16th May 2011 | Diyabubula, Sri Lanka

On a Buddha Purnima day, we had the profound honor of meeting the legendary Sri Lankan artist Laki Senanayake at his renowned estate, Diyabubula, nestled in the lush surroundings of Dambulla. Our visit was part of a larger journey undertaken by a group of architects from the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Kerala chapter. This gathering of creative minds provided a unique opportunity for in-depth discussions about art, architecture, and the intricacies of life, all in the inspiring presence of a master like Laki.

Laki’s journey as an artist is deeply intertwined with his relationship with the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. It was Bawa who recognized Laki’s talent early on and provided him with opportunities to explore his creativity through architecture. Laki’s artistic contributions to Bawa’s iconic projects, including murals, sculptures, and landscape designs, were instrumental in shaping some of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated architectural works. This collaboration was more than just professional; it was a creative partnership that deeply influenced Laki’s artistic journey and his approach to integrating art with the environment.

Diyabubula, also known as the ‘water garden,’ is more than just a home; it is Laki’s living masterpiece, a stunning blend of art and nature that he cultivated over decades. The serenity of the estate, with its meticulously crafted sculptures, living trees, and the sound of water softly flowing through the landscape, set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Laki, who had an extraordinary ability to infuse life into everything he touched, welcomed us with his characteristic warmth and quiet intensity.

Amid this ethereal setting, we mustered the courage to ask Laki for his autograph – a request for a mark from the hand that had crafted many drawings at Bawa’s studio. In response, with a twinkle in his eye, he put on some music from his iPod. An obscure European band performing experimental classical crossover, carried by hidden speakers throughout the landscape, floated through the garden, enhancing the already dreamlike atmosphere.

As the melodies drifted through the garden, Laki fell into a contemplative silence, fully immersing himself in the moment. Without uttering a single word, he began to draw. The quiet intensity of his focus was palpable, and what emerged from his pen was a beautifully detailed depiction of a leopard. This artwork was not just a drawing but a symbol of the wilderness that enveloped us, capturing the essence of the natural world that Laki so deeply cherished.

This spontaneous creation, crafted in the heart of Laki’s artistic haven, was a testament to his profound connection with nature and his remarkable ability to capture its essence on paper. The drawing now hangs proudly in our studio, a cherished reminder of our encounter with a man whose life and work were inextricably linked to the natural world. This piece of art serves as a constant source of inspiration, evoking the peace and creativity that Laki embodied throughout his life.

(P.S. We were fortunate to visit Laki once more in 2015. By then, Diyabubula had transformed. The landscape was now dotted with many more of Laki’s living experiments, yet an unspoken melancholy lingered at its threshold. A new structure, a wellness hotel, had taken root where wilderness once thrived.

We later learned that Laki Senanayake passed away on May 30, 2021, at his estate, at the age of 84. We were deeply saddened by this news. Yet, the drawing that hangs in our studio continues to remind us of the indomitable spirit he carried.)