Lalith Rathnayake’s Riverstone has been selected as Sri Lanka’s official entry in the International Feature Film category of the 99th Academy Awards, the National Film Corporation announced on Monday.
The film is produced by Prabath Roshan and Nimanthi Porage.
A new selection mechanism
National Film Corporation Chairman Sudath Mahaadivulwewa, who also chairs Sri Lanka’s National Oscar Selection Committee, said the entry was chosen through a newly regulated process introduced to meet the requirements of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The process required approval by the local selection committee and took account of the professional qualifications of its members.
“This is the first time a film selected through such a mechanism will represent Sri Lanka,” Mahaadivulwewa said.
The committee comprised filmmakers Asoka Handagama, Ravindra Guruge, Anoma Rajakaruna and Visakesa Chandrasekaram, film critic Aruna Gunarathne, musician Lakshman Joseph De Saram and film festival coordinator Uditha Lakmal Kahandawaarachchi.
The six submissions
Six films were considered — five in Sinhala and one in Tamil:
- Vihanga Premaya (Peacock Lament) — produced and directed by Sanjeeva Pushpakumara
- Ayu — directed by Chathra Weeraman, produced by Yasas Rathnayake
- Father — produced by Shantha Geethadeva, directed by Chaminda Jayasuriya
- Anthony — produced by Ramandas Suganthini and Ramandas Sathyaraja, directed by Sukirthan Christhuraja and Jenosan Rajeswar
- Riverstone — produced by Prabath Roshan and Nimanthi Porage, directed by Lalith Rathnayake
- Cricket Sadu — directed by Dilshara Jayamanna, produced by Rasitha Jinasena
The committee said four of the six met the eligibility criteria set out under the Academy’s rules, but did not name them in its statement. The official selection graphic released with the announcement pictures four posters under the heading “Eligible Films” — Riverstone, Anthony, Father and a fourth Sinhala-language title, which by elimination appears to be Cricket Sadu.
The 99th Academy Awards will be presented in 2027. Sri Lanka has never won in the category, and a national submission does not guarantee a nomination: the Academy shortlists entries before nominees are announced.
