Sydney to Honour Sri Lankan Music Icon Clarence Wijewardena with Grand Film Tribute

Sydney, July 16 – A major tribute event celebrating the life and legacy of legendary Sri Lankan musician Clarence Wijewardena will take place in Sydney on August 3, coinciding with what would have been his 82nd birthday.

The centrepiece of this tribute will be the Sydney premiere of the critically acclaimed musical biopic Clarence – Rhythm of the Guitar. The film will be screened at Event Cinemas Castle Hill, in their state-of-the-art V-Max auditorium—renowned for its massive screen, immersive sound, and luxurious seating.

Clarence Wijewardena, often hailed as the "Father of Sinhala Pop Music," transformed the Sri Lankan music scene in the 1960s by pioneering the use of electric guitar and introducing a modern sound that continues to influence artists today.

The film is produced by Mr. Thusitha Wijeyasena, renowned visionary and founder of Kandy City Centre (KCC). Under his leadership, Clarence – Rhythm of the Guitar has been brought to global audiences, with international screenings launching this month. Mr. Wijeyasena and representatives of Art Movies will travel to Sydney to take part in the tribute and screening.

Tickets for the August 3 screening at VMAX - Castle Hill Events Cinema will go on sale this Friday. They can be booked by calling 1300 973 978 or online at www.lankaevents.com.

Directed by Theja Iddamalgoda, Clarence – Rhythm of the Guitar chronicles the life and legacy of Clarence Wijewardena, the trailblazing musician who revolutionised Sri Lanka’s music scene with his iconic style and electrifying compositions. The film features Damith Wijayathunga as Clarence and includes a stellar cast of Nihari Perera, Saranga Disasekara, and Dinakshie Priyasad. Since its release in Sri Lanka on June 27, the film has seen sold-out screenings and critical acclaim, prompting a global release beginning this month.

“This film is not just about a musical icon—it’s about celebrating a cultural movement that changed the landscape of Sri Lankan music and  tribute to a true legend” said Mr. Wijeyasena. “We’re proud to present this story to the world, starting this month.”

The Sydney event is being organised by Lanka Events, a leading event management company in partnership with Art Movies. Mr. Thusitha Wijeyasena and representatives from the production team will be present in Sydney to participate in the celebrations and engage with the Sri Lankan diaspora.

“We believe Clarence deserves the very best, and that’s why we’ve selected one of Sydney’s top venues for this special occasion,” said Kithsiri Karunaratne, Managing Director of Yasiru Multimedia Pty Ltd, which operates as Lanka Events. “This is more than just a film screening—it’s a cultural celebration and a tribute to a true legend.”

The V-Max auditorium at Castle Hill is the flagship cinema of Event Cinemas, offering a premium viewing experience with Dolby Atmos sound, reclining chairs, and large-format screens.

Tickets for the August 3 screening will go on sale this Friday. They can be booked by calling 1300 973 978 or online at www.lankaevents.com. A number of seats have been reserved for VIP guests, and more invitations will be allocated upon request.

The film features Damith Wijayathunga in the role of Clarence, alongside a talented cast including Nihari Perera, Saranga Disasekara, and Dinakshie Priyasad. It charts Clarence’s rise to stardom, his contributions to the evolution of Sinhala music, and the emotional story behind his most memorable songs.

The Sydney tribute promises to be a moving and memorable evening for fans, music lovers.  As the global release of the film unfolds, the Sydney event is expected to set the tone for a series of international celebrations honouring Clarence’s enduring impact.