Portuguese imprint in Sri Lankan Art and Culture:  Historical and Aesthetic expedition

The appearance of the Portuguese in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) makes a significant turning point in the history of the island. Simply, it marked the end of medieval period in Sri Lankan polity, especially the ruling by a kingship, and the beginning of modern era in Sri Lanka. When we look in to the matter from a deeper sense, it is apparent that their arrival enabled transform the Sri Lankan society from its Indian, or more precisely the Asian mould, and gave it a unique western identity that lasted for about five centuries under colonial powers vested by three consecutive power unions namely: Portuguese (1505-1658), Dutch (1658-1796) and the British (1796-1948). Of which, the inspiration of Portuguese is immense due to its everlasting physiognomies embedded in Sri Lankan culture and society to date. Their inspiration is evident in almost every aspect of Sri Lankan culture: language, religion, socio- cultural affairs, dress patterns, food, art and architecture, music, dance, etc., Thus, it appears so important to have an in-depth study to identify and examine the influences/ inspirations of Portuguese that caused a significant transcendence of Sri Lanka’s culture and other major aspects to date. 
The study expects carrying out a major literature survey from Sri Lanka and overseas, with a particular focus on evidence found from Portugal: in government and private/ individual archives, libraries, galleries and parlours, which are under the custody of Portuguese government with their special permission, and a field study from Sri Lanka and in Portugal to map and detail the similarities, identities, and remarkable contributions and intercourse between two countries in terms of restoring the cultural values of the civil community. The excavated data, and evidence will be published in the form of complete volume covering all the areas and will also be uploaded into the relevant academic and research databases with the permission of the relevant authorities. New findings will be published in accredited Research Conferences and journals.