ITC Ratnadipa marks inauguration of ‘The Art & Life of Jayantha Premachandra’ exhibition series

ITC Ratnadipa Area Manager for Sri Lanka and General Manager Keenan McKenzie (top left),  and Jayantha Premachandra Foundation Chairperson Nilanka Premachandra (top centre) sharing their thoughts at the inauguration, joined by dignitaries and art enthusiasts

From left: Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka Rémi Lambert, Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi share their insights on ‘The Art & Life of Jayantha Premachandra’, presented by ITC Ratnadipa, in the presence of esteemed invitees

ITC Ratnadipa successfully inaugurated ‘The Art & Life of Jayantha Premachandra’, exhibition series on 22 April, in the presence of a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, members of the diplomatic community, embassy representatives, media, art enthusiasts, and the wider art circle. The exhibition is now open to the public from 23 to 25 April at ITC Ratnadipa Colombo, inviting visitors to experience a compelling body of work that reflects the life, philosophy, and transnational artistic journey of Premachandra.

Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka Rémi Lambert reflected on the artist’s international engagement and shared insights on the importance of cross-cultural artistic dialogue.  He noted how Premachandra’s work transcends geographic boundaries and contributes to a broader global conversation on art and identity. 

Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, emphasised that such initiatives play a vital role in celebrating Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, while creating meaningful opportunities for present and future generations to engage with artistic expression.

A Sri Lankan artist, author, and journalist whose practice evolved between Colombo and Europe, Premachandra’s work engages deeply with questions of identity, modernity, and postcolonial consciousness. His artistic language reflects a dynamic fusion between tradition and transformation, where Sri Lankan cultural memory intersects with global modernist movements.

The exhibition presents a diverse range of works that highlight the breadth of his practice. Visitors can encounter expressive charcoal drawings that translate emotion into raw, rhythmic line work, alongside portrait studies that move beyond representation to capture psychological depth. His works also draw from rich mythological traditions across Sri Lankan, Indian, and Greek cultures, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens that explores symbolic and philosophical dimensions.

ITC Ratnadipa Area Manager for Sri Lanka and General Manager Keenan McKenzie said: “Art has the power to shape perspective and spark dialogue. At ITC Ratnadipa, we aim to create a setting where such conversations can unfold through exhibitions of this nature. The remarkable turnout at the inauguration reflects a growing appreciation for meaningful artistic engagement, and we invite all to discover the exhibition and engage with the powerful narratives it presents.”

Jayantha Premachandra Foundation Chairperson Nilanka Premachandra stated, “This exhibition is a heartfelt continuation of our efforts to preserve and present Jayantha Premachandra’s legacy in ways that remain both relevant and engaging. His work does more than challenging perception - it invites reflection, stirs emotion, and speaks to the depths of human experience. Through exhibitions, discussions, and workshops, we hope to awaken curiosity and nurture a more intimate, lasting connection with art.”

Complementing the exhibition, a curated series of workshops and discussions will take place throughout the exhibition period. Further information on the workshops are available via the Jayantha Premachandra Foundation’s official social media channels.

‘The Art & Life of Jayantha Premachandra’ is now open to the public at the Kathanayake Lounge, ITC Ratnadipa. Guests are invited to experience an exhibition where art is not only observed, but felt, interpreted, and meaningfully engaged with.