Construction of Cine City Waterfront Film and Arts Centre launched

By Divya Thotawatte

In a bid to uplift the cinema industry of the country, construction work on Cine City Waterfront Film and Arts Centre was launched last week with a view of reviving Pettah as a culture hub in Sri Lanka.  

Cine City Waterfront film complex and art centre, which is the brainchild of renowned film producer and Film Lanka CEO Dr. Buddhi Keerthisena, is to promote and develop new levels of Sri Lankan film culture. Located at the Floating Market, Bastian Avenue, the multipurpose picturesque venue is in close proximity to the private bus stand in Pettah. 

The film and art centre will initially include two cinema halls with the latest technology in addition to other spaces to share and promote various perspectives related to films, arts, literature and music.

Delivering a speech at the launching ceremony, Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said that the cinema industry of Sri Lanka should adapt to latest film technology to be able to keep up with the rapidly developing industry and digital technology. 

He said that with the changes caused in the world through technology such as Internet of Things (IOT), Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, the country would need to keep innovating and changing in order to stay relevant in the industry. 

Dr. Keerthisena stated: “Cine City Waterfront will be a great place for all art enthusiasts to hang out. Our country lacks a cinema hub of this nature which would provide access to all film and art lovers. This is a new concept. The complex which is in close proximity to areas with historical significance to the country’s arts in the Pettah area will come up soon. Probably before May next year.”

“This area connecting Maradana, Pettah and Fort was a highly-active arts and culture hub in the past where Noorthi plays and movies were originally shown in this area. Our objective is to revive that lost glory. Today only Regal Cinema in Fort stands testimony to this past cultural heritage in the area,” he explained. 

Urban Development Authority (UDA) Chairman Jagath Munasinghe also noted that Cine City Waterfront would appeal to many with its diverse range of art and performances displayed, further making Pettah a more attractive place to everyone interested in culture. 

The Cine City Waterfront project is to be completed by May 2020. According to Dr. Keerthisena the rebuilding of Gamini Theatre in Maradana which was burnt in 1983 would be commenced next. The Cine City water front and art together with Gamini Theatre will cost approximately Rs. 220 million for construction. 

Pix by Ruwan Walpola