MEDIA RELEASE

A commemorative ceremony celebrating 79 years of Sri Lankan Sinhala talkie cinema and the 54th anniversary of the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka (NFC) was held on January 21, 2026, at the Tharanganee Cinema Hall of the National Film Corporation.

The event was held under the patronage of the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and was attended by the Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Muneer Mulaffer; the Deputy Minister of Mass Media, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne; senior government officials; cinema artistes; representatives of the film industry; and distinguished invitees.

Proceedings commenced with the offering of floral tributes to the portrait of the late Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, in recognition of her pioneering role in the establishment of the National Film Corporation. The tribute was paid by the two most senior members of the NFC staff.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the ceremonial unveiling of a commemorative postage stamp and First Day Cover featuring the portrait of legendary actress and living icon Irangani Serasinghe, released under the theme “1925–2025: A Century of Sri Lankan Cinema.” Proposed by the State Cinema Sub-Committee under the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and issued by the Department of Posts in collaboration with the National Film Corporation, the stamp stands as a prestigious national tribute honoring her extraordinary and enduring contribution to Sri Lanka’s cinematic heritage.

In recognition of exceptional service to Sri Lankan cinema, renowned actress Sriyani Amarasena was presented with a Special Honour Award. Walpola Gamage Podirathna, a pioneer of Foley sound design in Sri Lankan cinema, was also honoured for his long-standing professional dedication to the national film industry.

The ceremony further recognized the highest-grossing Sri Lankan film of 2025, “Moda Tharindu,” directed by Thisara Imbulana and distributed by Ritma Circuit, commending its significant commercial success and impact on the local film industry.

Delivering a special commemorative address, Dr. Sunil Wijesiriwardena, Member of the Board of Directors of the National Film Corporation, reflected on the evolution and historical journey of the Sri Lankan film industry. He emphasized the importance of nurturing cinema as a film school, an art form, an industry, and a vital cultural force within the local creative ecosystem.

Academic and institutional milestones were also marked during the event. Diplomas were awarded to students of the 2023/2024 Diploma in Cinematography, while certificates were presented to participants of the Screenwriting Certificate Course.

The programme also featured the official launch of Cinema Nadiye Udugang Bala, authored by Anura Dahanayake, a graduate of the NFC Diploma Programme, as well as the unveiling of the latest issue of the NFC film journal Chithrapata, edited by film critic and screenwriter Boopathy Nalin.

On this occasion, the one-day salary contribution of the NFC staff to the “Re-Building Sri Lanka” Fund, established by the Government to support national reconstruction following the impact of Cyclone Ditva, was formally handed over by the President of the NFC Welfare Association to the Minister.

Enhancing the cultural significance of the occasion, a captivating musical stage performance by acclaimed musician Dinesh Subasinghe evoked memorable milestones in the history of Sri Lankan cinema and added artistic vibrancy to the event.

Marking a significant step toward digital transformation, the National Film Corporation (NFC) officially launched its newly redesigned and updated website during the event. The initiative aims to enhance public access to Sri Lanka’s cinematic heritage and improve the availability of the Corporation’s services through digital platforms.

The event reaffirmed the National Film Corporation’s enduring commitment to preserving, promoting, and advancing Sri Lankan cinemawhile honouring the legacy and contributors who have shaped the nation’s rich cinematic history.