“He [Wijesinghe] shows us in his drawings the characteristic configuration of trees and plants and their specific visual texture, without downplaying the subtle and fine intricacies of foliage, the shadows inside trees, the movement and shapes of creepers and plants in a forest ambience. Behind each of Karu’s works, one can sense the long hours and days that the artist has spent contemplating trees and forests. One cannot fail to feel the presence of a silent and penetrating mind behind these works. The serene mood that these drawings have thus acquired endows them with meditative connotation, elevating them to a higher status of beauty.” Jagath Weerasinghe

Karunasiri Wijesinghe is a distinguished Sri Lankan artist whose work deeply explores the theme of Nature, particularly the country’s lush flora and serene waterscapes, through drawing, painting, and pyrography. Beyond his artistic practice, Wijesinghe also nurtures the next generation of artists through academia, serving as a Lecturer at the Vibhavi Academy of Fine Arts and as a Visiting Lecturer at the Sri Palee Campus of the University of Colombo.

Central to Wijesinghe’s art is a deeply contemplative observation of natural forms. Art critic Prof. Jagath Weerasinghe remarks that Wijesinghe captures the configuration of trees and plants and their specific visual texture, without downplaying the intricacies of foliage, the shadows and the movement and shapes of creepers and plants. Meanwhile, Dr. Tissa Abeysekera writes that in Wijesinghe’s paintings, “a tree is a tree but it is also much more,” conveying an inner rhythm and energy that a photograph simply cannot capture. Through “selection and isolation, the artist links our ecological memory to ancient worlds, elevating his works to acts of  worship and tribute to the natural heritage.”

Over his prolific career, Wijesinghe has presented a number of solo exhibitions, beginning with his first in 1988 at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery in Colombo. He has also participated in numerous group shows, from Vruksha at Lionel Wendt (2011) to international events like the Asia Art Show in Dhaka (1995). His most recent displays include the work at Colomboscope 2024 and the tribute exhibition of Nihal Fernando in 2025. These exhibitions underline his sustained visibility both at home and abroad.

Along with his fine‑art endeavors, Wijesinghe has made significant contributions in the realm of illustration and commercial art. He is well‑known for his original book covers and illustrations, winning the Best Book Cover of the Year Award at the State Literary Festival in 1987. His artistry has also found commercial applications: he’s been commissioned by leading banks and other enterprises for projects such as designing souvenirs and calendars, blending aesthetic finesse with practical purposes.