The 37th Sarasaviya Film Awards, a major annual event celebrating Sri Lankan cinema, were held at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo on Wednesday (9), with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya attending.
Organised by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (Lake House) and the Sarasaviya newspaper, this year’s ceremony was held under the theme “Dawn of Young Cinema,” highlighting the entry of 13 new directors into Sri Lankan cinema in 2025.
More than 50 awards were presented across 34 competitive categories, recognising Sinhala-language films released during 2025.
The film ‘Nelum Kuluna’, directed by Ilango Raj, won the award for the most popular film, while ‘Moda Tharindu’, directed by Thisara Imbulana, received the award for the highest-grossing popular film.
The Ranapala Bodhinagoda Memorial Cinema Literary Award was presented to veteran film journalist Prem Dissanayake.
The Sarasaviya Dr. Lester James Peries Memorial Ranthisara Awards, presented as lifetime honours, were awarded to veteran artist Hemasiri Sellapperuma, veteran actress Neeta Fernando, veteran singer T.M. Jayaratne and M.M. Abdul Hague.
Damith Wijethunga won the award for Popular Film Actor, while Priyantha Sirikumar received the award for Best Film Actor. Sandra Mack won both the Popular Film Actress and Best Film Actress awards.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said the Sarasaviya Film Awards, which began in 1964, had become one of the most prestigious film awards in Sri Lanka.
He said the renewed return of audiences to cinemas was an encouraging sign for the industry and noted that a Sri Lankan film is preparing to represent the country at the Oscars for the first time in the history of Sri Lankan cinema.
Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, Deputy Minister of Mass Media Kaushalya Ariyaratne, Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni and Lake House Chairman Gamini Warushamana were among those who attended the event, along with senior and emerging artists, filmmakers, journalists and other guests. (Newswire)
