Kala Pola 2025, Sri Lanka’s renowned open-air art fair, was held on Sunday, 16th February along Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 7, marking another memorable event for artists and visitors alike.
A longstanding collaboration between the George Keyt Foundation and the John Keells Group, Kala Pola 2025 saw a record participation with 394 registered artists and sculptors showcasing their work to thousands of enthusiastic visitors including buyers, industry professionals and art students who braved the February heat to enjoy the unique immersive artistic atmosphere of this street art fair.
The event generated estimated sales of approximately Rs. 54 million, excluding commissioned artwork, further cementing its role as a key platform for boosting livelihoods of the country’s visual arts community.
The Official ceremony was graced by His Excellency Andrew Patrick, the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest, who was welcomed by Mr. Malaka Talwatte, the Chairman with trustees of the George Keyt Foundation and Mr. Krishan Balendra, the Chairperson of the John Keells Group, along with members of the Group’s Senior Management.
In his address at the official ceremony, Mr. Malaka Talwatte remarked, “For almost three decades, Kala Pola has provided Sri Lankan artists with a significant platform to thrive. This event will always be a special opportunity for artists to showcase their abilities and engage with consumers thanks to the steadfast support of the John Keells Group.” Mr. Talwatte also announced that, in honour of the late Deshamanya Ken Balendra, former Chairman of the John Keells Group and Deputy Chairman of the George Keyt Foundation, an annual award for the “Emerging Kala Pola Artist” will be awarded from the next edition of Kala Pola.
Chief Guest, H.E. Andrew Patrick, the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, stated, ” I know that this festival (Kala Pola) has started the careers of many artists in Sri Lanka. It is very difficult for artists to get opportunities without a platform like this, so this is a tremendous achievement — you have created a space for so many artists.”
Ms. Carmeline Jayasuriya, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at the John Keells Group, reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to supporting Sri Lankan arts and culture, stating, “We are delighted to note that Kala Pola 2025 recorded the largest artist participation in the history of the event, reaching almost 400! Kala Pola remains a cornerstone of our efforts to uplift artists’ livelihoods, promote creative expression and social dialogue, and support the growth of Sri Lanka’s creative economy. Through complementary initiatives like the Sri Lankan Art Gallery online platform, we remain committed to ensuring that artists have access to year-round visibility and growth opportunities.”
With the steadfast implementation efforts of John Keells Foundation supported by the enthusiastic assistance of over 220 volunteers from the John Keells Group, Kala Pola continues to showcase Sri Lanka’s rich tapestry of culture, the arts, and the community. For the Island’s artists, especially the emerging talent, the festival continues to shine a ray of hope, offering a unique platform to showcase their work and, more importantly, long-term economic viability.
