“Lotus Roots”, An India–Sri Lanka Artist Exhibition to be Held at The Shoppes at City of Dreams

Empowerment, a Delhi-based cultural NGO, is proud to announce “Lotus Roots : A India–Sri Lanka Artist Project,” a new international art initiative bringing together 10 Indian and 10 Sri Lankan painters in Colombo for a joint residency and curated exhibition.

The exhibition will be hosted at The Shoppes at City of Dreams, the premium retail centre at South Asia’s largest integrated resort, on March 28 and 29.

Held in the spirit of Women’s Day, the collaborative project aims to strengthen cultural exchange, artistic dialogue, and creative collaboration between female identifying artists from India and Sri Lanka.

The project is being coordinated in Sri Lanka by Vishi Dharmasiriwardena, who serves as the local counterpart for this initiative.

Participating artists from both countries will come together for joint painting sessions, collaborative artworks, and open discussions reflecting their artistic perspectives and cultural experiences.

The programme culminates in a curated public exhibition showcasing works created during the residency, serving as a celebration of artistic collaboration and cultural friendship between the two nations.

Visual Artist and President of Empowerment, Kumar Vikas Saxena, shared,

“Through ‘Lotus Roots,’ Empowerment aims to further strengthen bilateral cultural ties, provide a vibrant platform for both emerging and established artists, and encourage a deeper appreciation of shared cultural histories alongside contemporary artistic expressions.”

Last month, The Shoppes welcomed award-winning photographer Raffaella Fernando for a three-day public exhibition marking her annual calendar launch, an event that drew warm public response.

“Lotus Roots” builds on this momentum, as The Shoppes continues to cement itself as a space for curated arts experiences.

“We are delighted to host ‘Lotus Roots’ at The Shoppes.

Art and culture have always been central to our vision at the City of Dreams, Sri Lanka, and there is something truly special about bringing together artists from India and Sri Lanka to create, connect, and share their work with the people of Colombo.

We look forward to welcoming visitors to experience this wonderful exhibition” said Director of Mall Management, The Shoppes at City of Dreams, Romesh Jayawardene.

“Lotus Roots” builds on Empowerment’s strong track record of cross-border cultural exchange since 2002.

The organization has successfully implemented numerous national and international art initiatives, promoting both emerging and professional artists while celebrating cultural diversity and fostering global connections.

Among its notable past projects are “Colors of Harmony” with the India–Sri Lanka Foundation, “Beyond Borders 2025” which involved artists from 10 Countries, the “Maitri” India–China Women Artists’ Residency in Jaipur in association with ICCR, and “Art Freundschaft” in Berlin with the Embassy of India, among many others spanning South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

Empowerment looks forward to the continued support of cultural institutions, media partners, and art enthusiasts in making this initiative a meaningful and successful celebration of international artistic collaboration.

The Shoppes at City of Dreams equally looks forward to continuing to open its doors to the arts, showcasing creative expression from Sri Lanka and beyond.