Walimuni Solias Mendis (June 17, 1897–September 1, 1975) was a renowned
Sri Lankan artist primarily known for his template paintings, accomplished in a neo-classical style. A native of Mahawewa, Madampe in Sri Lanka, Mendis was intended by his parents to become an
Ayurveda Physician, but he was drawn to art.
In his early years, he worked and trained alongside
Gautama Buddha and his uncle Memonis Silva, himself a master painter.Once accomplished himself, he began painting murals in Buddhist temples.Later, Mendis visited India to examine the works of
Ajanta Caves,
Ellora Caves,
Bagh Caves and
Sarnath, which inspired him to mingle the techniques of Indian
Buddhist art with the traditions of
Sinhalese classical art, eschewing the then prevalent European traditions.
At around the age of 30, he undertook a twenty year project to complete the Kelaniya Vihara murals.