Sri Lanka has taken initial steps toward establishing a National Film School, with preliminary discussions held under the Parliamentary Caucus on Arts and Cultural Affairs to explore the institutional, academic and legal framework for the initiative.
The meeting, chaired by MP Jagath Manuwarna, chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus on Arts and Cultural Affairs, was attended by Deputy Minister of Mass Media Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne, officials from the National Film Corporation, the State Cinema Advisory Board and the Sri Lanka Foundation, along with film professionals, academics and representatives of industry guilds.
Participants highlighted the need for a film school that goes beyond theoretical instruction and focuses on producing practically skilled filmmakers, while adhering to international standards in film education.
Although discussions on establishing a National Film School have taken place for years, the initiative has not been implemented. The caucus chairman stressed the importance of launching the institution with collective stakeholder involvement, using existing resources and gradually strengthening the institution over time.
Officials agreed to begin operations by utilising facilities and resources of the Sri Lanka Foundation and the National Film Corporation. A technical committee was appointed to prepare the legal framework, secure approvals and plan preliminary actions.
The technical committee includes MP Jagath Manuwarna, National Film Corporation Chairman Sudath Mahadivulwewa, Sri Lanka Foundation Chairman Prof. Seetha Bandara, State Cinema Advisory Board Chairman Dr. Senesh Dissanayake Bandara, SAARC Cultural Center Director Dr. Kaushalya Kumarasinghe and representatives from the film sector.
A separate committee comprising senior cinema professionals was also appointed to plan academic activities, including curriculum development.
The meeting also discussed reviving the currently inactive Colombo International Film Festival this year, with agreement reached on securing funding and establishing a mechanism to ensure its long-term sustainability.
In addition, discussions were held on constructing a modern, technologically advanced film studio complex, including identifying suitable land close to Colombo and outlining future steps for the project.
Several Members of Parliament representing the Parliamentary Caucus on Arts and Cultural Affairs participated in the meeting.