ABOUT ARTIST

Artist Upachandra Tilakawardana embarked on his artistic journey in 1975 under the mentorship of renowned artist Somabandu Vidyapathi. His dedication to the arts and his contributions to the cultural landscape led to his appointment as Manager of the Ruhunu Cultural Centre in 1999. In this role, Tilakawardana organized numerous programmes aimed at encouraging young people in the region to engage with the arts, while also working to preserve and promote the indigenous artistic traditions of Sri Lanka’s Southern Province.

Tilakawardana held his first solo exhibition at the Thambapanni Gallery in 2007, followed by a second exhibition at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery in 2009. He has since participated regularly in art festivals, gaining recognition for his distinctive painting style among art enthusiasts and collectors both in Sri Lanka and internationally.

In recognition of his contribution to the arts, Tilakawardana was awarded the Kala Bhushana award by the Government of Sri Lanka in 2010.