The national commemorative ceremony organized to mark 79 years of Sri Lankan Sinhala talkie cinema and 54 years since the establishment of the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka was held recently at the premises of the National Film Corporation.
The event was held under the patronage of Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and was attended by Deputy Minister of Mass Media, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne.
At this occasion, a special commemorative stamp and First Day Cover were officially unveiled under the theme “1925–2025: A Century of Sri Lankan Cinema.”
The inclusion of the portrait of veteran actress and living legend of Sri Lankan cinema, Irangani Serasinghe, on both the commemorative stamp and the First Day Cover was highlighted as a tribute to her invaluable contribution to the nation’s cinematic heritage.
It was emphasized during the ceremony that the journey of Sri Lankan Sinhala talkie cinema, which began with the country’s first sound film Kadawunu Poronduwa (1947), has evolved over more than seven decades, overcoming numerous challenges across different eras, and has today become an integral part of the nation’s cultural heritage.
It was also recalled that Sri Lankan cinema, which originated in the silent film era in 1925, reached its proud centenary milestone in 2025, marking a century-long cinematic journey.
In addition to featuring Irangani Serasinghe on the commemorative stamp and First Day Cover, veteran actress Sriyani Amarasena was presented with the “Centenary of Sri Lankan Cinema” Special Award in recognition of her valuable contributions to the field of cinema.
Furthermore, a special lecture focusing on the evolution and historical journey of the local film industry was delivered by Dr. Sunil Wijesiriwardana.
This commemorative event was organized by the National Film corporation of Sri Lanka and was attended by the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Arts Council, the Chairman of the National Film chairman, senior officials representing the Department of Posts, artists, representatives of the film industry, and a large number of invited guests.
