Photography holds one of the most important turning points in the human civilization. It has become an inevitable component in our life invading everywhere and has achieved success as an art and a career globally, with the advancement of state of the art digital technology. The Department of Cultural Affairs together with the Art Council of Sri Lanka has organized the State Photography Awards Ceremony for the first time in 2016 on the instructions of the Ministry in charge of the subject of culture for the advancement and the progress of the photography field in Sri Lanka. There was a huge positive response for this festival across the island and thus it is an encouragement to hold this ceremony every year.

The ceremony was organized under the advice of a proficient Advisory Board appointed by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Chayaroopabhimani Lifetime award is presented at the Awards Presentation Ceremony and the Photography Exhibition is held in line with the ceremony. Roopavalokana Academic Journal is also launched on the occasion of the Awards Presentation Ceremony.

 Vision

To usher in a creative art of photography of highest standard with the state patronage and contribute to escalate the predilection for photography.

Long term Objectives

• To establish a formal educational structure at state level to propagate photography as an artistic and scientific medium of communication.
• Continuation of photography art as an optimal qualitative media.
• To add proper professional value at state level to the photography art.

Short term Objectives 

• Organization and implementation of practical training sessions at national level to achieve the long term objectives.
• Hold annual photography competitions at all island level and organize the State Photography Awards Ceremony for the presentation of awards to the winners.