Stamp Unveiled to Mark 100 Years of Cinema, Honouring Iranganie Serasinghe

A commemorative stamp celebrating 100 years of Sri Lankan cinema, featuring legendary actress Iranganie Serasinghe, was officially unveiled at a national event held on 21st January 2026 at the National Film Corporation premises. The ceremony marked 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. As part of the celebration, a special stamp and first-day cover titled “1925–2025: A Century of Sri Lankan Cinema” were released, honouring Iranganie Serasinghe for her enduring contribution to the nation’s film heritage.

Speakers reflected on the evolution of Sri Lankan cinema from its beginnings in the silent film era in 1925 to the introduction of sound films with “Kadawunu Poronduwa” in 1947, highlighting its growth into a lasting cultural legacy. The event also recognized veteran actress Sriyani Amarasena, who received a special “A Century of Sri Lankan Cinema” award, while a lecture by Sunil Wijesiriwardena explored the historical journey of the local film industry.

Organised jointly by the State Film Corporation and the National Film Corporation, the celebration was attended by senior officials from the Sri Lanka Postal Department, cultural leaders, film industry veterans, artists, and invited guests.