The origins of formal fine arts education in Sri Lanka can be traced back to 10 November 1893, when a course in the Faculty of Fine Arts was first introduced at the Maradana Technical College. This initiative marked the earliest structured attempt to institutionalize artistic training in the country. Subsequently, on 13 September 1949, the Institute of Fine Arts was formally established and located at the Heywood Hall premises, under the leadership of Mr. J. D. A. Perera, who served as its founding head. The development of the institute reached a significant milestone on 7 July 1953, when the Government Institute of Fine Arts was founded, consisting of three specialized departments: Music, Dance, and Art. In 1960, reflecting its growing national role, the institution was renamed the National Academy of Arts of Sri Lanka. Further transformations followed: on 1 May 1974, it became the Institute of Aesthetic Studies of the University of Sri Lanka; around 1976, it was restructured as the College of Arts and Design; and finally, on 1 January 1979, it assumed the title of the Institute of Aesthetic Studies, University of Kelaniya.

On 1 July 2005, the University of Aesthetic Arts was established as a fully-fledged university, and its premises, including Haywood Hall, were designated as the Faculty of Visual Arts.

In conjunction with this anniversary, the following programmes are scheduled to be implemented at the Faculty of Visual Arts, located at 46, Horton Place, Colombo 07.

1. Unveiling of the full-figure Sculpture of J.D.A. Perera.
2. Unveiling of the permanent art collection.
3. Launch of the J.D.A. Perera Art Gallery website.
4. Screening of the 75th Anniversary Documentary.
5. Release of the 75th Anniversary song.

A permanent collection comprising selected works by teachers and graduates of the Haywood Institute, spanning from its founder, Mr. J. D. A. Perera, to contemporary emerging artists (1949–2025), will be presented. The exhibition will be organized chronologically, with the period from 1949 to 2025 systematically divided into six distinct sections.

Section 1 – Government Collage of Fine Arts (1949-1953)
Section 2 – Government College of Fine Arts (1953-1959)
Section 3 – National Institute of Arts, Sri Lanka (1960-1974)
Section 4 – Institute of Aesthetic Studies, University of Sri Lanka (1974-1979)
Section 5 – Institute of Aesthetic Studies, University of Kelaniya (1980-2005)
Section 6 – University of Fine Arts, Faculty of Visual Arts (2005-2025)

The permanent exhibition, scheduled to open to the public on 13 September 2025, will exclusively feature works by artists active during the period from 1948 to 1985. The remaining works are planned to be exhibited following the conclusion of this inaugural event.

Permanent Art Collection

Opening 13 September 2025 at 10.00 a.m.
The exhibition will be open from Monday to Thursday from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
At the Faculty of Visual Arts
J.D.A. Perera Gallery, 46, Horton Place, Colombo 7

A permanent collection of works will be displayed.

The primary objectives underlying the establishment of this permanent art collection are as follows,

1. To establish a collection comprising works by artists who have emerged from the Heywood Institute.
2. To highlight the distinctive contributions and unique role of the Heywood Institute in shaping the development of the visual arts sector in Sri Lanka.
3. To provide schools, universities, Sri Lankan art enthusiasts, international students, and foreign audiences with the opportunity to study and engage with the artworks on display.
4. To contribute to national development through the promotion of individual creativity.