CINECITY WATER FRONT AND ART CENTRE SOON
LAUNCH OF HUB TO CREATE NEW CINEMA AND ARTS CULTURE
Veteran film producer, film exhibitor and film enthusiast Dr. Buddhi Keerthisena will start construction work on Friday for a new cinema hub in the heart of Colombo, dedicated to the promotion of a diverse film and art culture in Sri Lanka. The multi-purpose picturesque venue in close proximity to the Central Bus Stand in Pettah will initially include two 100-plus seater cinema halls with the latest technology in addition to other spaces to share and promote various perspectives related to films, arts, literature and music. Commenting on this new significant venture, Dr. Keerthisena said: “Our country lacks a cinema hub of this nature which would provide easy access to all stakeholders. It will connect a network bridging the gaps among filmmakers, audiences, media and everyone in the field of performing arts. This is a new concept. This complex which is in close proximity to areas with historical significance to the country’s arts in the Pettah area will come up soon, probably before April next year,” said Dr. Buddhi Keerthisena. This is something that is coming up for the first time in Sri Lanka. This complex is coming up on Bastianz Mawatha in the breath-taking floating market area. This area was known as Soori Kotuwa in the good old days, which is today known as Malwatte Road closer to our complex. This area connecting Maradana, Pettah and Fort was a highly active arts and culture hub in the past where Noorthi plays and movies were originally shown. Our objective is to revive that lost glory. Today only Regal cinema in Fort stands testimony to this past cultural heritage in the area. My son Boodee Keerthisena who is the Managing Director and Finance Director Johan de Livera are also doing their
My son Boodee Keerthisena who is the Managing Director and Finance Director Johan de Livera are doing their best to make it a happening cultural hub
best to make it a happening hub of film, arts and culture. We hope people will be drawn to this complex which will initially have two 130-seater cinemas – later a sixty-seater screen will be added - and an arts centre which can facilitate book or art exhibitions, discussions, muhurath ceremonies, premieres, press shows and also have arts and craft promotion stalls in the surrounding vicinity. I am grateful to the Urban Development Authority (UDA) Chairman, its officials and also Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka for all the motivation and encouragement to make this