Sought after third-generation picture framers
- Sir Henry De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 02
- Open daily 10am to 7pm
- +94 777118556
- Website
Framing a picture
This cosy little shop is a treasure trove of many memories, filled with pictures and frames of different colours and origins, that adorn the walls from floor to ceiling. Behind the counter, you will meet Amir who runs the store with his five brothers and their father, who managed it with his father before him since 1932. “In 1944, it was cutting glass at 25 cents when a loaf of bread was roughly 5 cents.” Amir says with a wry smile. 86 years of craftsmanship across three generations is no minor matter. Amir’s family is one of the oldest businesses in Slave Island.
Skyscraper city
Slave Island is undergoing a huge change now. Tall, shiny buildings are taking over the old, colonial architecture. “We no longer have the old people here. They’ve all gone away. It’s sad, and because of that, we’re losing our sense of community,” says Amir who has lived through the better (or worse) part of Sri Lanka’s multi-coloured history.
We no longer have the old people here. They’ve all gone away. It’s sad, and because of that, we’re losing our sense of community.