ERIC SURIYASENA
I love the nature of Art and like to teach the youngsters more about the Batik Industry
I’m an artist. I usually do what inspires me. I’d like to think of myself as a trendsetter rather than someone who follows a trend
I am always on time. I never get late and that is the reason I have achieved so much. I have learned to be punctual, when I was studying under Nihal Fernando, as he always made sure that we were punctual at all times
On the Buzz I feature a kind man, Eric Suriyasena - better known as Uncle Eric - the man who has contributed so much to Sri Lanka in terms of fashion and tourism, having established himself as a pioneering artist of the country. He has dressed generations with his creativity. Last week, more than 800 people gathered to celebrate a total of 105 years in both industries. Despite his education in the field of finance, he remained inclined towards his artistic love, and we are all happy he did so. Today, he enjoys his busy life with kids and grand children and is a simple man whom everyone loves. He speaks about his life, art and everything in between on the Buzz today.
WHAT MADE YOU GET INTO DESIGNING?
After my schooldays at St. Benedict’s College and St. Sebastian’s College I attended the School of Fine Arts in Sri Lanka and then went to London. The foray into batik was ‘sort of accidental’. My love of travel landed me in Southeast Asia, or more specifically, Indonesia and Malaysia. The visit proved to be a literal eye-opener for me and I was entranced by the intricate workings behind the creation of batik. I started to create batiks to send to my pen pal friends all around the world; and the interest showed by my friends toward the beautiful designs led me to further study the art of batik in Indonesia and Malaysia.
YOU HAVE BEEN IN TOURISM FOR SO LONG, WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE?
My interest in tourism and the hotel trade led me to invest in Sunflower Beach Hotel
(one of the 1st class star hotels in Negombo) and along with my friends and cousins we invested in Goldi Sands Hotel in Negombo. And later went on to build Suriya Resort with my sons (Nilan, Ninesh and Niransha).
The hotel is a combination of my love of nature and art.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SUPPORT IN YOUR LIFE IN MAKING THIS A REALITY?
My wife, Leonie.
YOU CELEBRATED 50 YEARS AND 55 YEARS HOW WAS THE EXPERIENCE?
Very fulfilling.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL DESTINATION AND WHY?
Sweden, because of the wonderful people. But, I love Sri Lanka, there’s nothing like home.
HOW DO YOU KEEP UP WITH THE TREND WITH BATIK?
I’m an artist... I usually do what inspires me. I’d like to think of myself as a trendsetter... rather than someone who follows a trend... i do what I love... and if people are inspired by that... i’m happy.
ARE YOU WORKING ON ANY CURRENT PROJECTS?
My family and I are currently working on developing the
Chilaw Cancer Care Foundation. It’s for people who are in our area... so they don’t have to travel very far to Colombo to get treatment.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE STRESS AND PRESSURE?
I feel I’m at my best under pressure... my creative side really comes out.
WHAT’S THE MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT YOU THAT ONE WOULDN’T LEARN FROM YOUR RESUME ALONE?
I love the nature of Art and like to teach the youngsters more about the Batik Industry.
WHAT’S THE BEST / WORST PART OF DOING WHAT YOU DO?
Best part - Being an Artist and I like to learn more and more about the new techniques and designs and setting a good example to the youngsters. worst Part – to face different challenges with the changes in Sri Lanka and the World and to overcome so many obstacles.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR SRI LANKA?
To become a thriving tourist destination but still keep the authenticity and beauty of the country.