An event commemorating the  90th Birth Anniversary of Jayantha Premachandra will be held at the Alliance Francaise. We had a chat with his daughter Nilanka Premachandra.

Q Can you please tell us about the upcoming event and when and where it will be held?
An event is scheduled to commemorate the Late Sri Lankan artist, Jayantha Premachandra’s 90th birthday on the 30th of January 2025 at the Alliance Francaise de Colombo. This venue was chosen considering the fact JP spent his last years in Paris, France, as a professional painter recognised by the French Government.

The event will feature a limited number of his paintings from me, as the daughter of JP and some private collectors in addition to the academically researched autobiography – Art of JP will be available.  Prof. Osmund Bopearachchi – Emeritus Director of Research, French National Centre of Scientific Research and Mr Jagath Ravindra, Artist, and former Dean – of the Department of Painting, University of Visual & Performing Art of the University of Colombo will be addressing the invitees drawing insights from the works of JP.

Q Can you please tell us briefly about your late father, and his work over many years which  spread across continents?
My father, Jayantha Premachandra, inspired me not only through his art but through the person he was—genuine, compassionate, and deeply connected to humanity. He had a way of seeing people, truly seeing them, and that profound understanding found its way into his work. His art was never about grandeur or pretence; it was about capturing the essence of life, the beauty in the ordinary, and the shared emotions that connect us all.

Growing up, I saw how people were drawn to his sincerity, and how he treated everyone with kindness and respect, no matter their background. That closeness to humanity wasn’t just in his art; it was in the way he lived. He taught me that being genuine is a strength and that creativity is at its most powerful when it reflects truth and empathy.

His authenticity shaped how I see the world and how I try to live my own life—with humility, compassion, and a deep appreciation for the stories and experiences that make us human.

Q On a personal note how did he inspire you?
My father, Jayantha Premachandra, was a deeply passionate artist whose journey took our family across continents. Travelling with him and my mother, I saw how his art was shaped by the diverse places and cultures we encountered, yet he always remained true to his Sri Lankan roots. He had an incredible ability to capture the essence of humanity through his work, blending influences from East and West with subtle grace. His paintings reflected not only his own experiences but also the spirit of the times, creating something timeless and universal. Though he left us too soon, his work continues to inspire, and I feel fortunate to have witnessed his creative journey up close.

Q What do you hope to achieve through the discussion?
Both Prof. Osmund Bopearachchi and Mr. Jagath Ravindra have seen the profound depth of Jayantha Premachandra’s art,  recognising its unique blend of historical and cultural narratives. It is their appreciation of how his work bridges Orientalist traditions with Western influences that inspired this discussion. Premachandra’s art reflects his Sri Lankan heritage while engaging with global artistic movements, creating a timeless dialogue between cultures. Through their insights, this conversation aims to celebrate his legacy, explore the complexities of his artistic vision, and highlight the enduring relevance of his work in today’s world.

Q Finally how do you hope to continue his legacy?
We hope to maintain Jayantha Premachandra’s legacy through the efforts of the Jayantha Premachandra Foundation, established in 2022. Since its inception, the Foundation has initiated several charitable activities, including auctioning a few of his paintings to refurbish a neurology ward and pledging ongoing support to art students at the Faculty of Visual Arts in Colombo. In May 2024, we launched an academically researched coffee table book (ART OF JAYANTHA PREMACHANDRA) on his life and work, now available to the public, offering a deeper understanding of his artistic journey. Looking ahead, we aspire to further his legacy through exhibitions, including one planned in Paris, ensuring his contributions to art and humanity continue to inspire future generations. 

By Kshalini Nonis