Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good. - Jochen Zeitz-
About Us
We connect rural Sri Lankan artists with the world.
While each creation reflects their passion, we help ensure their talents are recognised, their voices are heard, and their communities are supported.
Sustellence combines the ideas of Sustainability and Excellence.
It stands for a promise to find creative ways to help communities and care for the planet.
Vision
To inspire a sustainable future through the power of creativity.
Mission
To use creativity to support artists, strengthen communities, and care for the environment.
The Value of Sri Lankan Creativity
A study by the British Council and the Institute of Policy Studies places Sri Lanka’s creative and cultural economy at around $845 million. The sector continues to grow and supports about 2.9% of the workforce, with women making up around 36%. A significant part of this work comes from traditional heritage, design, and local crafts.
Yet much of this talent remains hidden and under-supported, which holds back its potential.
Bridging the Gap
Many Sri Lankan student artists struggle to reach buyers because they don’t have the right networks or access to markets. Buyers, on the other hand, often find it difficult to connect with artists directly. As a result, many move away from art into other work.
Sustellence closes this gap by connecting them directly with buyers through a simple process. We support market access, help present their work professionally, and address language and pricing challenges.
From first contact to delivery, we manage the process so our artists can focus on creating.
Founder
Ranudy Samarawickrema
A few words from our founder
Ranudy leads Sustellence with a passion for recognising rural Sri Lankan artisans. With a background in Sustainable Economic Development, she brings a grounded understanding to her work. Through Sustellence, she aims to showcase artisans’ talents, share their stories, and support their livelihoods, thereby strengthening Sri Lankan communities.
Art has always been a special part of my life. During my university years, it became something I often turned to during stressful moments. I once thought about setting up a small stall at the Bournemouth Town Centre Market with a friend to sell my paintings and raise funds for communities in Sri Lanka. Although it never happened, the idea stayed with me.
I started thinking about the many talented rural artists across Sri Lanka whose abilities surpass my own, and yet remain unseen because they lack the right opportunities and connections. This inspired me to start Sustellence. Our aim is to help these artists move past these challenges and trust in their talents. I believe bringing them to a global platform will help grow Sri Lanka’s creative industry and its valuable role in the economy.
Thank you
"Art has always been a special part of my life. During my university years, it became something I often turned to during stressful moments. I once thought about setting up a small stall at the Bournemouth Town Centre Market with a friend to sell my paintings and raise funds for communities in Sri Lanka. Although it never happened, the idea stayed with me.
I started thinking about the many talented rural artists across Sri Lanka whose abilities surpass my own, and yet remain unseen because they lack the right opportunities and connections. This inspired me to start Sustellence. Our aim is to help these artists move past these challenges and trust in their talents. I believe bringing them to a global platform will help grow Sri Lanka’s creative industry and its valuable role in the economy."
Thank you
Our Partnerships
My Hope UK Lanka Foundation supports our on-the-ground work in Sri Lanka, helping us stay connected and ensuring that help reaches the right people.
Indian Ocean Strategic Research Center is dedicated to Discover the diverse potential of the Indian Ocean region.
Jerry Hill
Designer
Roger Jones
Manager
Bianca Oliver
Consultant
Mike Miller
Stylist