A New Era in Sri Lankan Oscar Submissions-by Harold Gunatillake
Curated by Dr Harold Gunatillake, OAM, this collection beautifully brings together resources for the Sri Lankan community abroad. It’s a thoughtful effort to connect and support everyone interested in Sri Lankan culture and heritage.
Sri Lanka proudly submits Riverstone as its official entry for the 99th Academy Awards, marking an exciting milestone for the country’s vibrant cinema and a significant step forward in showcasing Sri Lanka’s talent on the world stage.
For the first time, Sri Lanka has chosen its Oscar entry through a fresh, Academy-aligned selection process much like those used internationally.
This new process, overseen by the National Film Corporation and its first-ever National Oscar Selection Committee, reflects a positive step forward in how the country evaluates films for international recognition. It emphasises transparency, professionalism, and adherence to global standards. The committee — which includes highly respected figures such as Asoka Handagama, Ravindra Guruge, Anoma Rajakaruna, Visakesa Chandrasekaram, Aruna Gunarathne, Lakshman Joseph De Saram, and Uditha Lakmal Kahandawaarachchi — carefully reviewed six films from Sinhala and Tamil cinema before selecting Riverstone as Sri Lanka’s official submission.
Why Riverstone Stands Out
Directed by Lalith Rathnayake, Riverstone is a beautifully crafted, award-winning drama that has won hearts worldwide.
Its thoughtful exploration of justice, human nature, and moral grey areas deeply resonated with international festival juries.
The film proudly received several accolades, including the Golden Cyclo (top prize) with a Critics’ Jury Special Mention, Best Director and Best Performance at the Singapore International Film Festival, Asian New Talent Awards for Best Script and Best Cinematography in Shanghai, and the Golden Royal Bengal Tiger Award for Best Director in Kolkata.
Filmed amidst the stunning landscapes of Kandy, Digana, Medamahanuwara, and the Riverston mountain range, it seamlessly combines breathtaking cinematography with compelling performances by Mahendra Perera, Shyam Fernando, Priyantha Sirikumara, Randika Gunathilaka, Ananda Kumaraunnahe, and Prabodini Chandrasena.
What This Means for Sri Lanka
Riverstone’s selection is truly more than just a cinematic achievement—it’s a meaningful milestone for Sri Lankan cinema.
It reflects the industry’s growing maturity, demonstrating a trusted and well-organised selection process. This accomplishment helps bring Sri Lanka’s vibrant film scene into the spotlight on the global stage, inspiring local filmmakers to aim for higher standards in storytelling, production, and distribution.
It also gives Sri Lankan audiences, whether at home or abroad, a moment to celebrate and feel proud of their cultural representation on the world’s most prestigious cinematic platform.
While submitting does not guarantee a nomination, it’s a strong step forward, ensuring the Academy will consider Riverstone—an exciting move for a national industry eager for worldwide recognition.
A Moment of Cultural Confidence
Sri Lanka’s entry to the 99th Academy Awards is such an exciting milestone, especially as the country’s creative industries are going through a wonderful phase of growth and transformation.
Riverstone truly showcases fresh cinematic confidence—drawing inspiration from local landscapes and stories, yet crafted with an eye for the international stage. Its selection highlights a burgeoning artistic community that values dedication, professionalism, and a desire to connect globally.
For our Sri Lankan diaspora, this moment is filled with pride and hope. It confirms that the stories emerging from our homeland — shaped by our landscapes, moral journeys, and artistic voices — wholeheartedly deserve the world’s attention.
Meet Sri Lanka’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards:
At eLanka, we respect the rights of creators. If we have used an image you own and you’d like it removed, please email us at info@elanka.com.au and we’ll handle it promptly.
Thanks.
eLanka team
eLanka Disclaimer
Content published on eLanka may be created by the eLanka team, submitted by contributors or third parties, reproduced or adapted from other sources with appropriate source acknowledgement, or provided as promotional/advertising material by our clients. While eLanka takes reasonable care in preparing and publishing content, we do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. Views expressed are those of the respective authors or contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of eLanka. Third-party contributors, content providers and advertisers are responsible for the accuracy of material they supply and for ensuring they hold the necessary rights and permissions for its publication. Advertising and promotional content should not be regarded as an endorsement by eLanka of any product, service or claim.
