Sri Lanka marked two major cinema milestones yesterday (21) with a national commemorative ceremony held at the National Film Corporation (NFC) premises, celebrating 79 years of Sri Lankan talkie cinema and 54 years since the establishment of the Sri Lanka National Film Corporation.
The event was held under the patronage of Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, with Deputy Minister of Mass Media, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, also in attendance.
A special commemorative postage stamp and first-day cover were officially unveiled under the theme “1925–2025: A Century of Sri Lankan Cinema.” The stamp and first-day cover feature the portrait of veteran actress Iranganie Serasinghe, described as a living legend of Sri Lankan cinema, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the country’s film heritage.
Speakers at the ceremony highlighted that Sri Lanka’s talkie cinema journey—beginning with the country’s first Sinhala talkie film “Kadawunu Poronduwa” (1947)—has evolved over more than seven decades, overcoming challenges across different eras to become a significant part of the nation’s cultural legacy. The event also recalled that Sri Lanka’s cinema history, which began in the silent film era in 1925, will reach its proud centenary in 2025.
In addition, veteran actress Sriyani Amarasena was presented with a special award titled “A Century of Sri Lankan Cinema” in appreciation of her valuable contribution to the film industry.
A special lecture on the evolution and historical journey of Sri Lanka’s film industry was delivered by Dr. Sunil Wijesiriwardena.
The ceremony was jointly organized by the State Cinema Corporation and the Sri Lanka National Film Corporation, with the participation of chairpersons representing key arts and cinema institutions, senior officials from the Department of Posts, artists, cinema industry representatives, and invited guests.
