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By Hand, By Heart The Udayshanth and Angelika Fernando Foundation Art Fundraiser

BY THALIBA CADER June 3, 2025

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Annika, Shanth, Angelika and Saskia

Art has long been a vessel for personal expression. But in some rare and beautiful moments, it becomes something larger, a quiet yet powerful force for change. The Udayshanth & Angelika Fernando Foundation’s first-ever fundraiser, opening this month in Colombo, is one such moment.

From May 29 to June 8, the Foundation welcomes collectors and curious onlookers to the 3rd floor of 138 Galle Road, Colombo 3, for an intimate viewing of works drawn from the private collection of Udayshanth Fernando. The exhibition is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, offering a rare opportunity to witness a legacy of Sri Lankan modern and contemporary art—while contributing to a deeply meaningful cause.

At the heart of this fundraiser is not just art, but a memory. Originally launched as the Udayshanth Fernando Foundation in 2020, the initiative took on renewed purpose in 2022 following the passing of Angelika Fernando, a passionate advocate for charitable work. The Foundation was renamed in her honour, and today, the UAF Foundation carries forward her spirit of giving—channeling the power of art into action.

This year’s exhibition brings together works from some of the most significant names in Sri Lankan and South Asian art history, including Lionel Wendt, Richard Gabriel, Ivan Peries, Muhanned Cader, Sameera Kalupahana, Rubert Soysa, Sanjaya Senevirathne, Asma Menon, Anomaa Rajakaruna, Anup Vega, Chamila Gamage, Pala Pothupitiye, Sujeewa Kumari, Sanjeewa Kumara, and Vinith Chathuranga.

These artworks will be part of an online auction, with bidding open throughout the exhibition period and closing at 5 PM on June 8. All proceeds will directly support the Foundation’s educational, developmental, and outreach initiatives. These include the Artists for Artists (A4A) Production Grant, cross-border South Asian artist residency exchanges, and continued support for causes such as the Indira Cancer Trust.

It’s a celebration of mentorship, legacy, and creative resilience. Under the Foundation’s public programming initiative KALĀ, and through regional collaborations, the UAF Foundation aims to nurture underrepresented voices, strengthen cross-cultural dialogue, and empower a new generation of artists across Sri Lanka and beyond.

Rooted in purpose and guided by compassion, the Udayshanth & Angelika Fernando Foundation reminds us that art is never just a visual experience.

It’s a conversation, a calling, and—when shared with care—a form of collective healing.