Sri Lanka comprises 25 districts, each with film halls; however, the overall audience and film hall attendance are notably low. In 2021, the Country's total number of film halls was around 50. With a Sri Lankan adult population of 21.9 million, the current ratio of film halls to the population is 1:438,400. Considering the adult population alone (14.4 million), the ratio of film halls to adults is 1:288,200. Despite these figures, even the limited number of film halls faces a shortage of spectators.
Film hall owners report significant challenges film producers face, emphasising the critical issue of a cinema without a substantial audience. Many filmmakers and industry professionals overlook Film's dual nature as an artistic expression and an industry product. The Industry's survival is contingent on having a robust audience base.
The failure to acknowledge this dual objective—balancing the artistic and business aspects—has led to the collapse of the Sri Lankan film industry. It is imperative to recognise the equal importance of culture and economics in sustaining the film industry for the future.
Why did Sri Lanka experience this decline while neighbouring Countries, such as India, achieved significant success in the Film Industry?
In my opinion, the reasons are due to the lack of sufficient budget, the lack of the necessary artistic or technical resources, or perhaps the preference to produce films with different themes or styles in that time period.
In my opinion, the reason is the new media such as facebook, youtube and other platforms. This generation always use the technology to see the film. (Like YTS)
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