A commemorative stamp featuring the image of veteran actress Iranganie, marking the centenary year of cinema

Commemorating the centenary of Sri Lankan cinema, a commemorative stamp featuring the image of veteran actress Iranganie Serasinghe was unveiled.

A national commemoration was held recently (21) at the premises of the National Film Corporation, marking the 79th year of Sinhala cinema and 54 years since the establishment of the National Film Corporation.

The event was presided over by the Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senewi, and was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Mass Media, Kaushalya Ariyaratne.

On this occasion, a special commemorative stamp and cover were officially released under the theme "1925 – 2025: A Century of Sri Lankan Cinema."

The inclusion of veteran actress Iranganie Serasinghe's image on the stamp and cover was described as a tribute to her invaluable contribution to the country's cinematic heritage.

It was highlighted that Sri Lanka's journey in sound cinema, which began with the first Sinhala talkie film "Kadawunu Poronduwa" (1947), has evolved over more than seven decades, overcoming challenges across various eras, and has become a national cultural heritage.

It was also recalled during the commemoration that the history of Sri Lankan cinema, which began with the silent film era in 1925, will reach its glorious centenary milestone in 2025.

In addition to including Iranganie Serasinghe's image on the commemorative stamp and cover, veteran actress Sriyani Amarasena was awarded a special prize titled "A Century of Sri Lankan Cinema" in appreciation of her contribution to the field.

The event also included a special lecture by Sunil Wijesiriwardena, focusing on the evolution and historical journey of the local film industry.