Sri Lanka’s first IMAX cinema could open as soon as May 2024

The much-anticipated opening of Sri Lanka’s first IMAX movie theatre may be just months away. According to Chassy Cortes, Head of Marketing and PR at Scope Cinemas, the IMAX theatre is set for a 2024 launch. While the company didn’t offer a specific date, Chassy stated that the tentative plan is to open up the theatre in time for the release of either Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (May 24) or Deadpool & Wolverine (July 26). This means that Sri Lankans could potentially watch an IMAX movie as soon as May.

Back in August 2020, Scope Cinemas announced that a LKR 500 million six-screen multiplex was in the works for a mixed-development project at Havelock City, in what eventually became Havelock City Mall. Originally, the multiplex project was scheduled to be completed a year later. However, the impact of COVID-19 and the 2022 economic crisis pushed its opening. By 19th October 2023, the Havelock City Mall finally opened for the public with the upcoming Scope Cinemas multiplex to follow in 2024.

In addition to IMAX, the company mentions that its new six-screen location will have a seating capacity of 1,000, complete with dine-in kids’ play areas. The IMAX theatre itself will be in a digital laser format (4K resolution) and will be equipped with Dolby Atmos sound.

A first in Sri Lanka, the upcoming IMAX theatre also marks the latest addition to Scope Cinemas’ portfolio. Previously, the company was the island’s first to introduce a Dolby Atmos screen, dubbed as a more immersive sound experience compared to the standard 5.1 and 7.1 systems. As of now, Scope hosts six variations at its theatres, dubbed Gold Class, Digital, and Dolby Atmos with both 2D and 3D options on offer.

Sri Lankans have been vocal about the lack of an IMAX theatre for well over a decade and Scope’s venture into the space has only generated more excitement from moviegoers. While an exact launch date is yet to be announced, Scope’s Chassy has already teased that the company plans to give out IMAX movie tickets for its anniversary month this year, which falls in April.