22/08/2026
The George Keyt Foundation (GKF) acknowledges with deep sadness the passing of our former Deputy Chairman, Mr. Nihal Rodrigo.
Mr. Rodrigo’s illustrious diplomatic career never deterred him from being a passionate supporter of the arts. An artist in his own right, he was a talented sketcher, painter, and photographer. His personal friendship with Sri Lanka’s premier modernist artist, George Keyt, stemmed from his schoolboy days in Kandy. These personal ties endured over the decades. When the Foundation was established under the leadership of Cedric and Sita de Silva, Mr. Rodrigo supported the initiative in every possible way, consistently dedicating his time despite his demanding official commitments.
He served as the Deputy Chairman of GKF for many years while stationed in Colombo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was a constant, supportive presence at the Foundation’s numerous events and played an instrumental role in publishing the 2001 centennial volume on Keyt, A Centennial Anthology, to which he contributed the insightful article, "George Keyt: Incentives and Influences."
During his tenure, GKF actively spotlighted and celebrated emerging talent, helping to build a sustainable market where artists could truly derive value from their work—a legacy that continues to thrive today.
At the 2017 opening of Kala Pola, the annual art fair organized jointly by GKF and John Keells Holdings, Mr. Rodrigo aptly noted, "It (Kala Pola) has helped to provide livelihood means to many talented artists to become professionals, with some going on to make a name for themselves in the global arena."
We extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
