A commemorative stamp marking 100 years of Sri Lankan cinema, featuring the image of veteran actress Iranganie Serasinghe, was officially unveiled yesterday.
The national celebration was held on January 21 at the premises of the National Film Corporation to mark 79 years of Sinhala cinema and 54 years since the establishment of the National Film Corporation.
The event took place under the patronage of Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, with Deputy Minister of Mass Media Kaushalya Ariyarathna also in attendance.
On the occasion, a special commemorative stamp and first-day cover titled “1925–2025: A Century of Sri Lankan Cinema” were released. The inclusion of Iranganie Serasinghe’s image was described as a tribute to her outstanding contribution to Sri Lanka’s cinematic heritage.
Speakers highlighted that Sri Lanka’s sound cinema journey began with the first Sinhala talkie, Kadawunu Poronduwa (1947), and has evolved over more than seven decades, overcoming numerous challenges to become a lasting national cultural legacy.
The commemoration also recalled that Sri Lankan cinema, which originated during the silent film era in 1925, will proudly mark its centenary in 2025.
In addition, veteran actress Sriyani Amarasena was honoured with a special award titled “A Century of Sri Lankan Cinema” in recognition of her contributions to the film industry.
The event also featured a special lecture by Sunil Wijesiriwardena, focusing on the historical evolution of Sri Lankan cinema.
The celebration was jointly organized by the State Film Corporation and the National Film Corporation and was attended by the Chairpersons of the Sri Lanka Arts Council and the State Film Corporation, senior officials of the Sri Lanka Postal Department, artists, film industry professionals, and other distinguished guests.
