It was a successful showing for the George Keyt Foundation’s ‘Young Contemporaries 2025’ exhibition at the Barefoot Gallery, drawing over 300 attendees on the first evening and achieving extraordinary sales of artworks. The event, inaugurated by the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick, showcased the creativity of 12 emerging artists from around the island.
The coveted ‘Young Contemporary 2025 Award’ was won by Ponnaiyah Peter, a 27‑year‑old artist from Kilinochchi. His deeply moving works, rooted in memories of war and its aftermath, shone through their powerful expression of trauma, resilience, and the search for peace. The award was presented by Hemantha Gunetilleke, CEO, Nations Trust Bank, the event’s sponsor.
The works of the artists were evaluated by Leena Hirdaramani, Anomaa Rajakaruna, Nelun Harasgama, and Dominic Sansoni.
Chairman of the George Keyt Foundation, Malaka Talwatte, hailed this year’s edition as one of the most successful, highlighting the strong public response and the Foundation’s ongoing mission to promote Sri Lankan art on the national and global stage.
Ponnaiyah Peter from Kilinochchi, winner of the George Keyt Foundation
‘Young Contemporary 2025’ receiving the award from Hemantha Gunetilleke,
CEO of Nations Trust Bank, the event’s sponsor.
The group of young artists from around the island whose work
was exhibited at Young Contemporary 2025.
Ishara Sewwandi, the main suspect wanted for the shooting inside the Aluthkade No.05 Magistrate’s Court premises which killed alleged underworld figure ’’Ganemulla Sanjeewa,’’ has been arrested in Nepal.
The Gaza war started on October 7, 2023, following the Hamas attack on a southern Israeli border town. Some 1200 people died, while Hamas took 250 Israelis as hostages.
History often has a way of repeating itself, sometimes by shaping similar personalities that seem destined to converge
On his second death anniversary, we pay our deepest respect and heartfelt tribute to General Lionel Balagalle, an illustrious son of Sri Lanka, a noble soldier, and an exemplary leader whose vision, dedication, and humility have left an indelible mark on the Sri Lanka Army and our nation.
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