Kingsley Gunatilake is an award-winning visual artist and university lecturer with 18 years of teaching experience. Since his first solo exhibition in 1981, he has held over 24 solo exhibitions and participated in more than 48 notable group shows. His work has earned him numerous international and national awards, including two NOMA Awards from Japan and an illustration award from the Biennale Illustration Bratislava in Slovakia. In 2001, he received the Bunka Award for his exceptional work at Sri Lanka's Temple of the Tooth world heritage site. Kingsley's artistic expertise spans painting, installation, illustration, mixed media, sculpture, and video art, with a particular emphasis on vibrant, abstract paintings. Recently, he has explored 'book art,' treating books as visual objects. A pioneer of installation art in Sri Lanka, his acclaimed Year Planner installation is a testament to his innovative approach. He also founded the Child Art Studio in 2000, organizing numerous workshops and exhibitions for children and providing educational programs for art students and teachers. Through his art, Kingsley addresses social, political, and cultural issues, with a focus on war, peace, human rights, and children's issues, reflecting his commitment to promoting peace and harmony in a country affected by 30 years of war.

Born in Wadduwa, Sri Lanka, Kingsley now works in his studio out of Kandy in his native country and in Colombo. Gunatilake received a Bachelor in Fine Art from Fine Art University, Colombo and a diploma in Environmental Education from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow in 1994. Has held numerous solo exhibitions, showcasing a diverse range of abstract and thematic works. Recent exhibitions include 'In Between' at Blueprint12, New Delhi (2023); 'OTO' at Barefoot Gallery, Colombo (2022); Himi Gallery, Tokyo (2023); 'Yen' at Saskia Gallery, Colombo (2020) and 'Wounded Book, at Vadehra Art Gallery in collaboration with Blueprint12, New Delhi (2019).

He  has widely exhibited internationally at venues like the Jorge B. Vargas Museum in Manila, Philippines, and the Trinity Chapel, University College Dublin, Ireland. Recent notable exhibitions include 'In-between' at Paradise Road Gallery, Colombo (2021), 'In-between' at Saskia Fernando Gallery, Colombo (2019); 7+1, Lionel Wendt Gallery, Colombo, Sri Lanka (2018); ‘K K’, Fugentei Gallery, Kumamoto, Japan (2016) and ‘Reading Room’, Winchester School of Art, Winchester Gallery, Winchester, UK (2016). Kingsley's work has also been featured in significant art fairs and international exhibitions, including the India Art Fair (2020-24) and the 4th Jeju, Paints Asia in Korea (2020). Other notable participations include 'Serendipity Revealed' at Hempel Galleries and The Brunei Gallery, London (2014), and 'Making History' at the Colombo Art Biennale (2014). The artist has consistently contributed to the Sri Lankan and international art scenes with exhibitions in various media and themes.

The artist is represented in a diverse array of prestigious collections worldwide. Notable collections include the Wolfang Seapan Collection in Germany, Olvin Chang Collection in Hong Kong, Glen Coutis Collection in Glasgow, and Dr. Mayetzee Collection in the Philippines. Other significant collections are the Presidential Collection of Contemporary Art in Sri Lanka, Stephan Cogill Collection in the UK, and the Mount Cinnamon, Mirissa Hills Collection in Sri Lanka. The artist's works are also part of the Gallery Mount Castle Collection and Mr. Shanth Fernando's Paradise Road Collection in Colombo. Additional collections include Kiran Naddar Museum of Art, Indiaart Gallery in Pune, the Thulana Research Center in Kelaniya, the Prof. Ashley Halpe Collection in Kandy, and numerous private and institutional collections across Sri Lanka, Europe, and Asia.

Kingsley lives and works between Colombo and Kandy, Sri Lanka.