Sobalankara at Lionel Wendt

Chandani Liyanage Jayawardane on her fifth group exhibition with her students says, "As a child I started sketching on the walls!! My father who could not tolerate this bought me a 'kalu lalla' and chalk. I was 5 years then. As he was an astrologer there were many people visiting us.

While they were waiting for their turn, I was sketching the visitors on my black board. I can proudly say that these were my first sketches which lead me to master the contours of the human form.

Now I am into portraits and I have portrayed Visharada W.D. Amaradeva, Arisen Ahubudu, and the warden of S. Thomas' College, Late Neville de Alwis whose portrait now adorns the wall of S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia.

At this point I thank all those who guided me such as Susil Premaratne and late Mrs. Sweenita de Alwis and last but not the least my husband, Kapila and my two children who are my critics and who have always been by my side encouraging me."

After her studies Chandani started a career at Phoenix O&M Pvt Ltd., as a commercial artist. While working there she drew sketches and caricatures to the newspapers.

Versatile Chandani imparts her valuable talent to adult students. As a hobby and for relaxation she is a swimming instructress for ladies and children.

Together with Chandani her students Dhakshini Fernando de Silva, Dilini Devasundara, Keerthi Seneviratne Gunaratne and Iranthi Abeysuriya Jayasinha will exhibit their work at 'Sobalankara' on 29th and 30th September at Lionel Wendt Art Gallery from 9.30 am to 7.00 pm.

The exhibition will be declared open by Dr. Sarath Gamini de Silva on 28th September at 7.00 pm.