What Buddhi Batiks is known for

Buddhi Batiks began in Sri Lanka in 1971 when Buddhi and Ranasiri Keerthisena started making batik together. Their early work grew from a shirt into a workshop and shop, with wall art and flags also appearing in the brand's history. A 2023 retrospective account describes their daughter Darshi continuing that work as creative director and chief executive.

Buddhi Batiks began almost by accident in 1971: Ranasiri Keerthisena wanted to surprise her journalist husband Buddhi with a batik shirt for his birthday, but the artist she approached fell through. Buddhi, an artist himself, suggested they make it together — and that single shirt became the genesis of the business, first run from a workshop behind their home with a shop out front.

Early tourist success led to invitations to exhibit in Europe, particularly Scandinavia and Germany, with the proceeds funding the business's expansion. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, Buddhi Keerthisena became one of the artisans credited with shaping the modern standard of Sri Lankan batik, helping establish it as part of the country's cultural identity.

His daughter Darshi Keerthisena, who holds a B.A. Hons in Fashion and Textile Design from Birmingham City University, took over the family business in 2005 and has continued developing its hand-drawn batik shirts, dresses, sarongs and accessories in contemporary designs. The brand maintains a public presence primarily through its Facebook page rather than a dedicated e-commerce site.