Wonderful sculptures

In the wilderness of Wellawaya:

by Reggie Fernando

Whisking off to Nuwara Eliya at least once a fortnight has become one of my favourite methods of getting away from it all. But where ever I may roam in Nuwara Eliya, I always find the time to drive down to Kataragama via Bandarawela, Ella and Wellawaya where you can experience a rare scenic mixture of both the hill country and some of the 'not so much sought after' low country areas from the Ravana Ella falls onwards.

The last time I did this trip was two weeks ago and I made it a point to visit K. K. Jinadasa who owns a fascinating workshop at Ranawarawa Junction, Randeniya, Wellawaya.

Forty-two-year-old Jinadasa who began creating sculptures at the age of ten related his life story to me. Born In Welimada he had his schooling at Nawala in the Welimada district.

After grade 10 he left school and went to work at the fish market in Colombo for a salary of Rs. 300 a month. He was about 18 years old. He had no father and he was living with his mother and six brothers and sisters. His mother was a tea plucker and it was her sole earnings that kept the entire family going.

"When I was a little boy I used to sketch various figures with a pointed stick on the sand recalled Jinadasa. "I drew the cartoon characters that I saw in the local newspapers.

I worked for 5 years and at that point I got the chance of learning art under a well-known artist called M. Norbert. He was famous for water colours and temple drawings.

He also sculptured various figures. His workshop was at Mount Lavinia. How this all happened was when I was working in the fish market I drew a picture of Gamini Fonseka and all the people who saw it was totally delighted.

One of his admirers had told Mr. Norbert about me and a few days later I was invited to study under Mr. Norbert. At this point I was offered training by the government when I came first in the selection exam and the interview."

Since then, Jinadasa has executed a number of sculptures for many people including tourists. Some of his work today adorn many a living room and garden in many homes across the seas.