A commemorative stamp marking 100 years of Sri Lankan cinema, featuring the image of veteran actress Iranganie Serasinghe, was unveiled.
The national celebration was held yesterday (21) at the premises of the National Film Corporation to mark 79 years of Sinhala Cinema and 54 years since the establishment of the National Film Corporation.
The event was held under the patronage of Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, with Deputy Minister of Mass Media Kaushalya Ariyarathna also in attendance.
On the occasion, a special commemorative stamp and first-day cover themed “1925 – 2025: A Century of Sri Lankan Cinema” were officially released. The inclusion of veteran actress Iranganie Serasinghe’s image on the stamp and cover was described as a tribute to her invaluable contribution to the country’s cinematic heritage.
It was highlighted that Sri Lanka’s journey in sound cinema, which began with the first Sinhala talkie “Kadawunu Poronduwa” (1947), has evolved over more than seven decades, overcoming challenges across different eras to become a national cultural legacy.
The commemoration also recalled that the history of Sri Lankan cinema, which began in the silent film era of 1925, will reach its proud centenary milestone in 2025.
In addition to featuring Iranganie Serasinghe’s image on the commemorative stamp and cover, veteran actress Sriyani Amarasena was presented with a special award titled “A Century of Sri Lankan Cinema” in recognition of her contributions to the field.
The event also included a special lecture by Sunil Wijesiriwardena, focusing on the evolution and historical journey of the local film industry.
The celebration, jointly organized by the State Film Corporation and the National Film Corporation, was attended by the Chairpersons of the Sri Lanka Arts Council and the State Film Corporation, senior officials representing the Sri Lanka Postal Department, artists, members of the film industry, and other guests. (Newswire)