High Commissioner Chitranganee Wagiswara accompanied by Minister Counsellor Sumith Dassanayake recently visited the  Library Marie-Uguay in Montreal, Canada where George Keyts’ one and only stained glass installation which was created based on Keyts stupendous canvas ‘Lanka Matha’ is now displayed.

The renowned Sri Lankan modern painter, George Keyts’ [1901-1993] stained glass mural  was originally  exhibited at the Ceylon  Pavilion at the ‘Expo 1967’ held in Montreal, Canada and it was not brought back to Sri Lanka due to logistical problems. Keyts mural which depicts a village maiden carrying on her hip the Punkalasa [amphora] symbolises abundance and fertility, had been a major attraction at the exhibition in 1967. At the conclusion of the exhibition the mural had been gifted to the City of Montreal.  Over the years the mural had disappeared from official records and personal memories.

 However, due to the institutional memory and, continuous commitment by  former civil servant Tissa Devendra it was rediscovered with the assistance of Mr. Mahinda Padmasiri who is a long standing Sri Lanka resident in Montreal. Today, the large mural is mounted in  the foyer of the Bibliotheque [Library] Marie-Uguay in Montreal. In April  Mr. Padmasiri together with prominent Sri Lankan Mr. Laya Alles  invited the Mayor of Montreal to view the  stained glass mural.

During the visit to the Library the High Commissioner  speaking on behalf of the government of Sri Lanka said that the High Commission is happy and proud to have the historical stained glass installation based on a painting of a prominent Sri Lankan painter in the City of Montreal, which establishes  a linkage between the two countries through the form of art. She also stated that more publicity should be given to this piece of art as this information is not known even within the Sri Lankan community  living in Canada, and that the High Commission whould ensure that  the location of this mural is recorded and will not be lost again.

The Municipal Councillor Ms.Huguette Roy, librarian Ms. Chantal Beaulieu Messers  Mahinda Padmasiri and Laya Alles representing the Sri Lankan community were also present on the occasion.

 A question that is being asked is, where is the original ‘ Lanka  Matha’ ?

 Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

30^th November 2012