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| Sunday, 9 May 2004 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Wimal Surendra : A man of unique skills by Divakara Mohotti, Kalutara Group Correspondent
The home of Kalakeerthi Wimal Surendra of 'Lathamaddapa' Duwe Pansala Road Kalutara South is itself an artistic place. Surendra who continues in his imaginative creations, which no one else in Sri Lanka has even thought of is at the moment attempting to carve an image of the Buddha with all his physical characteristics, on a grain of rice. Among his creations, are the bronze lion weighing two and half tons adorning the Presidential Secretariat and the symbol of the Republic of Sri Lanka in silver decorating the large door at the entrance to the House of Parliament, in Jayawardenapura, Kotte.
Another landmark is a pandal depicting all kinds of coins issued in Sri Lanka, in silver at the entrance of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The Commercial Bank building of Colombo also boasts a twenty five foot high mural created by Surendra, while the Supreme Court building complex is adorned by the traditional flags (Ustamangala) decoration of sixteen feet (16ft) turned out in metal by him. Most of the metal decorations found in the important public spaces in Sri Lanka have seen the touch of Surendra's creative hand. Surendra has also, taken steps to make original creations in glass and leather which need utmost care and patience. The artist himself ponders, why he is prompted to undertake such subtle operations. The historical Kandy perahera is made additionally decorative by the introduction of silver flags depicting the symbols of various Koralayas, (korales). Most of the cultural events lack beauty without Surendra's creations in metal. Anybody who visits his home 'Lathamaddapa' in Kalutara will be astonished to enter a residence and become viewers of great artistic creation turned out in metal from the entrance to the dining room. One sees more than a hundred different types and varied sizes some of which appear unique and are not found in any other public places in Sri Lanka. The great artist though mature in age is seen engaged in his creative activity even at mid-night.
Surendra admits that he, sometimes had continuously sat for twenty hours paying his whole attention to his unique creation. Such examples are many in his life. His creations cannot be valued as the creator does not like to part with them. It is reported that many foreigners who loved his creations, were refused them even when large sums of money were offered to him. Some foreigners who visited him have offered him citizenship in their countries with all necessities provided in the relevant countries but their offers have been declined. "This is my country and I belong here in this scenic beautiful country" Kalakeerthi Wimal Surendra was born to a well-known family of the Matara district and having seen the world at a village called Maggona in the Kalutara district (Mother's village) he was closely related to the journalist Sires W. Surendra, dramatist G.W. Surendra, electrical Engineer of Watawala fame Wimala Surendra and journalist attached to Lake House Benoi Surendra. Out of nine brothers and sisters he became the only one to follow in his father's footsteps to become a well-known artist. From his young days, Surendra exhibited his talents in art and sculpture, Surendra is blessed with three daughters Ransalu, Vinobha and Manohari who are also clever and artistic. The youngest daughter Indunil Manohari Surendra who is skilled in both glass and leather carving. She has however preformed to study law and entered Law College. Leena his wife has patiently and attentively stood by him throughout his creative activities. The only thing that this artist requests of the relevant authorities in Sri Lanka is a suitable place close to the capital where he can live comfortably and work for the rest of his life. His ambition is to establish a training centre to train at least a few gifted artists to continue his traditional and unique craft. So as to enrich the country and perpetuate his rare skills. |
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| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
Surendra means the head of the God. Wimal Surendra has achieved a
comparable position in the field of metallic arts in Sri Lanka. Go to the
North or to the South-West or East of Sri Lanka and one cannot mistake a
creative work of this great artist. Surendra is well-known in many Asian
and European countries too.
