Donald Ramanayake was a Sri Lankan landscape artist who mainly painted scenery based in the country using oil on canvas. Ramanayake received his education from Cathedral College, Kotahena and Trinity College, Kandy, while learning art under Mudliyar A.C.G.S. Amarasekera. He also considered prolific artist David Paynter as one of his influences, using colour and attractive imagery from nature to entice the viewer. His painting “A Drummer”, dated 1945, illustrates Ramanayake’s signature style which portrays a traditional drummer alongside a backdrop of a temple, was recently presented at Roseberrys London. Ramanayake mainly used pastels, charcoal, watercolors and oil paint when working on canvas. 

Ramanayake often derived inspiration from the Russian artist Alexander Sofronoff who drew landscapes that are imbued with colour and a sense of calmness and inner peace. Whether it was a dull landscape or not, Ramanayake much like Sofronoff managed to incorporate vibrancy, giving the painting an unconventional appeal. His works can be found in local and international collections, representing a distinct and captivating aspect of Sri Lankan landscape art. Ramanayake was also a teacher of art and had the opportunity to pass on his refined knowledge in oil painting to generations of students. He, along with his wife lived in their home in Kalubowila for almost three decades before moving to Maligawatta.