HNB supports KALA South Asia – a celebration of art, as Official Banking Partner

Thursday, 13 February 2025 03:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: HNB Head of Marketing Upul Adikari, Head of Private Banking Michelle De Silva, Chief Operating Officer Sanjay Wijemanne, KALA Founding Director Saskia Fernando, Project Director Michele Thurairaja, and HNB Senior Manager – Priority Circle Jude Pillai

Sri Lanka’s largest private sector retail bank, HNB PLC, has announced its official partnership with KALA South Asia 2025, the prestigious art initiative founded by Saskia Fernando and supported by the Udayshanth and Angelica Fernando Foundation.

While Cinnamon Life is the key venue of this initiative, KALA 2025 will feature events across multiple venues, including the University of Visual and Performing Arts, the JDA Perera Gallery, the Barefoot Gallery, and the Tintagel Hotel. This collaboration underscores HNB’s unwavering commitment to fostering arts, culture, and education while celebrating the transformative power of creativity.

As the Official Banking Partner of KALA, HNB supports this landmark event throughout the month of February, which brings together South Asia’s most talented artists, international creatives, and art enthusiasts under one roof. KALA serves as a dynamic platform that elevates contemporary art as a valuable asset class, celebrates cultural milestones, and fosters the growth of emerging artistic talent.

This second edition of KALA is particularly significant as it collaborates closely with the University of Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA), Colombo, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. The Festival pays homage to the pioneering contributions of early leaders in Sri Lanka’s art scene, whose visionary work shaped the country’s artistic identity. The UVPA, a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s art education, continues to nurture some of the nation’s most celebrated artists, making this partnership a meaningful celebration of heritage and innovation.

Speaking about the partnership, HNB COO Sanjay Wijemanne said, “Art is not only a powerful medium of expression but also a valuable asset class with significant cultural and economic potential. As a bank deeply invested in Sri Lanka’s economic growth, we recognise the increasing role of art as an investment avenue, offering both financial and intrinsic value. HNB is honoured to partner with KALA, an initiative that showcases art’s ability to inspire, educate, and unite communities. Beyond this partnership, we remain committed to fostering the nation’s creative economy by supporting SMEs, artisans, and emerging artists through tailored financial solutions and initiatives that promote sustainable growth in the arts sector. We are proud to contribute to the expansion of Sri Lanka’s creative landscape, celebrating art today while investing in its future.”

KALA at Cinnamon Life City of Dreams promises to be a must-visit event for art lovers, collectors, and cultural enthusiasts. With HNB as the Official Banking Partner, the event is set to deliver an unforgettable experience that celebrates the best of contemporary art, culture, and education.

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