The second edition of the SAARC Film Day series for the year 2025, organised in collaboration with the Hindu College Colombo, was held on 30th May 2025 at the Saraswathi Hall, Bambalapitiya. The event featured the screening of “Ankhi O Tar Bondhura” (Akhi and Her Friends), a widely acclaimed children’s film from Bangladesh, directed by the renowned filmmaker Morshedul Islam. The event drew an enthusiastic audience, with over 500 schoolchildren. The occasion was graced by the presence of His Excellency the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka Mr. Andalib Elias as the Chief Guest and Mr. Shahurab Rashid, Third Secretary, High Commission of the Maldives to Sri Lanka, Mr. Vijay Kumar Raut, Councilor, Embassy of Nepal in Sri Lanka, Mr. Kanapathypillai Nagenthira, Principal, Hindu College, Colombo, Mr. Llangeshwaran, Vice-Vice Principal, Hindu college, Colombo as Guests of Honour.
The programme commenced with a welcome address delivered by the Director of the SAARC Cultural Centre, Dr. Kaushalya Kumarasinghe, followed by the keynote speech by the Chief Guest, His Excellency. A well curated Q and A session was led by Ms. Sathya Priya, a media professional, who engaged the students in thoughtful discussions on South Asian culture and the themes explored in the film.
Vote of Thanks was delivered by the Deputy Director for Programmes, SAARC Cultural Centre, Prof. Sikder Zulkernine.
