America Sri Lankan Photographic Art Society in association with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles will hold a photographic exhibition titled, ‘The Beauty of Sri Lanka’, at the University of California (UCLA), in Los Angeles on September 21.
The exhibition is organized with a view to promoting and developing tourism in Sri Lanka, and is designed to depict the beauty of fauna and flora, as well as - the 2600-year-old historical and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.
‘The Beauty of Sri Lanka’ beholds the shady trees, green hills, valleys, streams, colourful fauna and flora, breezy air as well as the serenity of jungle life.
These amazing creations of nature are not only the epitome of beauty but serve as a critical element in sustaining life. However, the effects of modern-day industrialization are ever-present threats to the serenity of the natural environment. Nature Photographers are in the vanguard of the army of Nature Saviours.
This exhibition is designed to introduce viewers to a range of issues that currently impact the environment. It also depicts the unsurpassed beauty of nature in Sri Lanka, its wildlife, and the rich cultural heritage, through the creative eyes of Suriya Jayalath Perera, an award-winning Nature Photographer. Perera is the president of the America Sri Lankan Photographic Art Society in Los Angeles, and has demonstrated a sensitivity to the animal and human life that surrounds the pristine environs he has captured through his expert lens.
He is joined by six leading Sri Lankan photographers who will bring their award-winning masterpieces all the way from Sri Lanka to Los Angeles for this unique exhibition. As members of the National Photographic Art Society of Sri Lanka (NPAS), they have earned recognition from the International Federation of Photographic Art (IFPA), France. Among them are K.G. Keerthirathna, Kumara Karunarathna, Rohitha Gunawardane, Yamuni Rashmika Perera.
They will be joined by recognized Sri Lankan photographers in the United States, Suriya Perera, Sumeda Jayasena, Moran Perera, and Andy Samarasena.
The exhibition consists of several rare photographs of National Parks of Sri Lanka (Yala, Vilpattu, Udawalawa, Minneriya, Wasgamuwa, Horton Plains), and one of the last remaining rainforests in the world, the Sinharaja Forest, in Sri Lanka. The ancient cities of Sri Lanka with architectural gems that are part of the cultural and religious heritage of the nation, blending with the tropical fauna and flora form an integral part of the exhibition.
The chief guest at the event will be the Consul General of Sri Lanka to the Western States of USA, Swarna Gunaratne, the guest of honour will be Founder, Sri Lanka Foundation Dr. Walter Jayasinghe; special guest will be Dr. Nandasiri Jasenthuliyana, President Emeritus, International Institute of Space Law Former Deputy Director General, United Nations, and Director, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.
The exhibition will be ceremonially opened on September 21 and will be open from 11 a.m. to 5pm.
Admission is free and all are welcome. For further information contact: 818-645-5726. (PR)
(Sunday Observer)