With love, from Sri Lanka

By Laila Nasry 

'Arlen' which means 'with love', is a gallery created out of love for all that is traditional and beautiful - a wonderful place where creative expression reigns supreme. 

Situated on D.S. Senanayake Mawatha in Borella, 'Arlen' strives to fill a gap in the local market. A gap created by the scarcity of locally produced arts and crafts. Owner Merick Peiris realised that there was a need for more items with an essentially Sri Lankan stamp on it for presentation as gifts or souvenirs. 

"When I went abroad I found there was hardly anything 'very Sri Lankan' to take along other than tea." This resulted in the IT management consultant giving vent to his artistic instincts in the form of a gallery-cum-sales centre. 

'Arlen' has a variety of exquisite items for the appreciative eye. The intricate silver jewellery set in semi-precious stones has an authentic Sri Lankan flavour to it, with 'very local' designs. These are genuine one-of-a kind items. 

Displayed alongside glittering jewellery, are painted tiles with different designs and inscriptions. These 'light' works of art make ideal souvenirs for those wanting to take something Sri Lankan, abroad. However what commands the attention most are the wonderful paintings which adorn the walls. Displayed are works done in oils and watercolours. Paintings of the likes of Nihal Sangabo Dias, K.D. Jinadasa and other young aspiring artists. Some depict portraits, while others portray the rural rustic environs of Sri Lanka at their best. Also for sale are works of art done with pen and ink. These are masterpieces, epitomes of patience and precision, with each minute detail drawn to perfection. The replicas at 'Arlen' are a collector's dream. Most of them are look-alikes of the authentic temple drawings done years ago, complete with cracks and blotches as they are seen now. The resemblance is so close that it seems as if they have been stolen off the temple walls. Mahogany Buddha statues of bygone years are among the items which have been reproduced.

Studio pottery done in clay and terracotta is an added feature at 'Arlen'. These items which include various statues and pots are a specialty of Baratha Liyanage. 

The studio also consists of different items made of wood, like children's toys, of which an intricate doll's house takes pride of place. Wrought-iron candle stands, tapestry, lace tablecloths, lampshades, hand-made greeting cards and leather goods are also available.

At 'Arlen' there is no belief in mass-scale production. Each item is unique. 

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