In the serene village of Talawa, Anuradhapura, an English teacher has introduced a new dimension to Sri Lankan art by creating vivid paintings from dried banana leaves. Nivandani Krishani Hettiarachchi, a talented educator and multi-faceted artist skilled in painting, poetry, and dance, has spent over two decades perfecting this unique craft.
Discovering Art in Nature
Krishani’s inspiration comes from her intimate connection with nature—her home garden, flowers, and the surrounding environment. She realized that as banana leaves dry, they naturally transform through multiple shades:
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Some leaves take on deep red tones,
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Others turn dark brown,
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Many pass through subtle gradients that can be enhanced with careful treatment.
By experimenting on her own, she developed techniques to layer and preserve these natural colors, arranging thinly cut strips of banana leaves into flat, seamless compositions without visible folds or creases.
Nature’s Palette, Artist’s Patience
Her creations include cultural and historical depictions such as:
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Elephants in Perahera processions
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Loving couples
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Sigiriya maidens
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The Avukana Buddha statue
The color blending achieved through natural banana leaf tones is so striking that it rivals oil and watercolor paintings, yet it remains entirely organic. Each artwork is a testament to her patience, discipline, and delicate craftsmanship.
Recognition and a National Patent
In 2006, Nivandani presented this new art form to the Sri Lanka Intellectual Property Office, and by April 2007, she was officially granted a patent for her banana leaf art technique.
Her work has since received national acclaim, particularly in the North Central Provincial Art and Handicraft Competitions, where her entries have consistently earned top awards.
