An auction and exhibition of selected paintings by Jayantha Premachandra was held at the Galle Face Hotel on the 28th of February 2022. The Jayantha Premachandra Foundation was founded with the main objective of reviving the artist and presenting to the Sri Lankan public his wonderful works of art that have been exhibited in Sri Lanka and overseas from 1960 to 1988. The artist Jayantha Premachandra passed away due to a sudden stroke at the age of 53, in France, in 1988. 

His family has established the foundation in his name in order to raise and contribute funds towards renovating Ward 16 of Colombo General Hospital, which is a dedicated unit for stroke victims. The event held on the 28th of February 2022, showcased twelve paintings by Jayantha Premachandra and two of his paintings were auctioned for charity. The funds raised at this event were all directed towards supporting the Stroke Support Organization for Sri Lankans (SSOSL) and the Colombo General Hospital’s Neurological Services to upgrade the facilities of the Neurological Ward (Ward 16). 

His painting ‘Refuge’ was purchased by Samantha De Silva at the auction, and the second painting was purchased by another guest who attended the event. The paintings were presented to the two buyers at a reception held at the French Embassy by H.E. Ambassador Eric Lavertu, a week after the auction. 

Speaking to Daily Mirror, the late artist’s daughter, Nilanka Premachandra stated that she would like to thank the Ambassador of France for Sri Lanka and Maldives, H.E. Eric Lavertu and Cultural Attachèe, Mrs. Aurelia Collard, for collaborating with the initiative. She also stated that she would like to thank Dr. Sarath Amunugama for his most detailed and informative description of the artist and his work, and Ms. Catherine Obrenovic for graciously hosting the event at '1864 Limited Edition,’ Galle Face Hotel, Colombo.