Our Artists & Social Activists
Here, we celebrate the artists and social activists from all over the world who paint our lives with vibrant hues of imagination, creativity, and passion while linking Sri lanka and South Asia with the rest of the World.
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Upul Nishantha Gamage
Upul Nishantha Gamage is the esteemed resident meditation teacher of the renowned Nilambe Buddhist Meditation Center. With a profound dedication to the teachings of the late Godwin Samararathne, the visionary who paved the way for Nilambe, Upul has become an invaluable asset to this sacred space. Beyond the Center, he extends his wisdom as a compassionate counselor and teacher, conducting transformative sessions in prisons, schools, and retreats across not only Sri Lanka but in Germany, Switzerland, and Sweden. As an accomplished author, Upul has penned numerous enlightening books that delve into the various facets of meditation. His words guide seekers on a profound journey of self-discovery and inner peace.
“At any moment when a person becomes unhappy and restless, s/he becomes a poor person at that moment. Happiness is the measure of richness and poverty. A person who is happy is rich. A person who is unhappy is poor. As soon as the mind gets unhappy it becomes poor. The poor mind extracts reserves from the body for its existence.”
– Upul Nishantha Gamage
“Be Standstill -The first meditation,Cultivating the mind- The second meditation, The insight meditation -The third meditation – In meditation we try to be standstill for sometime . Being standstill is a nuisance. In a world, which has turned upside-down, running is considered a comfort and being standstill is considered a discomfort, though the opposite of this has to be true.”
– Upul Nishantha Gamage
Kusala Samarawikrama
Kusala Samarawickrama is an artist who did a pioneering work to introduce the tradition of micro painting to Sri Lanka. He has also worked as a commercial artist for two of Sri Lanka’s leading advertising agencies, Fast ads and De Alvis.
Welcome to a mesmerizing world of artistry and fascination. Amongst these remarkable works, discover a stunning portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, expertly crafted within a mere 6mm x 6mm canvas. This was shawcased at the Kandy DS Senanayake Memorial Library in October 19, 2012
Kusala’s captivating cartoons and paintings have graced the pages of national newspapers and magazines such as Sunday Lankadeepa, Sunday Lakbima, Subasetha Maubima, Navayugaya, and Desatheya Sagara. As a freelance cartoonist, he has brought his vibrant creations to life, adorning book covers
Introducing Kusala, a talented and award-winning copywriter who has revolutionized the world of scratch lottery tickets with his innovative designs. Having created over 500 ticket designs for renowned campaigns like Surana Lottery and Sewana Samurdhi Development Lottery, Kusala’s work has set record numbers in the industry. His exceptional talent and dedication have earned him the prestigious Prasada Pranama Award from Kandy Dharmaraja College
Damith Premathilake
His contribution to the field extends to being a visiting lecturer at University of Moratuwa, Faculty of Architecture and City School of Architecture – Colombo
He is a Fellow Member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects and a Member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Landscape Architects. He is also an International Associate member of American Institute of Architects (AIA) and International Member of Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). At present he is a Council Member of the Sri Lankan Institute of Architects (SLIA).
A distinguished alumnus of Dharmaraja College in Kandy, Ranjan loved art from a very tender age. His first canvases were the walls of his home. These expressions continued at school where his paintings were seen on the desks and benches of Dharmaraja. He was popularly known as “The Painting Boy” amongst colleagues and teachers. Thus, the Art Room at school became Ranjan’s favorite space
Ranjan has traversed the diverse landscape of the advertising industry, evolving from a humble artist to an accomplished Art Director, and ultimately ascending to the esteemed role of Creative Director.
Ranjan’s current focus is on promoting and encouraging young artists to value the stroke of the brush on canvas while keeping alive the artists in them.
Prasad Nirosha Bandara is an Honors graduate in Sinhala Language and Literature from the University of Peradeniya and is currently completing his Master of Philosophy degree
After his university education, he worked as a fulltime journalist at “Ravaya” Newspaper before joining the editorial board of ‘Mawbima’.
Currently, he works as a freelance journalist, literary and film critic, blogger and social activist
His theory-critical book ‘Sinama Shanara Meemansha (සිනමා ශානර මීමංශා)’ and his poetry book ‘My Korean Lover (මගෙ කොරියානු පෙම්වතී)’ were published in 2023. Another theory-critical book called ‘Athul Viyaman (ඇතුල් වියමන්)’ on modern poetry is scheduled to be published soon. He is also currently finishing work on a collection of his short stories
He won the ‘Upali Wijewardene Journalism Excellence Award’ for Sri Lanka’s best feature writer in 2010, and has also achieved many national, provincial and district level achievements in creative writing
Dr. Kanchanamala Ranasinghe
Dr. Kanchanamala Ranasinghe is a multi-talented individual who not only excels as an artist but also as a physician and a senior lecturer.
She carries on her mother Malini Ranasinghe’s legacy in Professor Ediriweera Sarachchandra’s esteemed drama ‘Sinhabahu’ as ‘Suppadevi’ since 2019. With her artistic talents inherited from both her mother and father, Terence Ranasinghe, who holds the Guinness World Record for the most durable theatre performer, she truly embodies the spirit of her parent’s illustrous careers, captivating audiences worldwide.
Her inaugural show “සද පහන් රෑ” at the Lionel Wendt Theater on January 2023 was a great hit with the fans
Her Contributions to Medicine in Clinical, Teaching and Research fields: Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine, Griffith University – Academic Staff clinician, School of Medicine, University of QLD – Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka – RACGP Research Abstract Review Panel Member
Kapila M. Gamage is a highly accomplished author with an impressive portfolio of 14 published books including Poems, Short Stories, and Commentaries. His literary prowess is noticed, as he has been shortlisted for numerous awards for his exceptional works such as Visiri Walakulu (2015), Teriyum Kokila (2015), and Aparade É November (2019). In 2021, he secured the prestigious Best Column Collection award for his Media Mathaka at the Godage Literary Awards. This year, he has unveiled his latest poetic masterpiece, Anduru Eli Coridorwa Ithin Apa Munagasena.
Kapila M. Gamage began his career as a senior Program Organizer for the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation in 1986. After few exciting roles as a TV Presenter for Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Creative Copy Writer at Trade Lanka Advertising (Pvt) Ltd., visiting Lecturer at the University of Colombo and Sri Lanka Media Training Institute, Head of Media and Publication at Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, he now works as a Media Consultant for ADB Education reform Project.
As a Poet & a Lyricist Debendra K. C. is a life member of International Literature, Western Region Development Forum Nepal, Vice President of JARA Foundation Nepal-Western Region and a Member of Lyricist Association of Nepal. He has extensively travelled to India, China, Bangladesh, Thailand, Sri Lanka, USA, UK, France, Germany and others exploring Arts & Poetry. He has published several books of poems and two Nepalese Song Albums (debendrakc51@gmail.com)
A psychology major at the University of California at Santa Cruz, Brian developed a passion for acting during his time in Ireland. This love for the stage led him to perform in numerous plays, including a prominent role in ‘Pieces of the Quilt’ under the direction of Danny Scheie. Further exploring his talent, Brian joined the Napa Valley Shakespeare Festival, where he showcased his skills in summer stock theater. His exceptional abilities were recognized, and he was subsequently cast as the lead in ‘Snowblind,’ directed by Barry Ellsworth. In addition to his acting pursuits, Brian is also a talented writer and director, spearheading the production of ‘South Pasadena Short Films,’ a series of comedic shorts set in South Pasadena, currently in postproduction.
AbhithA ManawA is a passionate artist who has embarked on a self-study journey in the realm of music. With a deep love for spiritual melodies, he aspires to heal both the body and mind through the powerful therapy of music. Drawing from his vast social experiences, AbhithA creatively produces captivating short films. Within his Abhi Universe Studio, he brings together a talented team of 15 members, offering a platform for aspiring artists to showcase their unique talents and share them with the world.
Her majestic presence as an artist could be the reason for bestowing her the Royalty status in Birland
Eden Soriano Trinidad has captivated the hearts of many as a true queen through her soul-stirring poems. She has garnered prestigious accolades, including the esteemed ‘Exhibition Award’ at the Silk Road International Chinese Poetry Spring Festival and the 8th Chinese Spring Festival in Beijing in 2023. In 2022, she emerged victorious, winning the renowned Naji Naaman International Literary Prize. Her literary prowess transcends borders, as her works have been translated into multiple languages, including Chinese, Serbian, Hindi, Telugu, and more. Not only a talented poet, she has also skillfully translated epic books and contemporary poetry by distinguished authors into Philippine. Her masterful collection ‘One Hundred Eight Poems’ (2021) has rightfully placed her in a league of her own. Eden Soriano Trinidad is not just a poet, she is an ethereal idyllic phenomenon, bestowing her sweetly enchanting voice with an exquisite fragrance. She is bestowed with the endearing title of the ‘Golden Cuckoo’, resonating as the melodious queen in the hearts of her devoted readers. Quoted from an introduction to ‘One Hundred Eight Poems’ (2021).
A Gift of the Moment
Tranquility, a gift of the moment
Calmness every time our eyes meet
The soothing nature of morning light
The soft cool breeze like a kiss is our delight
In meditation we seek it out
Sereneness erases the doubt.
Nature reassured us every moment
There’s always a smiling color despite
The daily grind in life’s voyages
If we seek nature’s embrace
Peace from the rustling leaves, the chirping birds
Sweet symphony of tranquil words.
We laugh, we cry, we dance we nigh
Peace, harmony is our utmost cry!
A precious gift of tranquility
Like the innocent smirk of a child’s face
A moment of peace, the soul is quiet and mild.
Tranquility, cherished this gift of the moment.
Copyright:
Eden Soriano Trinidad
Philippines
With a unique perspective on the world and a thought-provoking approach to history, she challenges conventional norms. Her unorthodox alternative shines through, but what truly sets her apart is her unparalleled articulation.
Thamarashi Wickramanayake is an accomplished attorney-at-law, dedicated to supporting underprivileged litigants in Sri Lanka. She is a talented writer, poet, and history researcher who shares her insights on media programs. Thamarashi makes a significant impact on the legal and cultural landscapes of Sri Lanka and frequently appears on Shanaka Gunathilaka’s Travel Lovers YouTube channel.