• SLDF 2024 shines a spotlight on brightest women in Sri Lankan design; Canvas Design Studio led by renowned designer Chamika Wickremasinghe reflects impact of female-led design in shaping nation’s creative industries 
• Set design for Sri Lanka Design Festival at Cinnamon Life City of Dreams is proudly crafted by a successful AOD alumnus     

Chamika Wickremasinghe

Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF) 2024 highlights the economic impact of the creative industries through an extensive programme that showcases the craftsmanship and innovation behind the event. This year, the sets, designed by Canvas Interior Design Studio, play a key role in the festival’s creative narrative. The collaboration emphasises the intersection of local, especially female-led, design talent with Sri Lanka’s growing creative industries, offering an immersive exploration of art, architecture and innovation.

Canvas Interior Design Studio at SLDF 2024: A balance of wonder, learning, discovery and function 

Canvas Interior Design Studio, the official set design partner of SLDF 2024, is known for its unusual approach to interior design, specialising in transforming spaces into immersive environments. Chamika and the team have crafted sets that work in harmony with the festival’s grand venue—Cinnamon Life, the City of Dreams. This iconic architectural marvel stands as a symbol of Colombo’s modernity and progressive spirit, offering a fitting stage for a festival that celebrates creative innovation.

The sets designed by Canvas fuse a sense of wonder with function, allowing the visual language of the event to resonate with the architecture of Cinnamon Life. This collaboration creates an environment where creativity, commerce and culture come together, reflecting the SLDF’s role in elevating Sri Lanka’s creative industries on a global stage.

Under Chamika’s leadership, Canvas Interior Design Studio stands as a powerful testament to the impact Sri Lankan women can make in the creative industries. 

   
Chamika, CEO and Principal Designer of Canvas Interior Design Studio, is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in interior design. Under her leadership, Canvas has earned a reputation as one of Sri Lanka’s most sought-after design firms, with a portfolio that includes luxury residences, hotels, restaurants, commercial projects and more. Chamika’s unique approach to design emphasises the balance between aesthetics and functionality, always aiming to create environments that inspire and engage.

Her work has also gained international recognition, with Canvas completing projects in cities like London, Hong Kong, Hyderabad and Lisbon. As an alumna of the Academy of Design (AOD), with a First-Class Honours Degree in Interior Design, Chamika combines her academic foundation with hands-on experience to redefine interior design in Sri Lanka. Her entrepreneurial success was recognised when she won the Gold award at Women Entrepreneur Awards 2022, presented by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

More than designing a set: A reflection of Sri Lanka’s creative growth at SLDF 

As part of SLDF 2024, Canvas’s set designs do more than simply create an atmosphere; they embody the festival’s theme of innovation. The sets are constructed with a forward-thinking approach, utilising sustainable materials and innovative design principles that challenge traditional boundaries. Canvas Interior Design Studio’s work at the SLDF is a reflection of Sri Lanka’s broader creative sector—one that is evolving and growing in international stature.

Through this collaboration, Canvas Interior Design Studio not only contributes to the festival’s aesthetic but also to its mission of positioning Sri Lanka as a hub for design in South Asia. By working with local artisans and makers, incorporating cutting-edge design techniques and aligning with the festival’s values, Chamika and her team are helping to elevate the global perception of Sri Lankan design.

Here’s an exclusive interview with Chamika Wickremasinghe, where she shares her inspiration for partnering with SLDF 2024 and how the festival’s theme of ‘Innovation Island’ aligns with her work at Canvas Design Studio. Chamika delves into her vision for the collaboration, emphasising the role of design in shaping Sri Lanka’s creative future and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in interior design.

Q: What inspired you to partner with SLDF 2024 as Canvas Studio’s founder?

“Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF) has been instrumental in shaping the country’s design landscape across various disciplines, from fashion to interiors and motion graphics. This event consistently attracts top-tier talent in the creative industry. As Sri Lanka stands on the verge of an economic resurgence, there’s a critical need for the creative sector to advance and position the country as a leading design hub in South Asia. As a strong advocate for local talent, I see immense potential in this moment of growth. Partnering with the SLDF allows Canvas Interior Design Studio to play a key role in driving that progress and helping shape the future of Sri Lanka’s creative industry. At a personal level too, the SLDF is produced by my alma mater AOD, which played a big role in shaping my formal education and it feels good to partner with such a powerful initiative connected to my educational roots.”

Q: How relevant do you feel this year’s theme ‘Innovation Island’ is to the work that Canvas does?

“Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Canvas Interior Design Studio. Our work thrives on pushing boundaries, experimenting with new materials and reimagining spaces to create unique, impactful environments. This year’s theme of innovation aligns perfectly with our approach, as we constantly strive to blend creativity with functionality in fresh, forward-thinking ways. In an industry that is rapidly evolving, staying ahead through innovation is crucial and we are excited to be part of a movement that encourages bold ideas and sets new standards for design in Sri Lanka and beyond.”

Q: What kind of impact do you hope to create with this collaboration?

“Through this collaboration, we aim to inspire and elevate the creative industry in Sri Lanka by showcasing the power of design to transform not just spaces but mindsets. We want to encourage local talent to embrace innovation and think beyond traditional boundaries, proving that Sri Lankan design can stand on the global stage. By partnering with platforms like the SLDF, our goal is to contribute to the development of a thriving creative ecosystem where collaboration, creativity and forward-thinking ideas fuel growth and position Sri Lanka as a key player in the international design community.”

Chamika in conversation: A special session at SLDF 2024

Chamika will take part in an exclusive conversation with popular TV host Danu Innasithamby at SLDF 2024, where she will discuss her design process, the personal meaning behind her work and how she continues to find inspiration in an ever-evolving industry. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness Canvas Interior Design Studio’s innovative work firsthand and experience how the event’s set design brings the SLDF to life at Cinnamon Life City of Dreams.

For more information and to register, visit www.srilankadesignfestival.lk or contact [email protected].