Film Preservation
Preservation of the film heritage of Sri Lanka is a prime responsibility of the NFC. A specific department named Film Archive operates to protect old Sri Lankan films, with hundreds of 35mm film prints being carefully maintained.
Film Archive Holdings
In addition, 334 35mm Positive Film Prints and 91 Films of Picture/Sound Negatives have been transferred from NFC Archive to the Archive attached to the Department of National Archives in 2010. Some old 35mm film prints are also preserved at Sarasavi Film Studio premises.
Film Digitization Projects
Consequence of new technical evolution the film preservation in all over the world has been rapidly transforming into digitization which is mainly consists of Scanning and Restoring techniques. Ten (10) Sri Lankan old films have been scanned, restored and digitized with the support of the government and private funds so far.
Recent Restoration Project
The NFC is tirelessly working on digitizing more invaluable Sri Lankan films and most recent project was the"GAHANU LAMAI" (1978)restoration mission (FRANCE INDIA SRI LANKA CINE HERITAGE – FISCH PROJECT) initiated by the NFC and powered by the Frech Embassies in Sri Lanka and India. The restored version of GAHANU LAMAI was premiered in Cannes Film Festival in France on 17 th May 2025.
Awareness Programs on Film and Paper Conservation and Preservation
The NFC became a member of International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) in 2017 and
joined hands with the Film Heritage Foundation of India (FHF) as well. With the support and
guidance of FIAF and FHF, the NFC was able to organize below mentioned workshops and
training programs in Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, from 2017 FHF and FIAF have been providing
scholarships for appropriate employees in the film related government entities to participate
for FHF annual workshops occurs in India.
Workshop on Film Preservation (Rescue Mission)
Conducted at Sarasavi Studio
Workshop on Film Poster, Photograph and Paper Material Preservation – Kandy
Specialized training program held in Kandy
Workshop on Photographs and Film Conservation
Advanced conservation techniques workshop in Colombo
Since 2017, FIAF and FHF have been providing scholarships for appropriate employees in film-related government entities to participate in FHF annual workshops in India.
Presidential Film Awards Ceremony
In keeping with the mandate of the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka, as outlined in the National Film Corporation Act No. 47 of 1971 and its amendment by Act No. 45 of 1980, the Presidential Film Awards Ceremony was inaugurated on 27th July 1979 under the patronage of His Excellency President J.R. Jayewardene.
Inaugural Event
Date: 27th July 1979
Venue: Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall
Patron: President J.R. Jayewardene
This prestigious event is dedicated to recognizing artistic and technical excellence in films released for public screening, honoring the outstanding contributions of performers, filmmakers, and industry professionals.
Recent Ceremonies
20th Presidential Film Awards Ceremony
Date: 14th November 2023
Venue: Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre
Note: Held after a four-year hiatus
Upcoming: National Film Awards Ceremony - 2025
Arrangements are being organized to hold the Presidential Film Awards ceremony under the title National Film Awards Ceremony – 2025, covering the years 2021, 2022, and 2023.