High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – Mr. Santosh Jha and Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Hiniduma Sunil Senevi jointly announced the naming of the Cultural Centre in Jaffna as ‘Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center’, in honour of the great Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, at a ceremony held on 18th January 2025.
The event was also attended by Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources – Mr. Ramalingam Chandrashekhar, Governor of Northern Province – Mr. Nagalingam Vethanayan, Municipal Commissioner of Jaffna – Mr. S. Krishnendran, Secretary to Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Atapattu, Consul General of India in Jaffna – Sai Murali, along with other dignitaries and cultural artists from Jaffna.
Built with Indian grant assistance of USD 12 million, the center provides a space where the rich traditions, arts, and aspirations of the people of the Northern Province could thrive. The iconic structure is a state-of-the-art facility consisting of multiple facilities such as a museum of two floors; an advanced theatre style auditorium for more than 600 people; an 11-storeyed learning tower; a public square which could also act as an amphitheater; etc.
The foundation stone for the Cultural Center was laid by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his historic visit to Jaffna in March 2015. The facility was subsequently inaugurated in March 2022 and dedicated to the people of Sri Lanka in February 2023.
High Commissioner – Mr. Santosh Jha, during his address at the naming ceremony on 18th January, said that the initiative not only served to pay tribute to the great Thiruvalluvar, it was also a celebration of a shared history, a shared culture, and the unique and unbreakable bond between India and Sri Lanka. He remarked that the occasion marked the beginning of a journey guided by the wisdom of Thiruvalluvar, towards a future rich in culture, collaboration, and shared prosperity. The High Commissioner urged the people of Jaffna and the Northern Province to make the center a living, breathing embodiment of Thiruvalluvar’s teachings.
Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Sunil Senevi said that an ideal name had been chosen for the Cultural Center in Jaffna. He added that Thiruvalluvar’s teachings remind us that our actions should always be rooted in compassion and righteousness, and that his masterpiece, the Thirukkural, guides us in the pursuit of a just and harmonious society. In a special gesture, the Minister gifted the High Commissioner of India a copy of the first ever edition of translation of the Thirukkural into Sinhala.
On behalf of the President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, the Minister thanked the Government of India for the generous gift of the cultural center, and said that he looked forward to working with all stakeholders towards making it a hub of vibrant cultural activity.
Renowned South Indian actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar arrived at Katunayake Airport yesterday (June 17) to play the lead role in the upcoming film “Cage Bird”.
The film is a Sri Lankan production directed by Chandran Ratnam, which is set for international release.
She arrived at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport at 11:04 a.m. via SriLankan Airlines flight UL-122 from Chennai, India.
She was welcomed by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) officials, including Deputy Director Harendra Wijewardene and Assistant Director Chaminda Munasinghe.
Renowned Indian actor Mohanlal arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday (June 14) for the second phase of shooting director Mahesh Narayanan’s big-budget film.
He landed at Bandaranaike International Airport at 11.20 a.m. via SriLankan Airlines flight UL-166 from Kochi and is expected to stay for 10 days.
Speaking to the media, Mohanlal praised Sri Lanka as a “beautiful destination with fresh cinematic backdrops” and expressed interest in filming more projects on the island in the future.
The film, produced by Antony Perumbavoor’s Aashirvaad Cinemas in collaboration with Anto Joseph Films, also features legendary actor Mammootty.
Key action scenes are set to be filmed during this schedule.
he 2025 Silver Screen Awards Ceremony held with the participation of the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
The 2025 Silver Screen Awards Ceremony was held on June 13 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
The aim of this year’s awards ceremony included appreciating artists who enriched the Sri Lankan cinema industry during the years 1970–1975. At the ceremony, renowned actress Iranganie Serasinghe was presented with the Sumith Bibile Memorial Gold Award by the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister also conferred awards to distinguished artists Padma Sri Kodikara, Dinesh Priyasad, and Indrani Perera.