Art and purpose come together once again as the Shiranee Joseph de Saram Foundation (SJDSF) hosts its much-anticipated annual art sale on October 11th and 12th at Radicle Gallery, 103 Chatham Street, Colombo 01. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the two-day event will feature a vibrant collection of original artworks by Sri Lanka’s leading and emerging artists, all in support of the Foundation’s mission to empower neurodiverse individuals and their families.
This year’s exhibition brings together a carefully curated selection of works from some of Sri Lanka’s most respected artistic voices, including Laki Senanayake, Druvinka, Susiman Nirmalavasan, and Sanjeewa Kumara, among others. Each piece, distinctive in its expression and narrative, contributes to a collective purpose, to transform creativity into meaningful social impact. Visitors to Radicle Gallery will have the opportunity not only to acquire exceptional art but also to directly support a cause that changes lives.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Founded in 1993, the Shiranee Joseph de Saram Foundation has spent over three decades championing inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for neurodiverse individuals in Sri Lanka. The Foundation’s work is rooted in a belief that every person deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of ability. Through programs such as the Thrive Sheltered Workshop and the Supported Employment Programme, SJDSF helps individuals with intellectual disabilities gain skills, confidence, and access to meaningful employment. These initiatives not only transform the lives of participants but also empower their families, offering guidance and community support to help them navigate challenges that often come with caring for neurodiverse loved ones. The Foundation’s holistic approach, spanning education, training, and advocacy, continues to redefine what inclusion can look like in Sri Lanka.
Art with Purpose
The annual art sale has become a cornerstone of the Foundation’s fundraising calendar, drawing art enthusiasts, philanthropists, and supporters from across Colombo and beyond. What began as a small gathering of artists and patrons has grown into one of the city’s most anticipated charity art events, a testament to the power of community and creativity working hand in hand. This year’s proceeds will go toward establishing a permanent endowment, ensuring that SJDSF can continue its mission for generations to come. The endowment will strengthen the Foundation’s capacity to fund education, vocational training, and inclusive employment programs for people with intellectual disabilities, paving the way for a more equitable and compassionate society.
“We are truly grateful to the artists who support us by donating their work, sometimes year after year. We would not have an event without them,” said Praveena Joseph de Saram, Managing Director of SJDSF. “This year, we could not have organized an event of this scale without the exceptional support from our volunteers.
From Umayanga Nanayakkara, who heads the University of Oxford Society Sri Lanka (OUSSL), and Inoshini Perera, to our curator and our supporters at Lynear Wealth, their commitment has been invaluable.”
Building a Future Through Inclusion
Beyond the walls of Radicle Gallery, the SJDSF story is one of perseverance, community, and hope. By connecting the worlds of art and social good, the Foundation continues to remind Sri Lanka’s creative community that art can be more than self-expression, it can be an act of solidarity. Every brushstroke, sculpture, and sketch in this year’s collection tells a story of generosity and shared purpose. Each purchase made at the sale is not merely an investment in art, but a direct contribution to a future where neurodiverse individuals can live, work, and dream without barriers. For those seeking to support, connect, or simply be inspired, the SJDSF Annual Art Sale offers an opportunity to witness how creativity can transform lives, one masterpiece at a time.
Art catalogues are available upon request via contact@sjdsf.lk.
