Sri Lankan expatriate Janaka Kulasekera is organising a solo painting exhibition on February 19 and 20 at the Sri Lankan embassy.

 

“The focus of my exhibition titled ‘Be together for all’ is to express gratitude to our gallant forces and to remember those who lost their lives during the last two decades,� he said yesterday.

 

The paintings are dedicated to the memories of humanitarian operations carried out by the forces in Sri Lanka. Sceneries include those from Sri Lanka and Qatar.

 

“Sri Lankans have many memories of the war. Many had sacrificed their lives and properties. The negative effect of the war is that the people were demoralised and the fabric of civil life had been eroded,� the artist said.

 

“Now we Sri Lankans have a ray of hope; the war has come to an end, thanks to the efforts of the security forces. With lives of those displaced by war being restored to normalcy, the outlook is indeed bright.

 

“The soldiers deserve the tribute of the whole nation as they have sacrificed their lives for national unity and cohesion, laying aside their differences of caste & creed and personal desires,� he stated.

 

The exhibition is also intended to encourage Sri Lankans to support the disabled warriors and to care for the families of those who lost their lives during the operations, Kulasekera added.

The artist at glance

 

 

Janaka Kulasekera was born in Balangoda, Sri Lanka. His love for the rustic beauty of the countryside has found its expression in his paintings since his childhood. Mrs. Thamara Damayanthi was the teacher who recognized his artistic talent and guided him during his school times. After his A/L’s he entered University of Kelaniya, Sri Lankaand obtained a Fine Arts degree. 

 

 

An important Stepping stone for Janakas’ artistic carrier started when he was a student of R/Udagama College, Sri Lanka. He got an opportunity to participate in several national and International painting competitions and won awards during the school time. Also he has conducted group painting exhibitions during his school times.

 

 

In the meantime he has excelled in Stage setting, Designing and Carvings. (Cement, Wood, and Vegetable)

 

 

He has worked for Carson’s Cumber Batch Company Colombo and St. Thomas College Sri Lanka. Presently he is working for Bright Future Pakistani School in Qatar as Head of Art Department since 2004.