Madhava Arunashanta is acclaimed among furniture enthusiasts as the owner of “Gedara Leebadu” one of the best and most reliable places to purchase mid-century modern furniture. Having built a name for himself in that particular niche, Madhava decided to expand his business operations by launching the “Mahananda Gallery’’. Being an extremely talented artist himself Madhava had a lifelong passion for pursuing the creative arts. 

“Mahananda Gallery is my dream come to life,” he said, speaking to us in the comfort and soothing ambience of the gallery premises. Having officially launched in early December the gallery is poised to host its first exhibition on wildlife photography during the month of February!

Featuring talented photographers including  Viraj Senewiratne, Tharaka Kalamulla, Sedric Gimesh, and Janaka Nagodavithana the exhibition was launched on a grand scale to attract a multitude of wildlife photography enthusiasts!  

Viraj Senewiratne is their most senior and experienced lensman. Having completed his primary education at S. Thomas’ Preparatory School and his secondary education at S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia, Viraj credits his maternal uncle and late father for sparking his interest in wildlife and photography respectively. What was initially a hobby from which he derived great pleasure, Viraj pursued wildlife photography because it turned into a passion that he simply fell in love with, and was one of the pioneers in reviving the “Wildlife Society’ at S. Thomas’ back in the ’70s. Looking at his well-timed photos which showcase a keen eye for detail and perfect composition you would find it impossible to believe that he’s an amateur.  “Photography is a culmination of a creative eye, skill, and a tinge of luck” replied Viraj when I questioned him regarding an awe-inspiring shot that he had taken of a black-winged stilt. Being an avid nature enthusiast Viraj has also been to many wildlife national parks across the country, the most famous of them being Wilpattu and Yala, and credits the peaceful environment that it had back then for the up close and detailed pictures that he has on display. “The jungles and sanctuaries are a lot more crowded now and the privacy of the animals has been violated which makes it quite difficult to observe an animal for an extended period of time. Back in the late ’90s and early 2000’s we were able to spend ample time uninterrupted to get that one perfect shot. What you see here is a result of that undisturbed serenity” he elaborated. 

Tharaka Kalamulla is another amateur wildlife photographer who will be featured at this exhibition. He too started photography as just a hobby and found that he had a natural eye for bird photography. Having graduated from the Tsinghua University in China as a ceramic designer Tharaka is quite content leaving photography as a hobby that provides a soothing getaway from the hustle of daily life.  Being an avid book enthusiast Tharaka also manages a Youtube Channel about books called “pothak peralamu”. 

Sedric Gimesh is a photographer based in Colombo. Being a great nature and wildlife enthusiast, he started his career as a wildlife photographer. Since then he has embraced the beauty of the landmarks and vividness of creatures of Sri Lanka.

As his hobby turned into a career, he discovered and took interest in other areas of photography such as Architecture & Interior photography, Product photography, Events photography, and Fashion photography. Later on, he graduated from the University of Kelaniya with a Diploma in Photography and took a Diploma in Multimedia from Wijeya Graphics Institute.

The final photographer to be featured at the exhibition Janaka Nagodavithana studied photography under the guidance of Indranatha Thenuwara, a veteran photographer in Sri Lanka. Janaka works as a freelance photographer engaging in concept shoots, travel photography, portraits, and event photography. A Sworn Translator, Founder, and Music Coach of Legato Music Academy, at present, Janaka is planning for his first photographic exhibition and his first photographic coffee table book.

Bound to be a compilation of the best that these photographers have to offer, the exhibition at the Mahananda gallery will be the ideal opportunity for you to add to your collection of wildlife photography or even just to grab any furniture, art, or collectibles to decorate your home. Visit the Mahananda Gallery at No. 954/3 Pothuarawa Road, Akuregoda, Battaramulla any day from the 1st to the 28th of February 2022 to experience this delightful collection of photographic art.

Exhibition dates - 1st to 28th February 2022. 

Address -  No. 954/3 Pothuarawa Road, Akuregoda, Battaramulla

Pix by Damith Wickramasinghe