Renowned Maldivian artist Husen Ali Manik collaborated with the High Commission of Sri Lanka and the National Art Gallery of the Maldives to bring together paintings by artists from Sri Lanka and the Maldives for the contemporary painting exhibition ‘Colombo–Malé’, held at the National Art Gallery of the Maldives from 10 to 17 September 2026.

The exhibition features paintings by Sri Lankan artists Sarath Gunasiri Perera, T.P.G. Amarajeewa, K.D. Lakshman and Chaminda Gamage, and Maldivian artists Afzal Shaafiu, Ahamed Anil, Ahameed Azmee and Hussain Ali Manik, offering audiences an opportunity to explore diverse artistic approaches, themes and visual expressions from Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

The Opening Ceremony of the exhibition took place on 10 September 2026 with the participation of Maldivian Government officials, including Chairman of the Maldives-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group, MP Ahmed Xamyr, State Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Mohamed Ikram, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Sri Lankan and Maldivian artists, members of the Sri Lankan community and art enthusiasts. Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Maldives, Mohamed Rizvi Hassen, highlighted that the exhibition sought not only to appreciate works of art but also to celebrate the longstanding cultural and artistic ties between the two neighbouring nations, while providing a platform for contemporary artists to share their perspectives, experiences and creative expressions.

The exhibition is currently open to the public and will continue until 17 September 2026.

In order to provide an opportunity for Sri Lankan audiences to experience the richness of Maldivian artistic practices and further strengthen cultural exchanges between Sri Lanka and Maldives, the High Commission of Sri Lanka wishes to collaborate with Sri Lankan and Maldivian artists to bring the ‘Colombo–Malé’ exhibition to Sri Lanka.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
Maldives

15 September 2026