A Dried Leaf, A Living Legacy
On October 10 and 11, the tranquil halls of the Anuradhapura National Holiday Resort came alive with a rare and awe-inspiring exhibition: “Blessings of Nature”, an art showcase where discarded banana leaves were reborn as breathtaking visual masterpieces.
The exhibition was officially opened by Central Province Governor Mr. Vasantha Jinadasa along with other dignitaries and art lovers, celebrating the extraordinary journey and artistic vision of Nivandani Krishani Hettiarachchi, a veteran English teacher from Sumudugama, Talawa.
Three Decades of Artistic Passion
What began over thirty years ago as a personal hobby has now evolved into a globally admired and highly sought-after art form. Using only dried banana leaves—typically considered waste—Nivandani creates complex visual narratives, blending natural texture with cultural symbolism.
Remarkably, she is the only known patent-holder in the world for this unique form of banana leaf art, a testimony to her innovation and originality in the field.
From Personal Passion to National Treasure
Nivandani’s artworks span a wide spectrum—from spiritual and conceptual to abstract and analytical themes. Each piece is composed with meticulous care, highlighting her deeply personal artistic style. Her work has not only received widespread appreciation but also multiple prestigious awards, including Presidential Awards and the Swarnabhimani Award.
Her growing body of work continues to draw significant attention both locally and internationally, with increasing demand from collectors and art enthusiasts around the world.
Future Aspirations
Speaking at the event, Nivandani expressed her plans to take the “Blessings of Nature” exhibition to Colombo, offering more Sri Lankans the opportunity to witness the beauty and depth of her eco-conscious creations.
A Community Celebration of Art
The exhibition attracted a diverse audience, including:
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Provincial Ministry Secretary K.P. Jayalath
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Governor’s Coordinating Secretary Mr. Ananda Rathnayaka
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Anuradhapura District Chamber of Commerce Director General P.B. Dissanayaka
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Local school students and a passionate crowd of art admirers
Their presence reflected the growing appreciation for sustainable, homegrown art that not only preserves cultural heritage but also inspires creative reuse of nature’s bounty.
