Sri Lanka National Film Council to replace National Film Corporation

Saturday, 15 November 2025 00:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Cabinet of Ministers recently approved directing the Legal Draftsmen to prepare a draft bill to establish the Sri Lanka National Film Council, repealing the Sri Lanka National Film Corporation Act No. 47 of 1971, to modernise cinema regulation and promote film culture in the country.

Nearly five decades after the establishment of the Sri Lanka National Film Corporation, the Cabinet recognised the need to update the institutional framework to reflect significant changes in technology, society, politics and the economy.

The Cabinet approval, presented by Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister, aims to replace the outdated structure with a new National Film Council.

The proposed Council is intended to strategically oversee areas not covered by the previous corporation, ensuring both regulation of the film industry and promotion of cinema culture across Sri Lanka. The draft bill will outline the Council’s structure, mandate and operational framework to better align the sector with contemporary needs and future developments.

“This reform is part of broader efforts to modernise the arts and cultural sectors, creating an enabling environment for filmmakers while safeguarding Sri Lanka’s cinematic heritage and fostering innovation in film production, distribution and exhibition,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing on Tuesday.