* Kodak Supra Endura Paper proven best for colour photography

The Al Thani Awards for Photography 2009, one of the world’s leading competitions for photography organized by FIAP (Federation Internationale de l’Art Photographique - International Federation of Photographic Art) on an annual basis, saw Sri Lanka emerge victorious in the International Award in colour photography category when Priyankara Gamage won Gold.

The only contestant from the South East Asia Region to win a Gold award in the entire competition, Mr. Gamage said, “I am traditionally a wedding photographer, but decided to enter this competition for the first time this year when I heard about it online and through local photography societies. I entered 8 entries under the general section according to the year’s theme ‘Daily Routine’, of which 2 were nominated and one won Gold. With over 14,000 entries for the competition this year, I am thrilled and proud to have honoured my country and my profession with this award, and sincerely thank Kodak Sri Lanka for their support and premium products which I am confident gave me a winning edge.”

Said Tyrone Perera, Country Manager, Kodak Sri Lanka, “I am extremely pleased to have played a key role in achieving this landmark moment for photography in Sri Lanka. We have always strived to actively support and empower the local photographic community, and it gives me the greatest pleasure to note that this award is a physical embodiment of our efforts to leverage the industry.”

Speaking of future plans to empower more in the industry to reach international recognition for photography, R. Ganesh, General Manager, Digital Capture & Devices and Film Capture, CDG-India Cluster, said, “This is a prestigious award, and a significant occasion for the Sri Lankan photographic industry. The fact that the entry was printed through a Kodak Express outlet is an added source of satisfaction. As the leading photo imaging company in Sri Lanka, it is an honour to be associated with professional photographers, and we look forward to helping more photographers advance in their career and their achievements.”

Said Roshan Fernando, Proprietor of VISART Digital Colour Lab, an exclusive Kodak Express photo finishing outlet, “As the Kodak Express outlet that printed Mr. Gamage’s entries, I am pleased that his winning entry was on Kodak Supra Endura paper, and I enthusiastically look forward to being a part of new and exciting achievements with more Kodak products.”

Delano Dias, Director, Millers Ltd, the sole distributor of Kodak products in Sri Lanka, said, “Kodak Supra Endura paper is the most premium photographic paper in the world, renowned for the highest quality, and the prints can last up to 200 years under the right storing conditions. The paper is very popular in the professional printing space and is leading in this market. We have been the sole distributors for Kodak for over 70 years now, and have no doubt that Kodak will continue to elevate the market with superior products.” 

About Kodak Sri Lanka: Kodak Sri Lanka Liaison Office, has been in operation in Sri Lankasince 1996, and is overlooked by Kodak Singaporeunder the South Asia Cluster, with its parent company, founded by George Eastman, located in the USA.  Kodak has been in existence in Sri Lanka, through Millers Ltd, a member of Cargills Ceylon plc Group, their Distributor, for over 70 years in Sri Lanka.

Photo caption: Standing from left – Roshan Fernando, Proprietor, VISART Digital Colour Lab; Tyrone Perera, Country Manager, Kodak Sri Lanka; R. Ganesh, General Manager, Digital Capture & Devices and Film Capture, CDG-India Cluster; Ms. Sucheta Pereira, Kodak Express and RSS Manager, India and Distributor countries; Priyankara Gamage with his award; Delano Dias, Director, Millers Ltd; and G. Samuel Neshakumar, Sales Manager, Kodak, Millers Ltd & Business Development Manager, North and East, Cargills group.