The 37th Sarasaviya Film Awards, one of Sri Lanka’s most prestigious celebrations of cinema, was held on September 9 at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo, with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya in attendance.
Organized jointly by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon (Lake House) and the Sarasaviya newspaper, this year’s ceremony was held under the theme “Dawn of Young Cinema.”
The event highlighted the entry of 13 new directors into the Sri Lankan film industry in 2025, marking a new chapter for the country’s cinema.
Films released in 2025 were recognized across 34 competitive categories, with more than 50 awards presented during the ceremony.
The film Nelum Kuluna, directed by Ilango Raj, won the award for Best Attractive Film, while Moda Tharindu, directed by Thisara Imbulana, was recognized as the most popular film with the highest box-office earnings.
Veteran film journalist Prem Dissanayake received the Ranapala Bodhinagoda Memorial Film Literature Award.
The Sarasaviya Dr. Lester James Peries Memorial Ranathisara Awards, presented as lifetime honours, were awarded to veteran artist Hemasiri Sellapperuma, senior actress Neeta Fernando, veteran singer T.M. Jayaratne, and M.M. Abdul Hag.
Damith Wijethunga was named Popular Film Actor, while Priyantha Sirikumar won the award for Best Film Actor. Sandra Mack received both the Popular Film Actress and Best Film Actress awards.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi described the long-standing history of the Sarasaviya Film Awards, which began in 1964, as a source of pride.
He praised the recognition of individuals who had dedicated their lives to Sri Lankan cinema and described the Sarasaviya award, designed by Professor Tissa Ranasinghe, as one of the country’s most prestigious film awards.
The minister also noted that Sri Lankan cinema has been experiencing a period of revival, with audiences returning to cinemas. He further stated that a Sri Lankan film is preparing to represent the country at the Oscars for the first time in the history of Sri Lankan cinema.
Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, Deputy Minister of Mass Media Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne, Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni, Lake House Chairman Gamini Warushamana, senior and junior artists, filmmakers, journalists and other distinguished guests also attended the ceremony.
