In an unprecedented move, former working director of ITN, former senior consultant of Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRC-SL) and a well known film producer, Dr. Arosha Fernando who has been recognised for producing the highest number of films in recent times, along with the high budget film producer who has produced the popular films ‘Super Six’, ‘Pravegaya’ and ‘Maya’, R. Sadesh Kumar have acquired shares of one of the five film circuits in Sri Lanka, Movie Producers & Importers Company Pvt Limited also known as MPI film circuit at an undisclosed price. They have been subsequently appointed to the board of directors. Dr Fernando has produced 16 films within a short span of four years including the movie ‘Eka Dawasaka Api’ which is currently being screened in the CEL film circuit.
This is a historical move as this is the first time in history that the ownership of a film circuit has been purchased by a new party since the establishment of the five film circuits in Sri Lanka in year 2002.
MPI film circuit has a total of 34 film theatres including both Sinhala centres and Tamil centres spread across the country. It's one of the largest film circuits in Sri Lanka after the state owned Rithma film circuit which comes under the National Film Corporation. Rithma has 57 film theatres. MPI is licensed to produce, distribute and screen Sinhala films as well as import, distribute and screen Tamil, Hindi and English films.
Responding to the questions raised regarding the new acquisition, Dr. Arosha said “We know that once developed, any film circuit can be a lucrative business and we hope to work closely with the other board directors to make a solid plan to develop MPI to different height by end of the year.”
Add new comment