Dr. Prasannajit de Silva is a distinguished art historian and lecturer specializing in British visual culture of the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly within the context of the British Empire in India. The London Art History Society Professional Profile Expertise:
His research focuses on the social context of art, exploring how identity and "difference" were visualized during the colonial era. Key Publication: He is the author of
Colonial Self-Fashioning in British India, c. 1785-1845: Visualising Identity and Difference , published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing in 2018. Academic Background:
He earned his doctorate in 2007, with a thesis centered on the art produced by the British in India. Lecturing: He is a frequent speaker for organizations such as the London Art History Society
, The Arts Society, and the Workers' Educational Association (WEA). Research Highlights
De Silva often examines specific historical portraits and narratives to uncover broader social histories. A notable example is his work on the portrait of Joanna de Silva (a "Native of Bengal" and an
or nursemaid), where he explores the significance of names and inscriptions in identifying the origins and travel itineraries of colonial subjects. The University of Chicago Press: Journals
He has also held teaching positions at the University of Sussex and Birkbeck, University of London, and has been involved in coordinating major academic projects for journals like Art History Wiley Online Library or more details on one of his published papers INTRODUCTION: ABOUT STEPHEN BANN - CHERRY - 2005
The name Prasannajit de Silva (often referred to as Prasannajit de Silva or A. Prasanna de Silva in academic circles) is associated with pioneering research in supramolecular chemistry, specifically the invention of molecular logic gates. His work has bridged the gap between chemistry and computational logic, influencing fields from medical diagnostics to materials science. Academic Career and Research
Dr. de Silva has spent a significant portion of his career at Queen’s University Belfast, where he served as a professor from 1997 until 2022. His academic journey included earlier roles as a lecturer at the University of Colombo and research at the University of Tokyo.
His most influential contribution is the development of molecular logic gates, which apply the principles of Boolean logic to chemical systems. By using molecules that respond to specific chemical or physical inputs—such as pH levels or metal ions—with a visual output (fluorescence), his research enabled the creation of "intelligent" molecules capable of sensing and processing information at a molecular level. Key Contributions and Impact
Fluorescent Sensors: He is a pioneer in using Photoinduced Electron Transfer (PET) to design fluorescent sensors that "switch on" in the presence of specific analytes.
Medical Diagnostics: This technology has been foundational in developing blood gas analyzers and other medical sensors that provide rapid, bedside results. prasannajit de silva
Molecular Computing: His work laid the groundwork for human-scale computations performed by molecular systems, including edge detection in object recognition.
Publications: He has authored significant texts and reviews, including exploration into Colonial Self-Fashioning in British India, examining cultural hybridity through art and portraits. Professional Recognition
For his contributions to science, de Silva was elected as a member of the Royal Irish Academy. In 2024, he was further honoured with a Royal Society of Chemistry Blue Plaque at Queen’s University Belfast, marking the site of his groundbreaking research in molecular logic. Other Notable Figures
It is important to distinguish the academic Prasannajit de Silva from other prominent individuals with similar names:
Major General Prasanna de Silva: A retired Sri Lankan military officer and former diplomat.
Sanjit De Silva: A Sri Lankan-American actor and director known for roles in Inventing Anna and various Broadway productions.
Prof. Ranjith Premalal De Silva: A former Vice-Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University and professor of Geo-informatics.
Prasannajit de Silva is not a revolutionary, nor a populist. He is a system-builder. For multinationals seeking to invest in Sri Lanka, for local banks navigating insolvency laws, and for policymakers drafting the next budget, his fingerprints are everywhere—even if his name is rarely whispered outside boardrooms. In the story of Sri Lanka’s modern economy, he is a character who deserves a footnote, if not a chapter.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information, legal directories, and corporate disclosures as of 2025. For legal advice or specific inquiries regarding Prasannajit de Silva’s current practice, consult official sources.
Dr. Prasannajit de Silva is an art historian and educator specializing in the visual culture of British India. He has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Sussex, Birkbeck, University of London, and the Workers’ Educational Association.
His research primarily explores identity and domestic life in colonial contexts, specifically how visual imagery—such as book illustrations—shaped the perception of British expatriates and Indian subjects. Key Publications and Articles
Colonial Self-Fashioning in British India, c. 1785–1845: A major book published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing in 2018, examining how identity and difference were visualized during the rise of British political power in India. Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available
Representing Home Life Abroad: British Domestic Life in Early-Nineteenth-Century India: Published in the journal Visual Culture in Britain (2011), this article analyzes book illustrations depicting the domestic lives of Britons in India.
A Second Renaissance?: A review of the work by Hermione de Almeida and George H. Gilpin, published in the journal Art History in 2007. Academic Contributions
De Silva has served as a coordinator for major academic projects, including special issues for the journal Art History. His work is frequently cited in broader studies of medical anthropology and sociology, particularly those exploring cultural changes and history in Sri Lanka and British India. Colonial self-fashioning in British India, c. 1785–1845
Dr. Prasannajit de Silva is an esteemed art historian, university lecturer, and accredited speaker for The Arts Society. He specializes in the art and visual culture of the British in India during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Here are three post options tailored for different audiences: Option 1: Educational / Academic (Focus on Colonial Art)
Subject: Unveiling the Visual Legacy of British India with Dr. Prasannajit de Silva
Ever wondered how the "idea of India" was constructed through British art? 🎨 🇮🇳
We are diving into the fascinating research of Dr. Prasannajit de Silva, an art historian who explores the complex relationship between art and empire. From the depiction of male colonists’ lifestyles to the romanticized landscapes of British Hill stations, Dr. de Silva reveals how these images served as both manuals for newcomers and propaganda for the metropole. Key research areas include:
The "Indian Renaissance": The central role of visual culture in developing the idea of India in British discourse.
Representing Home Abroad: How British domestic life was portrayed in early 19th-century India.
Travel and Architecture: The works of professional and amateur artists capturing India’s architectural heritage and natural scenery. Option 2: Event Promotion (Focus on Portraiture Course)
Subject: Join Dr. Prasannajit de Silva for "A Golden Age of British Portraiture?" Ready to sharpen your art history skills? 🖼️ allegedly carved by him
Join Dr. Prasannajit de Silva, University of Sussex lecturer and London Art History Society regular, for an in-depth exploration of 18th-century portraiture.
In his sessions, Dr. de Silva doesn't just look at paintings—he unpacks the social status, gender roles, and "glossy effects" of the era, from the rise of professional artists to the eventual rehabilitation of reputations like Sargent.
📍 Past & Upcoming Sessions: Often held via Zoom or at venues like The Gurkha Museum .🔗 Check The Arts Society Hampshire & IOW Area for the latest lecture recordings and booking details! Option 3: Short Social Media Blurb (LinkedIn/Instagram) Topic Spotlight: Dr. Prasannajit de Silva 🌟
From completing his doctorate in 2007 to becoming a sought-after speaker for The Arts Society, Dr. Prasannajit de Silva has dedicated his career to the "Visual Culture and British India".
Whether he’s lecturing on the The Magic Flute’s hidden symbolism or coordinating major academic projects in Art History, his work reminds us that every brushstroke tells a story of power, identity, and history.
#ArtHistory #BritishIndia #VisualCulture #ArtLecture #PrasannajitDeSilva INTRODUCTION: ABOUT STEPHEN BANN - 2005 - Art History
Though historical records fade, Prasannajit’s legacy endures in Sri Lankan folklore. A stone tablet near the Mahaweli River, allegedly carved by him, bears the inscription: "Serenity is not the absence of storm, but the presence of inner peace." Modern retellings frame him as a symbol of Sri Lanka’s identity: multicultural, resilient, and perpetually striving to merge the old with the new.
In contemporary discourse, his name is invoked by environmentalists, peacemakers, and cultural revivalists. The Prasannajit Awards, a fictional initiative, honor thinkers who bridge tradition and modernity, ensuring his ethos remains alive.
In the landscape of Sri Lanka’s corporate and legal sectors, few names carry the quiet weight of Prasannajit de Silva. While he may not be a headline-grabbing public figure, those who navigate the upper echelons of finance, taxation, and corporate law recognize him as a formidable architect of modern regulatory practice.
Beyond billable hours, Prasannajit de Silva has been a champion of good governance. He has been an active member of professional bodies such as the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and the Institute of Chartered Accountants (as an invited resource person). His lectures on "Directors’ Duties and Liabilities" are considered mandatory listening for new corporate board members.
He is also a prolific (if understated) writer. His analyses published in the Journal of the Bar Association and Daily FT often dissect complex judgments with a clarity that demystifies the law for finance professionals.
One of the most significant milestones in his career was his leadership of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), the apex body of the legal profession in the country.