TISSA RANASINGHE

Tissa Ranasinghe (b. 1925, Yogiyana; d. 2019, London) was a renowned sculptor, celebrated for his bronze works. His creations often drew inspiration from the life of the Buddha and the Hindu pantheon, reimagining mythological and religious narratives through sculptures of figures like Visvakarma, Garuda, and Prince Siddhartha. 

Ranasinghe began his artistic journey by studying painting at the College of Fine Arts in Colombo (now the University of Visual and Performing Arts) in 1949. He later earned a Diploma in Sculpture from the Chelsea School of Art in London, followed by a Certificate in Bronze Casting from the Royal College of Art. In 1958, he became the first Sri Lankan recipient of a UNESCO Fellowship under the Creative Artists Scheme.

His work was widely exhibited both in Sri Lanka and internationally. His work has been exhibited at the National Gallery, Bangkok (2002),  Royal Academy Summer Shows, London (1974, 1975, 1981, 1988, 1989, 1990), the 7th São Paulo Biennale, Sao Paulo (1964), the Edinburgh Festival, Edinburgh (1962). 

Ranasinghe also had an influential academic career, serving as a visiting lecturer at the College of Fine Arts and becoming the Principal of the Government College of Art and Art Crafts in 1970.In recognition of his artistic achievements, he was honored with the title Kala Suri by the Government of Sri Lanka in 1987. Two years later, in 1989, he was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Art. Ranasinghe is also a recipient of the the Bunka Prize.