The graphic design talent that says, ‘Sri Lanka can!’ – Chanuka Wijeyasinghe AOD alumnus at Triad

Advertising and graphic design being a relatively new industry to Sri Lanka, the inspiration and benchmarks for it are often sought overseas rather than at home. However, Sri Lanka’s international design campus – AOD, has been preparing young designers to meet global standards in advertising and graphic design with a firm conviction on Sri Lankan creative talent.

This is one reason behind the success of AOD alumna Chanuka Wijayasinghe at ‘Triad’ – a premier local ad agency driven by the attitude ‘Sri Lanka can’

Chanuka, a 24 year old designer who graduated with a BA (Hons) Northumbria University School of Design degree from AOD, is currently working as a Creative designer at Triad. “I think that I was always more into right brain thinking even at school and this creative side was certainly enhanced through the education I got from AOD.”

Chanuka enjoys his work and the environment at Triad which promotes ‘Sri Lankan thinking’ to provide creative solutions; “At Triad we aspire to be the first Sri Lankan multinational communications company. As Proud 100 per cent local agency, we look forward to bringing the first Cannes metal to the country.” he says confidently. Chanuka’s strong patriotism is a constant inspiration for his creativity and work ““Triad is an agency that engages with Sri Lanka through campaigns for the Sri Lankan military and development projects for Sri Lankans. My best project up to date would be the invitation I did for ‘International Accountability Network’ which got me an award as well,” he adds. Chanuka was the proud winner to represent Sri Lankan ad industry at Cannes ad fest in 2011.

He credits AOD’s education for his success, “No matter how good a train engine is, there’s no point without the rail tracks” he says commenting on the importance of education in a creative field like advertising where there is increasing competition.

“AOD set us up in such a way where we were able to handle all the pressure in the creative industry whether we like it or not. And that learning and experience I had was a good addition to work since the day I became a part of the Triad family.”

AOD provides world renowned design degrees in fashion, fashion marketing, interior design, graphic design, motion graphics and animation along with certificate education in jewellery design and photography.