36th Calin – Sarasaviya Film Awards Cinematic glory in a resurgent land

The 36th Calin-Sarasaviya Film Awards lit up the BMICH in dazzling style on Tuesday (24), in a grand celebration of excellence in Sri Lankan cinema. The glittering night brought together the island’s finest — renowned filmmakers, beloved actors, iconic musicians, and masterful technicians — all under one roof. Steeped in nostalgia, patriotic pride, and cinematic splendour, the ceremony served as a powerful tribute to the enduring spirit of local Sinhala and Tamil cinema, uniting the industry in a shared moment of honour and artistry.

Veteran MC Saman Athudahetti conducting the proceedings.

The star-studded evening was elevated by the presence of Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Cultural Affairs Minister Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, and Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazar. Their attendance, alongside leading lights of the Sri Lankan film industry, added a dignified sparkle to a night already glittering with cinematic glamour and celebration.

The Sarasaviya Film Awards stands as Sri Lanka’s most prestigious and enduring celebration of Sinhala cinema. Organised annually by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (Lake House) in collaboration with the Sarasaviya weekly film magazine, the awards have become a cultural institution since its launch in 1964.

This year, the ceremony was sponsored by Calin Soap (main sponsor) and Wasana Bakers (gold sponsor) in partnership with Rupahala, Cinnamon Grand Hotel and Supreme TV, which will telecast the event tonight.

Inspired by global counterparts such as the Oscars and India’s Filmfare Awards, the Sarasaviya Awards were envisioned as a platform to formally recognise artistic excellence in Sri Lankan cinema. Over the decades, they have chronicled the evolution of the industry, spotlighting legendary figures and rising stars.

A legacy of cinematic excellence

Over the years, the Sarasaviya stage has been graced by stalwarts such as Gamini Fonseka, Malini Fonseka, Joe Abeywickrama, and Vijaya Kumaratunga, whose names have become synonymous with the golden era of Sinhala cinema.

More recently, the awards have acknowledged contemporary talent such as Jackson Anthony, Dilhani Ekanayake, Uddika Premarathna, and Dasun Pathirana, symbolising the continuity of artistic merit.

The three announcers – Chanaka Inoj, Sherifa Thahir and N. Theebadarshani

The event not only honours individual excellence but also serves as a mirror to society, showcasing how cinema reflects Sri Lanka’s cultural, political, and emotional narratives through time. Among all accolades at the Sarasaviya Awards, the Best Film title reigns supreme. It recognises not just artistic brilliance, but the collaborative soul of cinema — direction, acting, writing, music, and craft fused into a single powerful experience.

At the 36th Calin-Sarasaviya Awards, this coveted honour went to the historical epic Sinhabaahu, a cinematic triumph produced by Renuka Balasooriya and Gamini Wickremesinghe.

The film edged out strong contenders, including the critically acclaimed Doosra by Lakshan Abeynayake and Marc Tessier, and the explosive sequel Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli II by Udayakantha Warnasuriya, who bagged the Best Director Award for his high-octane sequal that blended gritty realism with sharp storytelling. This was his first Sarasaviya award in a film career spanning several decades.

The Sarasaviya Awards also shine a spotlight on individuals who bring film to life. Thilakshani Ratnayake won the Best Actress Award for her nuanced portrayal of Rathi in the poignant drama Doosra, capturing both vulnerability and strength. Meanwhile, the Best Actor title went to Dhanuka Dilshan, whose gripping role as Manju in Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli II left a lasting impression on both audiences and critics.

The judging panel for the Calin-Sarasaviya Film Awards comprised some of the most respected figures in Sri Lanka’s cinematic, journalistic and academic circles.

The panel was chaired by veteran film critic and scholar Ashley Ratnavibhushana, and included Prof. Tudor Weerasinghe, Gunasiri Silva, Nadeeka Gunasekara, Kapila M. Gamage, Thusitha Jayasundara, and Anusha Sivalingam.

Highlights of the Calin-Sarasaviya Film Awards

The 36th edition of the Calin-Sarasaviya Film Awards celebrated a wide spectrum of cinematic brilliance, with top honours going to seasoned artists and emerging talent.

Pix: Lake House photographers

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