Sri Lanka is a country with rich cultural and historical value, boasting a huge collection of diverse art forms. The country's art includes paintings, drawings, and architecture, all of which hold significant historical and cultural importance. When discussing Sri Lanka's historic art, paintings hold a special place. They date back to the Anuradhapura period (3rd century BC to 10th century AD). According to historical records, with the arrival of Sangamittha Therani, she brought along workers, including 18 professionals, including painters. This rich history of art in Sri Lanka is intertwined with its cultural and historical narrative.

One cannot discuss Sri Lankan paintings without mentioning Sigiriya, a rock formation that stands as a proud testament to the beauty of the Sri Lankan Earth. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya features stunning frescoes that have been preserved remarkably well. These frescoes are adorned with natural pigments derived from flowers, fruits, and other organic materials, showcasing vibrant colors such as red, yellow, green, blue, and black. The images depict girls, often considered as representations

of fairies of clouds and thunder. Adjacent to these frescoes is the mirror wall, which contains a collection of poems by ancient visitors, offering further insight into the art and culture of the time. For example, the Song of Lord Kital goes “Sweet girl, Standing on the mountain, Your teeth like jewels, Lighting the lotus of your eyes, Talk to me gently of your heart, Ladies like you Make men pour out their hearts.”

Throughout history, numerous artists have depicted religious themes, as well as scenes from the lives of kings and ancient times. Art has been closely intertwined with religion in Sri Lanka, with many religious sites featuring a wealth of paintings. Even today, the country continues to be home to many talented artists who produce beautiful and meaningful artwork.