George Keyt (1902-1993) has been acknowledged as Sri Lanka’s most renowned and celebrated modern painter. He was born in Kandy to a family of Sinhalese-Dutch origin. Keyt's early works showcased observations of nature, including the lush Udawattakele forest reserve in Kandy and Sangharaja Pirivena temple. His distinctive style featured enlarged almond-shaped eyes and bold, crisp lines, often portraying nudes, village scenes, and Hindu-Buddhist mythologies. Keyt was strongly influenced by cubist experiments in perspective, and he applied them in a way that was distinctly his own, drawing specifically from Indian artistic traditions. Keyt became a vital member of the '43 Group, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka's art movement. Exhibited at prestigious venues like ICA London, Keyt's work found a place in renowned institutions, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum. He passed away in Colombo in 1993, leaving behind a legacy of innovative artistic fusion and a profound impact on Sri Lankan artistry.