A nationwide programme to construct new regional cinema halls aimed at revitalizing Sri Lanka’s film industry and expanding audiences has been announced by the National Film Corporation, it was reported. 

According to the state newspaper Dinamina, the initiative, aligned with the government’s “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” policy, seeks to modernize the local cinema sector and provide audiences with a superior movie‑going experience.

The first round of discussions on the project, which will be implemented with private sector participation, was held last Friday at the Film Corporation premises under the chairmanship of Sudath Mahaadivulwewa.

Under the plan, all new cinemas will be equipped with high‑tech facilities and designed with seating capacities between 50 and 100 to maximize comfort. 

Several business groups have already reached agreements with the Corporation to construct new theatres and modernize existing ones.

New cinemas are set to be built in Gonawila, Pannala, Pitakotte, Narammala, and Nittambuwa, while existing theatres in Hatton, Monaragala, Embilipitiya, and Nugegoda will undergo complete modernization with advanced technology.

Sudath Mahaadivulwewa noted that further investors will be engaged to expand cinema construction into additional regional towns.

Around 12 leading businessmen, along with Film Corporation General Manager Ruwan Premaweera and senior officials, took part in the initial discussions. (Newswire)

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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)

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Sri Lanka film directors have called for a ban on mobile phones at movie theatres, following the recent incident of an illegal recording and uploading of a movie on social media. 

Addressing the media, teledrama and film director Jayantha Chandrasiri said mobile phones must be banned from cinemas to protect the hard work of movie producers and their income. 

Stating that cinema owners must take measures in this regard, he added that the Sri Lanka Film Corporation must also issue an official directive in this regard.

Jayantha Chandrasiri further pointed out that the public is not allowed to take cameras or mobile phones to stage plays overseas, which must be implemented in Sri Lanka, including at theatres. 

He made the comments referring to the recent illegal recording and uploading of the film ‘ Sinhabahu’ on social media.

A 24-year-old man from Kandy was arrested in connection to illegally recording and uploading the film, directed by the President of the Film Directors Guild of Sri Lanka Somaratne Dissanayake, on YouTube. (Newswire)

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