Indralal de Silva, a self reliant entrepreneur
W Annesley Sumith Fernando
Moratuwa, the birth place of legendary Puran Appu, a national hero
who rebelled against the yoke of the white colonial masters is famous
for carpentry and woodcrafts. But Indralal, a son of Moratuwa, has
achieved name and fame not as a carpenter but as a pathfinder in arts
and paint media.
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Indralal de
Silva |
He attributes his success, from small beginnings to present day
prominence and prosperity to self reliance, indomitable spirit against
all odds and courageous commitment towards excellence. In a heart to
heart conversation, he opened up and described his journey towards
excellence.
"I studied at Prince of Wales' College, Moratuwa. Our art teacher at
the college was Tissa Gunawardena. At year 6, I developed a liking
towards art, especially owing to the kind and caring guidance provided
by Gunawardena." He could still recall the day when he and another
student were sent out of the class over a petty skirmish, but
Gunawardena was so kind hearted that they did not have to stay long
outside the class. "No sooner than we entered the class, we were asked
to continue with our drawings.
He approached me; cast a probing look at my drawing and nodded his
head in an approving manner. From that day onward, he took a special
interest in me and led me to realize my true potential as an artist. For
his interest and enterprise expended on my behalf, I responded in a very
fitting manner and attended to my art lessons with true devotion and
total dedication."
"On leaving the college, I developed artistic skills under the
tutelage of Gate Mudaliyar A C G S Amarasekera, specializing in painting
through water and oil based colour media.
The two year period between 1971 and 1972 which I spent with him is
treasured by me as a rare privilege and fortune.
During the period I used to develop my own colour media and
combinations and presented them for his comments. My efforts were highly
commended by him and he was very generous in wishing me all success to
reach the top position in my field.
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One of
Indralal’s paintings |
His blessings served me as a motivating tonic and it infused me with
a sense of purpose and direction towards achieving excellence in my art
related efforts".
In addition to artistic skills he too had an innate talent for
storywriting and production of dramas.
His association with St Peter's Church, Koralawella, provided him
with a launching pad to promote his efforts as a producer of dramas. He
rejoiced over the privilege of having the opportunity to produce and
present a drama during Sunday school days at St Peter's Church.
'The Redeemer and the Three Kings' was the name of the drama and it
was staged at the annual prize-giving day of the Sunday school.
'Serendib Indisil' products are available at Novetl's Art Suppliers,
Sarasavi Book Shop, MD Gunasena Book Shop and Lake House Book Shop.
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