The Photographic Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL) has a distinguished legacy that traces back to 1906, when it was first established as the Amateur Photographic Association of Ceylon by Henry Lorenz Wendt. Its primary aim was to promote photography as a hobby, an art form, and a craft. Over the decades, the society has evolved, but it continues to fulfill these original objectives with great success, standing as a pillar of the photographic community in Sri Lanka.

The early development of the society was significantly shaped by Lionel Wendt, the son of Henry Lorenz Wendt and a renowned photographer, artist, and musician in his own right. In 1934, Lionel Wendt revitalized the organization, renaming it the Photographic Society of Ceylon. Alongside a small group of pioneering pictorial photographers—including P.J.C. Durrant, B.G. Thornly, Joe de Livera, and B.P. Weerawardena—Wendt led the society’s members in regular discussions of photographic aesthetics and techniques at his residence. These gatherings helped form the foundation of Sri Lanka’s photographic culture.

Following Lionel Wendt’s untimely death in 1944 at the age of 44, his residence was transformed into the Lionel Wendt Memorial Art Centre, which opened in 1954 as a space dedicated to visual and performing arts. The PSSL found its home here, complete with modern facilities such as dark rooms and a studio, further embedding photography within the heart of the country’s cultural landscape.

Since 1934, the Society has hosted an Annual Competition and Exhibition of Photography, which in 1954 expanded into an international event. This prestigious competition has continued uninterrupted to the present day and enjoys patronage from international photographic bodies like FIAP, PSA, and GPU, making it a highly anticipated event for both local and international photographers.

Today, the PSSL is the leading photographic society in Sri Lanka, offering a dynamic space for photography enthusiasts to come together, share knowledge, and refine their skills. Membership is open to all who are passionate about photography, and the society is managed by a voluntary Executive Committee elected at the Annual General Meeting.

The society’s activities include Monthly Members’ Day meetings with expert presentations, monthly photo competitions, as well as workshops, training programs, and excursions. The courses offered by PSSL are highly regarded, attracting those eager to expand their photographic expertise.

In recent years, the revival of Sri Lanka’s only functioning darkroom at the PSSL has marked a significant milestone. This darkroom serves as a vital resource for analog photography enthusiasts, providing a space where traditional methods can be explored alongside contemporary digital practices. The Society has also become a fertile meeting ground for visual artists and mixed media creators, fostering a collaborative and experimental environment where different art forms intersect. This inclusivity has made the PSSL a key contributor to the broader visual arts community in Sri Lanka, continuing to honor its rich history while embracing new and emerging trends in photographic art.