(From L-R) Sri Lankan Airlines Head of Secretariat Services, Ms. Dalrene Thirukumar, General Manager Sri Lankan Aviation College Mr. Primal de Silva, Chairman Sri Lankan Airlines Mr. Ajith Dias, Chief Guest, Senior Artist Dr. H.A. Karunaratne, SriLankan Airlines Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Dinnaga Padmaperuma

Hosted by national carrier SriLankan Airlines, the Speculo 2017 Award Ceremony took place on 4th March 2017 at Ramada Colombo. The all-island art competition winners were presented with awards by the national airline at the high profile event, which witnessed a gathering of award-winning budding and professional artists, amidst other dignitaries. Ten shortlisted artists from the schools and open categories and 15 shortlisted professional artists were felicitated with awards, trophies, prizes and certificates.
 
The school winners were Gayashani Dissanayake (Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Colombo 7); W.A. Kaveesha K. Weerasinghe (Devi Balika Vidyalaya -Colombo 8) and N. A. Omal Selika Arachchige (D. S. Senanayake College - Colombo 08). In the Open category, Thilak Pushpakumara; S.A. Eranga Srimal; and Chamara Prasad Deeyamulla were awarded the first three places respectively. Prizes in the professional category were bagged by Shanaka Kulathunga; Basil Cooray; and Ishan Senaka Hewage respectively. A special award of appreciation was bestowed on the most senior artist in Sri Lanka, H. E. Karunaratne, who is also known as “the Father of Sri Lankan Abstract Art”.

Mr. Chandraguptha Thenuwara, Prof. Patrick Rathnayake, Mr. Solomon Premananda with Mr. Jayasiri Semage

Budding artists from schools around the country including the areas such as Jaffna, Mannar, Bibile and Balangoda sent in their works of art for the competition, as did professors from several higher educational institutions, art teachers and even clergy members. The all-island art competition was held in the run-up to Speculo 2017, following which a national painting and visual arts exhibition was held at J. D. A. Perera Gallery from 24 - 26th February, featuring works by top professional artists as well as youth from all corners of the island. 

The competition featured over 80 professional artists (by far the most amount of professional Sri Lankan artists of esteemed repute, who have showcased their work together at a single exhibition), 350 displays and diverse pieces that were showcased under a cross-section of categories. The theme of the exhibition was ‘My SriLankan Perspective’. The exhibition was organized by SriLankan Airlines with the aim of inspiring artists from across the country to showcase their work, by creatively elaborating their perspective on the national carrier. 

A vibrant cultural display

Mr. Palith Siriwardene gifting his painting to Sri Lankan Airlines Chairman Mr. Ajith Dias

A vibrant cultural display

Sri Lankan Airlines Chairman giving away a special award of artistic excellence to Dr. H.A. Karunaratne , who is known as the Father of Sri Lankan Modern Abstract Art.

Winner of the school category Gayashani Dissanayake of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Colombo 7 receiving her award from Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Dinnaga Padmaperuma

Winner of the open category: Thilak Pushpakumara receiving his award from Sri Lankan Airlines Chairman Mr. Ajith Dias

A vibrant cultural display

Winner of the professional category: Dr. Shanaka Kulathunga receiving his award from Sri Lankan Airlines Chairman Mr. Ajith Dias

Invitees with Sri Lankan Airlines management team

Sri Lankan Airlines Chairman Mr. Ajith Dias with the award winners

Chief Guest Dr. H.A. Karunaratne welcomed by Speculo 2017 Chief Organizer Mr. Pasindu Samaraweera