Givanth Arthsad, who introduced animation techniques to Sri Lanka, passes away at 73.

Mr. Giwantha Arthasad, a veteran artist and film technologist who gifted the first animated cartoon creation to the local cinema and television industry, has passed away. He was 73 years old at the time of his death, which occurred at Panadura Base Hospital.

He succeeded in creating the country's first animated cartoon film through 'Dutugemunu', which was screened in 1979, opening a new path for Sri Lankan cinema. Mr. Giwantha Arthasad, brother of veteran film director Dinesh Priyasad, can be considered a leading pioneer in both animation and visual effects (Special Effects) fields in the history of local cinema and television.

Not limited to animation creation, he demonstrated his expertise in various fields such as painting, cinematography, makeup, art direction, and film grammar. He is also the author of 'Cinema – Maya', an important work written about cinema technology and its language. In addition, he briefly served as the Director General of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.