President says Sri Lankans must have access to foreign films

Friday, 28 November 2025 05:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says domestic film industry should be protected, but not at expense of limiting what local audiences can view

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said Sri Lankan audiences must be given the opportunity to watch films produced anywhere in the world, noting that expanding access to international cinema can strengthen the country’s cultural and creative development.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) said the remarks were made during a meeting with film distributors and producers at the Presidential Secretariat.

The President said that while the domestic film industry should be protected, it should not come at the expense of limiting what local audiences are able to watch. He said cinema plays a significant role in shaping the spiritual and cultural growth of

society.

The discussion focused on longstanding issues affecting the sector, with industry representatives highlighting irregularities in the payment of Value Added Tax (VAT) and constraints that limit the expansion of cinema operations.

They also informed the President that the industry recorded the highest-ever revenue in 2025 and requested continued Govt. support to sustain the momentum.

The PMD said the President offered solutions to the concerns raised and assured that the Govt. would work with stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues.

Representatives from Lyca Productions, JP Ceneplex – Kandy, LFD, EAP, Lite Cinema, CEL, Ceylon Theatres, and PVR took part in the discussion on behalf of the industry, the PMD said.