November 27, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasised that a vibrant film industry is vital to a nation’s cultural and emotional enrichment, noting that Sri Lanka must both protect its home-grown cinema and allow audiences to experience high-quality films from around the world.
He expressed these views during a meeting held yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat with a group of film distributors and producers, according to a statement from the President’s Media Division. The discussion, which ran for an extended period, focused on a range of challenges faced by the industry, from regulatory hurdles to structural limitations that hinder growth. The President reportedly offered practical responses to the concerns raised.
Industry representatives drew particular attention to complications surrounding VAT payments, pointing out inconsistencies that have affected theatre operators and producers alike. They also highlighted that the sector achieved record revenues in 2025, underscoring what they described as a renewed enthusiasm for cinema among the public. With this momentum in mind, they appealed for continued government support to consolidate the industry’s progress.
Attending on behalf of the Government were the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, along with National Film Corporation Chairman Sudath Mahaadivulwewa and General Manager Ruwan Premaweera.
A broad cross-section of the film community was present, including veteran actor Sanath Gunathilake and senior representatives from major production houses and cinema chains such as Lyca Productions, JP Ceneplex Kandy, LFD, EAP, Lite Cinema, CEL, Ceylon Theatres and PVR. Together, they urged the Government to help foster an environment in which Sri Lankan cinema can modernise, expand and better compete on the international stage.
