Entertainment

SL Film Fest in Singapore

Published

1 year ago

March 13, 2023

editor

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore partnering with the Asian Film Archive in Singapore organised a Sri Lanka Film Festival to screen internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan films as a series of promotional and cultural exchange programmes launched to commemorate 75th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence.

The Film Festival continued from 10-11 March 2023 and entailed the screening of a pair of restored Sri Lankan classics, which were well received by Singapore movie lovers, diplomatic corps, members of Sri Lankan community and expatriates based in Singapore.

The Film Festival opened with the screening of “Bambaru Awith” directed by Dr. Dharmasena Pathiraja on 10 March 2023. The film screening was preceded by a reception hosted by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore Sashikala Premawardhane. Executive Director of Asian Film Archive, Singapore – Karan Chan, made an introduction to the festival at the opening ceremony.

Welcoming those present at the opening ceremony, High Commissioner Sashikala Premawardhane stated that this exercise would connect people, cultures and ideas in amazing ways across regions making a real difference to understanding Sri Lanka in all its manifestations. The High Commissioner further added that the event will become a significant cultural gateway, which through the powerful medium of cinema, will build closer ties between the global city of Singapore and Sri Lanka. High Commissioner Premawardhane thanked the Executive Director and the team of Asian Film Archive, Singapore for their support and partnership to introduce Sri Lankan Cinema to Singapore.

Another restored Sri Lankan classic “Nidhanaya” directed by Dr. Lester James Peiris was screened on 11 March 2023. The festival provided an opportunity to introduce Sri Lankan art cinema to the Singapore public and enhance the image of Sri Lanka in Singapore.

Entertainment

Nelum Pokuna to be decked with ‘Colours of Love’

Published

7 hours ago

April 18, 2024

editor

‘Navage Gee : Colours of Love’, a musical extravaganza featuring beloved tunes of prominent music director and composer Navarathna Gamage, will be held this weekend at the Nelum Pokuna auditorium, Colombo.

The show, organized by the Old Boys’ Association of Nalanda College, will be held on both April 20 and April 21 at 6.30pm.

The musical evening will feature the work of Navarathna Gamage spanning across 03 decades and 42 well known singers in the country.

Tickets : Sumudu : 071 798 9189 / Kasun 071 968 765

Online:

April 20:

April 21:

Entertainment

Court restrains Senaka Batagoda from singing 7 songs

Published

2 weeks ago

April 3, 2024

nipuni

The Colombo Commercial High Court yesterday issued an Enjoining Order restraining popular singer Senaka Batagoda from singing seven popular songs including “Api Kavuruda” and “Api Senasille”.

The order was issued by Colombo Commercial High Court Judge Priyantha Fernando after considering a complaint filed under the Intellectual Property Act by musician Janath Kulathilake who was the combined lyrics, melody and music compositor of those seven songs sung by Senaka Batagoda.

The Colombo High Court Judge also censured the giving of those songs to other parties without written permission of the plaintiff.

The seven songs which was restrained under the enjoining order are “Api Kavuruda”, “Api Senasille”, “Alu Yata Gini”, “Rastha”, “Heena Walata Panak Thiyenawa”, “Senasuma” and “Hodama de”.

The plaintiff informed court that the intellectual property right related to these songs is a right that cannot be violated by anyone and singer Senaka Batagoda had violated the intellectual property rights of the plaintiff.

Considering these facts, an Enjoining Order was issued against singer Senaka Batagoda restraining him from singing seven songs by the Colombo Commercial High Court.

The case was filed by musician Janath Kulathilake alleging that singer Senaka Batagoda has violated his intellectual property right and copyright by not giving the economic benefits due to him. The plaintiff also seeks Rs.100 Mn compensation for the damage committed by the accused.Attorneys Thilini Hewawitharana and Sandun Senadhipathi appeared for the plaintiff.

(dailynews.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

Entertainment

President instructs to reopen National Art Gallery before year’s end

Published

3 weeks ago

March 27, 2024

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, during an inspection tour yesterday (26), visited the John de Silva Memorial Theatre and the long-delayed National Art Gallery. Despite construction commencing in 2011, both projects remain incomplete.

President Wickremesinghe instructed officials to expedite the opening of the National Art Gallery before the year’s end, emphasizing the need for consensus among artists and architects. He also pledged government support for financial allocations. Additionally, he highlighted the demand for high-standard, affordable theatres in Colombo, questioning if such facilities could be provided following the completion of the John de Silva Theatre.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of consulting dramatists before making final decisions on construction and maintenance projects. He directed the Ministry Secretary to explore options for reviving the Lumbini Theatre and the Nawa Rangahala to support the theatre and also instructed the Ministry Secretary to take steps to construct a drama theatre in Colombo’s Sudarshi Premises.

Emphasizing the need to establish a national cultural zone encompassing the Nelum Pokuna, Kalabhavana, John de Silva Memorial Theatre, Museum, and related areas, the President instructed the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to prepare a comprehensive report on this initiative. Additionally, he urged officials to enhance Sri Lanka’s museum system to international standard and tasked them with identifying a suitable country for mentorship in this regard.

Secretary of the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Somaratne Vidanapathirana, Additional Secretary Thilak Hettiarachchi, Director General of the Department of Cultural Affairs Yasintha Gunawardena, the team of architects from the University of Moratuwa who designed these buildings and the Navy officers who are in charge of the National Art Gallery renovations joined this event.

Prof. Praneeth Abhayasundara, Prof. Chandragupta Thenuwara, Parakrama Niriella, Mohamed Safeer and Saman Athavudahetti also spoke on behalf of the artists.

(President’s Media Division)