The National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka has opened applications to select the film that will represent the country in the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards (Oscars) in 2027.

Chairman Sudath Mahaadivulwewa announced the move at a media briefing held at the Government Information Department today, noting that this marks a historic milestone following approval of a special request made to the Oscar organizers. 

He said that a dedicated selection committee, comprising nine cinema experts, will be appointed to oversee the process.

Applications will be accepted from 24 August to 21 September 2026, after which the National Oscar Selection Committee of Sri Lanka (NOSCSL) will review the submissions and vote to select the most suitable film. 

The official entry is scheduled to be announced on 28 September 2026.

Further details are available on the National Film Corporation’s website, and applications can be submitted via office.noscsl@gmail.com. (Newswire)

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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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Veteran filmmaker Sudath Mahaadivulwewa has been named Chairman of the National Film Corporation.

The appointment has been made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. (Newswire)

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