Sapumal Foundation

The Sapumal Foundation in Colombo is a distinguished art gallery and cultural institution founded in 1974 by Harry Pieris, a pivotal figure in Sri Lanka’s modern art movement.

Located at 32/4 Barnes Place, the foundation occupies the artist’s former residence, preserving its colonial-era charm and original furnishings.

It houses an extensive collection of over 1,000 artworks, including more than 200 paintings and drawings tracing the development of Sri Lankan art from the 1920s to the present.

The core collection consists of works by artists of the '43 Group, including luminaries like Lionel Wendt, George Keyt, Ivan Peries, and Justin Deraniyagala, alongside later artists such as George Claessen and Aubrey Collette.

The foundation also offers a print studio for training in etching, engraving, and other forms of printing, supporting both visual art and cultural education.

It provides grants, scholarships, and bursaries to support Sri Lankans pursuing careers in the arts and engages in book publication and community initiatives.