Gamini Danwatte Liyanage may not yet be a familiar name to many Sri Lankans, but within German art circles and among discerning art lovers, he is a well-known and highly respected figure.

Gamini left Sri Lanka for Germany in 1978 to pursue his higher education. His formative years were shaped at Isipathana Vidyalaya, Colombo, where he embodied the true spirit of a Pathanian. A committed rugby player, he was a prominent member of the Isipathana rugger team. Beyond the playing field, he was equally visible at school events – always with a sketch pad and pencil in hand. His playful personality, coupled with a natural talent for art, endeared him to both teachers and fellow students.

A few years ago, Gamini returned to his motherland – not merely as a returnee, but as a seasoned and accomplished artist. Watercolour remains his most beloved medium, one with which he performs near-miracles, capturing emotion, light, and movement with remarkable sensitivity.

Over the years, he has held more than 30 successful exhibitions across Germany, including in its capital, drawing thousands of art lovers to his exhibitions. Each showcase has strengthened his reputation as an artist whose work transcends borders and speaks a universal visual language.

Now, at a defining moment in his artistic journey, Gamini is preparing for his maiden art exhibition in Sri Lanka, to be held on February 13, and 14 at the Lionel Wendt Art Centre. The opening ceremony will be on 12th February at 4.30pm and the Ambassador of Germany to Sri Lanka, Dr. Felix Neumann, will grace the occasion as Chief Guest.

The exhibition will feature over 50 paintings, predominantly water colours, presented under the theme “LOVE”. Among them is a work titled Red Rose, which, according to the artist, symbolises the essence of life itself: “You see the true beauty of a flower only when it has fully bloomed. Life is the same—the more mature we become, the more beauty we discover.”

Another painting, Beautiful Life, reflects Gamini’s belief that a fulfilling life begins as a vision within the mind—imagined, nurtured, and ultimately realised.

In fact, the art exhibition LOVE will offer more than watercolour paintings alone. Works created using other techniques, along with selected handcrafted creations, will also be on display, adding depth and variety to the artistic experience.

Born in Padukka, a rural area once surrounded by lush greenery some four to five decades ago, Gamini seems to have inherited an innate artistic sensibility from his natural surroundings—one that continues to resonate through his work today.

February may be the shortest month of the calendar, but witnessing this exhibition promises an experience whose impression will linger far longer – etched gently yet firmly in the hearts of those who attend.

A group of School Development Officers, who had been engaged in a fast-unto-death protest near the Presidential Secretariat, called it off following a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, sources said.

Declaring that the discussions with the President were satisfactory, they said that the measure was temporary, pending solutions to their grievances. They launched the fast unto death demanding that they be exempted from written examination to be absorbed into the teacher service.

Media questions absence of UNP representatives

Opposition grouping Maha Jana Handa on Monday (02) underscored the urgent need for a common front against the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) government bent on crippling vital institutions.

Addressing the media, outside the Opposition Leader’s Office at Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, after meeting Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa, Prof. G. L. Peiris said that they focused on relentless attacks on the Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, Jr, PC, inordinate delay in appointing Auditor General, sacking of Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne, trouble at the Right to Information Commission, and the sudden resignation of Dr. Ramani Jayasundere as Chair of the Women’s Commission.

The Maha Jana Handa delegation consisted of former ministers Prof. G. L. Peiris, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Udaya Gammanpila, Mahinda Amaraweera and Prasanna Ranatunga.

Prof. Peiris appreciated the SJB leader’s response to talks on a joint campaign against the current dispensation. The former Minister explained that the genuine Opposition could reach a consensus on a common programme without individual political parties and groups not having to give up their identity.

Attorney-at-law Udaya Gammanpila said that Minister Lal Kantha, at different forums, explained their despicable agenda. The Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader said that they sought consensus on a common programme, as advised by the Mahanayakes, and the Opposition Leader responded positively. Differences over their policies shouldn’t hinder consensus on a common programme, the former parliamentarian said, emphasising the growing NPP threat to rule of law and democracy in the country.

The PHU leader acknowledged that the NPP had been able to proceed with the Malimasisation of the administration. The NPP had been largely successful in appointing their people as heads of departments at many places, ex-lawmaker Gammanpila said, adding that the ruling party failed only twice when the Constitutional Council rejected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s nominees as the Auditor General and their tactics meant to force the Attorney General out of office didn’t succeed.

When the media raised the absence of UNP representatives at the meeting with the SJB leader, ex-lawmaker Gammanpila said that the UNP represented the Opposition group. The SLPP, too, was with us, the former Minister said.

By Shamindra Ferdinando