Sri Lanka, Sept. 3 -- Veteran artist and film technician Givantha Arthasad, who created Sri Lanka's first animated cartoon film, has passed away at the age of 73.

Arthasad died while receiving treatment at the Panadura Base Hospital.

The brother of veteran film director Dinesh Priyasad, Arthasad is regarded as a pioneer in animation and special effects in Sri Lankan cinema and television.

He created 'Dutugemunu', considered Sri Lanka's first animated cartoon film, which was released in 1979.

Throughout his career, Arthasad demonstrated his talents in several areas of filmmaking, including painting, cinematography, make-up, art direction and film editing.

He also authored Cinema - Maya, an important work on cinema technology and lang...