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.
A short while later, the official car of the Commander of the Navy, bearing plate NAHA 5006, departed from Navy House, Longdon Place, Colombo 7.
Read this week’s Sunday Times for your interesting articles
Leave Comments