It’s time to keep those cameras rolling on Sri Lankan shores..

• Projecting a country that is struggling to recover from an economic crisis as a potential film destination could be a new approach to attract investors

People mostly remember Sri Lanka for its refreshing Ceylon tea, cinnamon and spices, cuisine or for its pristine beauty. But Sri Lanka is increasingly becoming a go-to destination for something more interesting --  world cinema. Today, many directors directing South Indian films for instance consider Sri Lanka as a potential film destination in the region and already several scenes in upcoming movies have been shot in some of Sri Lanka’s breathtaking locations. From the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge in Ella to the sunny beaches along the Southern and Eastern coast to major tourist attractions in Colombo, many locations in Sri Lanka have already been taken to global audiences. 

Projecting a country that is struggling to recover from an economic crisis as a potential film destination could be a new approach to attract investors. It would perhaps be an ambitious task to look up to Bollywood or Hollywood cinema and their contribution to the GDP in India or USA respectively. But the Korean film industry for instance is a good case in point where its domestic film industry alone had generated around 691 billion won in 2024. According to analysts, the Indonesian film industry is experiencing significant growth, with its screen industry (including film, animation, video, and television) projected to generate USD 9.8 billion in economic output by 2027.

As a country that has produced some of the finest talent on screen to the likes of Gamini Fonseka, Malini Fonseka, Vijaya Kumaratunga and Joe Abeywickrama,  the efforts of talented directors of the bygone era haven’t been wasted. While the domestic industry needs a boost in authentic scriptwriting and producing more original stories, Sri Lankan tourism authorities could in the meantime look at capitalising on the country’s beauty as a contributor to the GDP. 

But in order to do that, policymakers need to implement restrictions and guidelines for those looking at filming movies in Sri Lanka’s pristine locations. Locations such as the Ranminithenna tele cinema village could be developed to be used in full without leaving them as abandoned spaces and remnant  of political failure. 

Sri Lankan movies are winning big in the international scene but the audience is looking for good stories to watch. We have already made the first step with Tentigo (Nelum Kuluna) directed by Ilango Ram and produced by Hiranya Perera. It became the first Sri Lankan movie to be remade in Spanish, Italian, English, Hindi, Telugu and Malayalam. 

The Malayalam film industry is known for its strong sense of storytelling and critical acclaim. Today it is an integral element of Indian cinema. Sometimes, the audience prefers to watch a Malayalam movie than a Kollywood movie starring mainstream actors. Films to the likes of Manjummel Boys, The Great Indian Kitchen, Thudarum, Kumbalangi Nights, Trance and Charlie have made a mark in the industry to the point that fans are always on the lookout for new movies written and directed by amateurs. This is what makes the industry even more special in addition to attracting crowds towards the pristine settings in Kerala. 

This is what Sri Lanka should now look at. Apart from welcoming global film icons from far and wide, Sri Lanka should nurture authentic scriptwriters, directors and editors. Lack of research is a fundamental flaw in most productions. Perhaps this is the missing piece in the puzzle. The world of creativity is limitless and opportunities are endless. With grants, funding and other opportunities being available, it’s time for amateurs and seniors in the field to experiment new trends of storytelling, be it through animations, short stories, docudramas, documentaries, films shot on phones and so on. The days of running around trees and playing conventional hero-villain roles are fading away. Now is the time for good stories because the perfect location has already been established. 

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