• Rhuani Rambukwelle defends the irreplaceable human touch amidst AI advancements

Rhuani Rambukwelle is a prominent figure in the business, art, and community sectors in Sri Lanka. As the founder of Enforcers of the Call Global, Hardy Centre of Art, and Chairperson of the International Christian Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, Rambukwelle has made significant contributions to various fields. Known for her visionary approach and unwavering commitment, she has carved a path of success and impact in her endeavours.

With a passion for art that stems from her childhood, Rambukwelle established the Hardy Centre of Art, named after her maternal grandfather, with the aim of promoting the rich artistic heritage of Sri Lanka. Her artistic journey began at a young age, nurtured by her grandfather's influence as an art teacher. Over the years, she has not only honed her skills as a graphic designer but has also exported her art pieces to countries around the world, gaining recognition as the "lion artist" for her captivating lion-themed paintings.

As the Chairperson of the International Christian Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, Rambukwelle has taken on the responsibility of empowering struggling businesses, particularly during the challenging times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through business clinics and financial management guidance, she aims to help entrepreneurs navigate the economic crisis and foster self-sustainability.

Following are the excerpts from the interview.

What attracted you to this field and what made it so intriguing? How did you embark on the path to becoming an artist?

I have been passionate about art since my childhood. My interest in art began during my school days, influenced by my grandfather who was an art teacher at Trinity College, Kandy. I attended Ladies College, Colombo, and during that time, my school collaborated with the Swedish Embassy for a pen pal program with Swedish children. We started by painting pictures, and when the Swedish ambassador appreciated my sketch, it encouraged me to further develop my painting skills. With my artistic and design abilities, I started my career as a graphic designer at a young age, working for prestigious advertising agencies in Sri Lanka, namely Grants, and Masters. In 2002, I established the Hardy Centre of Art, named after my maternal grandfather. Since 2010, I have been exporting my art pieces to foreign countries.

What inspired you to start the Hardy Centre of Art? How has the journey been so far?

I founded the Hardy Centre of Art intending to promote art and culture in our country. Additionally, my grandfather's influence as an art teacher played a significant role in inspiring me to establish the centre. Initially, we had around 150 students, but unfortunately, due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced a decline in the number of students. However, we are currently witnessing a positive trend, with the number of students gradually increasing.

How has the current economic crisis, high cost of living, and people tightening their budgets affected your business? How is it faring now?

Surviving as an artist during an economic crisis is indeed challenging. Art is often considered a discretionary expense and one of the first things people eliminate from their budgets during such difficult times. This situation has made it economically difficult for artists, as people are struggling financially and have less disposable income. While many individuals seek art as a means to de-stress, financial constraints prevent them from pursuing it as much as before.

Can you tell me about your local and international alliances? Do you provide services to international markets? If so, what is the demand from those markets?

My paintings have reached various corners of the world, particularly my lion-themed artwork, for which I am known as the "lion artist." I have a significant presence in markets such as America, the UK, Australia, Canada, India, Russia, the Middle East, and New Zealand. Additionally, I contribute my art pieces to charitable causes, which allows my work to be appreciated in different parts of the world. While I have been catering to the local market through referrals from friends and family, it is worth noting that overall interest in artwork within the country has diminished when compared to previous years. However, despite the global recession, I have received numerous orders and increased demand for my paintings from countries like New Zealand, India, and the UK.

What kind of government support do artists receive, and what do you think can be done to further support your vocation?

Regrettably, there is a lack of significant government support for artists in our country, which is disheartening given Sri Lanka's rich artistic heritage. We have talented individuals in music, drawing, and other art forms, making us an inherently artistic nation. However, the government's attention and support in this area are lacking. There are high taxes imposed on paintings and a general disregard for the struggles faced by artists, who often find it challenging to earn a livelihood from their creative work. In contrast, many other nations actively involve themselves in art, recognizing its value and promoting it through initiatives such as large galleries. Authorities need to recognize the potential of artists and provide them with the necessary support, including financial aid for university students pursuing art careers.

Are technologies like AI and other design applications intimidating to you? Do you believe they will replace artists in your field? How do you feel about their impact?

New technologies such as AI do not intimidate artists. We are always willing to learn and adapt to new advancements in our field. While digital artists who work on computers have their own unique skill set, traditional painting using actual paint holds an irreplaceable value. People appreciate original paintings and the human touch that comes with them. Although AI can produce paintings effortlessly, they lack the human element and carry a clinical feel. Unfortunately, the world is heading towards a dangerous path where AI is dominating various sectors. This overreliance on AI threatens the existence of humans, as it may ultimately render them obsolete. Each painting an artist creates reflects their soul and emotions, conveying a personal connection with the canvas. AI cannot replicate this. Although AI may be able to imitate famous artworks, it can never replace the artist behind them. The issue arises when AI can produce art at a lower cost, undermining the value of original artwork. Nonetheless, the distinctive qualities of an artist's work and the emotional connection it evokes cannot be replicated by technology.

As the President of the International Christian Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (ICCC), what contributions does the chamber make to society? Could you elaborate on your charitable endeavours?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our activities at the ICCC have been limited. Currently, we organize business clinics to assist struggling businesses in turning their situations around. Additionally, we conduct workshops in rural areas, teaching locals about financial management, banking, loans, and achieving self-sustainability. Recently, we have started working in Navula and Unawatuna, providing support to small businesses. The ICCC was founded on the principle of larger businesses nurturing smaller ones, much like big trees providing care to small trees. We aim to foster the growth and development of smaller businesses through mentorship and guidance.

Do you face any regulatory difficulties in Sri Lanka? How have the new tax reforms affected your industry?

I firmly believe that every individual should pay taxes, although, in Sri Lanka, a significant portion of the population avoids doing so. I have always paid my taxes and maintained a tax file. However, the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted my businesses. Ethical business practices are important to me, and paying taxes is an integral part of that. Taxation is crucial for the development of good infrastructure and facilities, such as well-maintained roads. It concerns me when taxes on goods are lifted abruptly, as it raises questions about the ability to effectively govern a country. The art industry, in particular, faces challenges as many artists struggle to generate sufficient income to pay taxes.

What are your thoughts on the local arts industry?

I feel a sense of sadness when considering the state of our local art industry. Sri Lanka possesses abundant talent and unique art methods that are highly admired by foreigners, which could contribute to our foreign exchange earnings. However, we are witnessing a decline in the number of artists. For instance, traditional art forms like Biralu art and lacquer painting, which once had good demand in the international market, are fading away. Unfortunately, the government has not taken sufficient measures to preserve and promote these traditional art forms, resulting in their gradual disappearance. Some local artists participate in overseas exhibitions to revive and showcase these lost art methods. The government must promote our country's art industry, as there is a significant demand for art in the Western world. Our artists have tremendous potential if they are allowed to exhibit their work abroad. At present, only a few children choose art as a career, and even they often seek opportunities abroad due to the challenging conditions in our country. I organize exhibitions in villages to promote local art and help artists market their work.

What suggestions do you have for young individuals considering launching their art galleries in Sri Lanka but feel unsure about the timing?

When I was working at Grants Advertising and later at Masters Advertising, I developed the confidence to start my art centre. I sought my father's advice, and he encouraged me to go for it. Aspiring entrepreneurs must be visionaries and visualize their goals. It is normal to have doubts and fear failure, but even if you stumble, it's essential to get back up and start again. My advice to anyone starting their venture is to embrace the visionary mindset and not be afraid of making mistakes. Mistakes are valuable learning experiences that guide us toward success. Thomas Edison failed numerous times before inventing the light bulb. Remember the saying, "Failures are the pillars of success."