Sri Lanka?
“I am not scared to talk about the truth wherever I am.”
Don’t you think that the people don’t have such freedom to think the way you think?
“That may be true. America is a free country. They respect the culture. They respect the personal freedom more than the culture. Therefore, sexual abuse is less. However much we develop, it is very difficult to change the minds of our people.”
Did you too get unnecessary proposals from directors as we hear from many actresses today?
“Whatever I did, that was only limited to a celluloid tape. Other than that I have never had contacts with directors and producers in my personal life. I didn’t go to night clubs like most of the people do. I didn’t come to acting to get married to a rich businessman. That is why I can still stand on my feet.”

Article by  Sanjaka Prasad Dolawatta and Subashini Gunaratna
Photographs:  Asanna Pradeep Gamrarachchi