Promising mural artist

by Nimal Wijayatunga-Eheliygoda Special Corr.

H.K.D. Tilakaratna

The partially embossed cement based art form popularly known as a form of mural art has become a promising venture for 50-year-old H.K.D. Tilakaratna of Mitipola in Eheliyagoda. He has mastered this art form to a great extent.According to him, the secret behind his success is his knowledge and talent obtained through various experiments done for a long period of time.

The raw material needed are cement, sand and asbestos sheets. He widely uses copper coloured lacquer for murals. The use of soft colours for the other creations attracts a varied audience, he says.

Thilakaratna moulds Egyptian model statues, Buddha Statues, large sized garden vases, birds, serpents, sceneries and a large variety of wall decorations depicting symbols of prosperity.