Nothing yet from IIFA for local cinema, say artistes

A delegation from among the Bollywood stars and Indian entrepreneurs who are attending the Indian International Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend Awards met Sri lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa this morning at Temple Trees.

Sri Lankan artistes including National List Parliamentarian Malini Fonseka, Ravindra Randeniya, Jackson Anthony, Somaratna Dissanayake were also present during the meeting.

Responding to the ongoing IIFA programmes, the Sri Lankan cinema artistes said that the Sri Lankan cinema is yet to receive any benefits from this event. The entire aim of such an event was to promote the tourism and business sectors and not the local cinema, was their opinion.

Cinema producer and director Somaratne Dissanayake said that it was a plus point for Sri Lanka’s peace environment after a long conflict. However he said that this event has not produced any favourable results for the local cinema industry.