Assoc. Prof. M. R. Podinilame
Associate Professor
Profile:
Professor Ramyawardane Podinilame is a Sri Lankan artist, designer, and academic specializing in Multi-Disciplinary Design, with particular expertise in mural design across diverse media. Born on 9 December 1961 in Rathnapura, he grew up in Matugama in the Kalutara District of the Western Province.
He completed his school education at C.W.W. Kannangara Central College, Matugama, and Sripalee College, Horana, a historic institution founded by Wilmot A. Perera in association with the cultural philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore.
Professor Podinilame obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Multi-Disciplinary Design from the Institute of Aesthetic Studies, University of Kelaniya in 1985. After joining the academic staff in 1986, he was awarded an ICCR Scholarship by the Government of India, enabling him to pursue a Master of Arts (Fine Arts) at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India, which he completed in 1990.
With over three decades of academic and professional experience, Professor Podinilame currently serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Multi-Disciplinary Design at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo. His work integrates visual art, design research, public art, and performance-based art direction.
Academic Qualifications:
- Master of Arts (Fine Arts) – Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India (1990)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Multi-Disciplinary Design) – Institute of Aesthetic Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (1985)
- G.C.E. Advanced Level – Sripalee College, Horana (1980)
- G.C.E. Ordinary Level – C.W.W. Kannangara Central College, Matugama (1975)
Academic and Administrative Positions:
- Professor/ Associate Professor in Multi-Disciplinary Design
- Head, Department of Multi-Disciplinary Design (2022 – Present)
- Dean, Faculty of Visual Arts (2015)
- Acting Dean, Faculty of Visual Arts (2015)
- Acting Dean, Postgraduate Studies (2015)
- Director, Staff Development Centre – University of the Visual & Performing Arts (2015–2018)
- Head, Department of Multi-Disciplinary Design (2012–2015)
- Acting Head, Department of Sculpture (2017)
- Coordinator, Master of Visual Art Programme (2010)
- Senior Student Counselor (2008)
- Acting Head, Department of Multi-Disciplinary Design (2007–2008)
- Coordinator of Computer Studies (2005–2006)
- Course Coordinator – Multi-Disciplinary Design Programme (2000–2005)
- Course Coordinator – Free Studios Programme (2000–2005)
- Senior Lecturer (Grade I) (1995–2009)
- Senior Lecturer (Grade II) (1991–1995)
- Lecturer (1986–1991)
Professional and Institutional Engagements:
- Chairperson, Visual Art Advisory Board – National Art Society, Ministry of Cultural Affairs (2019–2022)
- Co-President, China–Sri Lanka Friendship Association (2016–2021)
- Head of Research Team, Intangible Cultural Heritage Project – UNESCO Japan (2018)
Creative and Professional Practice:
Professor Podinilame’s artistic practice focuses on mural design and public art, with works implemented in public institutions and private spaces in Colombo and Kandy. His multidisciplinary approach integrates visual design, architecture, performance space, and cultural narratives.
In addition to his visual art practice, he has been actively engaged in art direction for television and performing arts. His work in television art direction received national recognition when he won the Best Art Director Award at the Raigam Tele Awards (2007) for the tele-drama “Chakrayudaya” broadcast on ITN.
He has also contributed to stage productions, designing sets, costumes, and stage properties for theatrical performances.
Research Interests:
- Multi-Disciplinary Design
- Mural Art and Public Art
- Visual Culture and Design Heritage
- Art Direction for Performance and Media
- Intangible Cultural Heritage