Lalith Rathnayake’s Riverstone has been selected as Sri Lanka’s official submission for the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards (Oscars).
National Film Corporation Chairman Sudath Mahaadivulwewa, who also chairs Sri Lanka’s National Oscar Selection Committee, said the film was chosen through a newly regulated selection process introduced in accordance with the requirements of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
He said the process involved approval of the local selection committee and consideration of its members’ professional qualifications, marking the first time Sri Lanka has selected a film through this mechanism.
The selection committee comprised veteran filmmakers and industry professionals Asoka Handagama, Ravindra Guruge, Anoma Rajakaruna, Visakesa Chandrasekaram, film critic Aruna Gunarathne, musician Lakshman Joseph De Saram and film festival coordinator Uditha Lakmal Kahandawaarachchi.
Six films, including five Sinhala-language productions and one Tamil-language film, were submitted for consideration: Vihanga Premaya (Peacock Lament), Ayu, Father, Anthony, Riverstone and Cricket Sadu.
According to the committee, four of the six submissions met the Academy’s eligibility requirements.
Riverstone, directed by Lalith Rathnayake and produced by Prabath Roshan and Nimanthi Porage, was ultimately selected to represent Sri Lanka.
The selection makes Riverstone Sri Lanka’s official submission for consideration in the International Feature Film category, although it does not guarantee a nomination at the Oscars.
