The majority of paintings in Sri Lanka are found in Buddhist temples and monasteries. Mainly these paintings can be seen in the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy and Dambulla. 

These five historic sites have been designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, owing to their artistic treasures, which are considered masterpieces of human creativeness.

The paintings in Sri Lanka dates back to the Anuradhapura period (3rd Century BC - 10th Century AD) with the arrival of Sangamitta Therani. She brought along with her, workers that belong to eighteen professionals including painters and architects. Hence, the Indian influence on Sri Lankan paintings was somewhat apparent and there are similarities between the murals of this era with frescoes in Ajantha caves. The Sinhala artists were able to invent and incorporate their own artistic elements into their art even though they were inspired by Buddhism.

The themes of most paintings are based on the life of the Buddha and stories associated with the Buddha. The jataka stories (tales of former lives of the Buddha), deities and representation of multifarious hells are among other distinguished themes of paintings. 

Buddhist paintings in Sri Lanka fall into two main categories: the classical and the Kandyan. The classical period can be identified from the fifth to the thirteenth century which includes both the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa eras. The Kandyan period last from the eighteenth to the nineteenth century. The southern school of art and the paintings of the modern period are exposed to both the classical and Kandyan paintings.

Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa Periods

For about 1300 years Anuradhapura has functioned as the Capital City of ancient Sri Lanka. Paintings belonging to this period signifies Buddhist values with outstanding artistic quality. The most outstanding and exceptional example for the Sri Lanka school of classical realist art can be seen in Sigiriya. These paintings belonged to the 5th century AD. Even though the rock paintings at Ajanta has some influence on Sigiriya frescoes, the latter has distinguished characteristics of local tradition

The paintings of the Thivanka Image House represent the best artistic expressions of the Polonnaruwa period. There are wall paintings drawn around the 13th century that illustrate the narratives of the previous life of Buddha called Jataka. These paintings have depicted a blend of popular and classical styles of arts according to scholars. 

Kandy Period

Southern School 

The southern school has artistic expressions of its own rooted in the Kandy tradition. These murals were painted with elaborate detail and vibrant colour. The influence of western traditions cannot be totally overruled in these paintings.Mulkirigala, Totagamuwa, Kataluwe Purvaramaya, Dodanduwe Sailabimbaramaya and Karagampitiye Subodharamaya are among prominent sites of paintings of the Southern School. 

Modern Period

The paintings of the modern period include the latter part of the British colonial period and post-independence era. The authentic art tradition in the modern period is a combination of various art traditions that evolved from ancient times. The diversity in styles is a special feature in these temple paintings with George Keyt murals at Gothami Vihara, and Solius Mendis murals at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya being more prominent.

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Sri Lankan Arts

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Sri Lankan Culture

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