Lankan photographers shine at this year’s PSSL competition
Signing the memorandum. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
From capturing lantern festivals in China, traditional weddings in Romania and cheetahs on the hunt, the Photographic Society of Sri Lanka’s 63rd annual International Competition and Exhibition in Photography showcased a stunning display of special moments captured by the skill of the photographer.
The exhibition was ceremonially opened at the China Cultural Centre on November 23, by President of the Photographic Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL), Romesh De Silva, Head of Cultural Affairs from the Chinese Embassy Liu Dong, Director of the China Cultural Centre Yue Liwen and Patron of the PSSL Joe De Livera.
This year particularly stood out from the previous competitions due to the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Romesh De Silva and Liu Dong on behalf of their respective organisations.
Mr. De Silva told the Sunday Times, “This year, we get to frame the bond between China and Sri Lanka, establishing a better understanding and encouraging the cultural values of each country. “
Initially established in 1906 as the Amateur Photographic Association of Ceylon by Henry Lorenz Wendt and later renamed and overhauled to what it is today in 1934 by Lionel Wendt, the PSSL aims to encourage photographers to nurture their interest in the art.
A number of international participants had submitted photographs under the four themes of Open-colour, Open-mono, Nature & Wildlife and Travel.The exhibit was a teleportation device for the viewer from the intimate portraits of people, the intense aura of a predator on the chase and the serene calmness of hilltop temples.
Sri Lankan competitors won big with their exceptional photography skills. Pandula Bandara won the PSSL Founders’ Challenge Trophy, D.C.L. Amerasinghe the Challenge Trophy and B.P. Weerawardena the Challenge Trophy (PSSL Member Award) for Open Colour. Rukmal de Silva took home the Dr. S.R. Kottegoda Challenge Trophy (PSSL Member Award) for Open Mono and the Kalabushana L.E. Samararatne Challenge Trophy for Portrait. The Silva PSSL Challenge Trophy for Nature was awarded to K. G. Keerthirathne.