“We are in the process of renewing the registration of many of these cinemas; some have been closed down while others have disappeared completely. The restoration of these cinemas will be handled by Rithma Enterprises, which is the distribution arm of the National Film Co-operation, said the NFC Chairman Jayantha Dharmadasa.

Action has also been taken to set up an Arts Centre in Jaffna which will include a mini-theatre, open air arena and an arts training centre.

“The residents of Jaffna will soon have access to a brand new 200-seat mini theatre in the heart of the city as part of the Jaffna Arts Centre project, initiated by the National Film Corporation. The open air arena will be used for stage plays and musical shows with artistes from Colombo too on board. It also will provide training in arts and skills to the enthusiastic youth of the North”, the chairman added.