Empowering Sri Lanka's Creative Future
Since 2016, we've been transforming passionate individuals into skilled graphic designers, building a thriving creative community that celebrates Sri Lankan artistry while embracing global design standards.
Our Story
Creative Canvas Laboratory was founded in July 2016 with a simple yet ambitious vision: to establish Sri Lanka as a recognized hub for graphic design excellence. Our founders, Amara Wickramasinghe and Kasun Rathnayake, recognized the untapped creative potential within our island nation and dedicated themselves to building a world-class design education institution.
What began as a modest studio in Colombo has evolved into Sri Lanka's most comprehensive graphic design education facility. We've trained over 500 creative professionals who now contribute significantly to the local and international design industry, with many launching successful freelance careers and others joining prestigious agencies across the region.
Our approach uniquely blends traditional Sri Lankan artistic heritage with contemporary design principles. We believe that understanding our cultural roots strengthens our creative expression, making our graduates distinctive in the global marketplace while honoring the rich visual traditions that define our identity.
Our Methodology
We've developed a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to design education that combines theoretical foundations with practical application, ensuring our students master both creative thinking and technical execution.
Design Thinking Framework
Our curriculum is built on proven design thinking principles, emphasizing empathy, ideation, and iterative problem-solving. Students learn to approach every project with user-centered design methodologies that ensure meaningful and effective visual communication.
Practical Application
Every concept taught is immediately applied through hands-on projects. Our students work on real briefs from local businesses, NGOs, and startups, gaining invaluable experience while building professional portfolios that demonstrate their capabilities to potential employers.
Continuous Assessment
We employ ongoing evaluation methods rather than traditional testing. Regular portfolio reviews, peer feedback sessions, and industry critique panels ensure continuous improvement and help students identify their strengths and areas for development throughout their learning journey.
Our Impact
The success of our graduates speaks to the effectiveness of our approach. We measure our impact not just in numbers, but in the meaningful careers and creative contributions our alumni make to Sri Lankan society.
Industry Transformation
Our graduates have elevated design standards across Sri Lankan businesses, introducing international best practices while maintaining cultural authenticity.
Entrepreneurship Growth
Over 150 of our alumni have launched successful design studios and freelance practices, contributing to Sri Lanka's growing creative economy.
Global Recognition
Our graduates' work has been recognized internationally, with several winning design awards and securing positions at renowned global agencies.
Meet Our Expert Team
Our passionate educators combine years of industry experience with deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of Sri Lankan design talent.
Amara Senanayake
Founder & Creative Director
15+ years of experience in brand identity design for international clients. Former art director at prestigious Colombo agencies. Specializes in cultural storytelling through visual design and has mentored over 300 designers throughout her career.
Kasun Rajapaksa
Technical Lead & Adobe Specialist
Adobe Certified Expert with 12 years in digital design and motion graphics. Previously worked with leading tech startups across Asia. Expert in emerging design technologies and passionate about integrating traditional Sri Lankan art forms with modern digital techniques.
Nishani Perera
Portfolio Development Specialist
Career counselor and portfolio strategist with deep connections in Sri Lanka's creative industry. Former HR director at major advertising agencies. Specializes in helping students transition from education to professional practice with personalized career guidance.
Quality Standards & Safety Protocols
We maintain the highest educational standards through comprehensive quality assurance measures and robust student support systems that ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment for all.
Student Safety
Comprehensive safety protocols ensure a secure learning environment with 24/7 support and emergency procedures.
Accreditation
All programs meet international education standards and are recognized by leading industry bodies and professional associations.
Inclusive Environment
Diversity and inclusion policies ensure equal opportunities and respectful treatment for students from all backgrounds.
Quality Assurance
Regular curriculum updates, instructor evaluations, and student feedback systems maintain educational excellence.
Our Values & Expertise
Cultural Innovation
We believe that the strongest designs emerge when traditional Sri Lankan aesthetic principles meet contemporary global standards. Our curriculum celebrates local artistic heritage while preparing students for international careers.
Professional Excellence
Every aspect of our program is designed to develop not just technical skills, but professional competencies including client communication, project management, and business acumen essential for design career success.
Continuous Growth
Learning doesn't end at graduation. We provide ongoing support, advanced workshops, and networking opportunities that help our alumni stay current with evolving design trends and technologies throughout their careers.
Ready to Join Our Creative Community?
Experience the difference that passionate instruction, comprehensive curriculum, and genuine care for student success can make in your creative journey. Join hundreds of successful graduates who started their design careers with us.