Sarasaviya Awards is an award bestowed to distinguished individuals involved with the Sinhala cinema, each year by the Sarasaviya weekly newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited, Sri Lanka in recognition of the contributions made by them to the Sri Lankan film industry. The Sarasaviya ceremony is one of the oldest film events in Sri Lanka. The awards were first introduced in 1964. The Sarasaviya Awards have been often referred to as the Sinhala Cinema industry's equivalent to The Oscars.
The Sarasaviya Best Film Award is presented annually in Sri Lanka by the weekly Sarasaviya newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited at the Sarasaviya Awards Festival for the best Sri Lankan movie of the year. The award was first given in 1964. Following is a list of the winners of this prestigious title since then.
The Sarasaviya Best Director Award is presented annually by the weekly Sarasaviya newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited as part of the Sarasaviya Awards Festival. It was first given in 1964.
The Sarasaviya Best Actor Award is presented annually by the weekly Sarasaviya newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited at the Sarasaviya Awards Festival. The award was first given in 1964.
The Sarasaviya Best Supporting Actor Award is presented annually by the weekly Sarasaviya newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited at the Sarasaviya Awards Festival. Although the Sarasaviya Awards Ceremony began in 1964, this award was introduced in 1969. Following is a list of the winners of this prestigious title since then.
The Sarasaviya Best Supporting Actress Award is presented annually by the weekly Sarasaviya newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited at the Sarasaviya Awards Festival. Although the Sarasaviya Awards Ceremony began in 1964, this award was introduced in 1969. Following is a list of the winners of this title since then.
The Sarasaviya Most Popular Actress Award is presented annually by the weekly Sarasaviya newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited at the Sarasaviya Awards Festival. This award is decided solely on popular vote and is chosen based on the verdict given by the readers of the weekly Sarasaviya. Although the Sarasaviya Awards Ceremony began in 1964, this award was introduced two years later, in 1966. Jeevarani Kurukulasuriya was chosen as the most popular actress, that year. Anula Karunathilake, Malini Fonseka, Geetha Kumarasinghe, Sabeetha Perera, Dilhani Ekanayake and Sangeetha Weeraratne were the actresses who were eventually crowned as the Most Popular Actresses.
The Sarasaviya Best Emerging Actor Award is presented annually by the weekly Sarasaviya newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited at the Sarasaviya Awards Festival. Although the Sarasaviya Awards Ceremony began in 1964, this award was introduced much later. Following is a list of the winners of this title since then.
The Sarasaviya Best Music Direction Award is presented annually by the weekly Sarasaviya newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited at the Sarasaviya Awards Festival. Although the Sarasaviya Awards Ceremony began in 1964, this award was introduced much later. Following is a list of the winners of this prestigious title since then.
The Sarasaviya Best Female Playback Singer Award is presented annually by the weekly Sarasaviya newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited at the Sarasaviya Awards Festival. Although the Sarasaviya Awards Ceremony began in 1964, this award was introduced much later. Out of the award-winning singers, Nanda Malini has won the most, 12 Sarasaviya Awards. Following is a list of the winners of this prestigious title since then.
Rajakaruna Navaratne Atapattu Mudiyanselage Wijeratne Banda Warakagoda, popularly as Wijeratne Warakagoda, is an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television. Career spanning more than six decades, Warakagoda is also a singer and a voice artist in Radio Ceylon. He is best known for the role "Korale Mahaththaya" in radio sitcom Muwan Palessa.
Dasun Pathirana [Sinhala]), is a model and an award-winning actor in Sri Lankan cinema, theater and television. He won an award at Indie Fest 2014 as best actor in a leading role. He received his first Sarasaviya award in 2018.
Kumara Thirimadura [Sinhala) is an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television. He is an actor, singer, filmmaker and journalist by profession. He is considered one of five actors who have dominated the Sri Lankan Stage by critics.
Mihira Sirithilaka, is an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, theater and television. Primarily active as a comedian in Sinhala television, Sirithilaka is well known for his roles in the television serials Monarathenna, Ataka Nataka, Ingi Bingi and Sihina Genena Kumariye.
The 33rd Sarasaviya Awards festival, presented by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited, was held to honor the best films of 2015 Sinhala cinema on December 15, 2016, at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka at 6:00 p.m. The ceremony was hosted by Kamal Addararachchi and Sangeetha Weeraratne. Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe was the chief guest at the awards nights.
Rashmini Paboda Sandeepani Pathirana, is a Sri Lankan cinema, theatre and television actress.
Sarath Kothalawala [Sinhala]) is an actor, director, producer and a screenplay writer in Sri Lankan cinema. He, along with Kumara Thirimadura, won the Award for the Best Screenplay at Derana Lux Film Awards in 2014 for Thanha Rathi Ranga movie.
Chathurika Jayamani Peiris is an actress in Sri Lankan cinema and television. She is best known for the roles in television serials Sepalika, Swayanjatha and Hiru Thanivela.
Hiddadura Jude Neil Sriyantha Mendis, popularly as Sriyantha Mendis, is an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, theater and television. Highly versatile actor from drama to comedy, Mendis has received awards for the Best actor and Best supporting actor on multiple occasions at local award festivals. He and his spouse consistently aligned themselves with specific political parties and figures, notably throwing their support behind individuals like Mahinda Rajapakshe in the political arena.
The 34th Sarasaviya Awards festival, presented by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited, was held to honor the best films of 2016 and 2017 Sinhala cinema on August 3, 2018, at the BMICH, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka at 6:00 p.m. The ceremony was hosted by Saman Atahdudahetti. Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe was the chief guest.
