Our Heritage
Artisans of Mineral & Light
For over three decades, Ran Ruwan has transformed Sri Lanka's mineral wealth into enduring artisan art.
From Raw Mineral to Refined Art
Founded in 1994 by visionary craftsman Mr. A.A.R.L. Dias, Ran Ruwan began with a single question: how do we add maximum value to Sri Lanka's mineral resources rather than exporting them raw?
Located in Hokandara North, Colombo, our factory (382/4, Sri Nandasara Mw) is where ancient Sri Lankan stone-carving traditions meet modern innovation. We drew inspiration from temple relics — the Sigiriya frescoes, Kandy's sacred artistry — and fused them with our patented mineral-lamp technology that turned waste mineral sand into luminous art.
Today, led by Founder/Managing Director Mr. A.A.R.L. Dias and Director Mr. Chalitha Dias, we serve collectors, interior designers, and religious institutions across Sri Lanka and beyond. From the Dalada Maligawa cultural commission to wedding portraits for couples worldwide, each piece carries three decades of mastery.
"We do not merely craft objects — we refine the very earth of Sri Lanka into art that outlives its maker."
— Mr. A.A.R.L. Dias, Founder
Since 1994
From a Mortar & Pestle — a Cottage Industry Born
In 1994, Ran Ruwan began not as a factory, but as a cottage industry. The historic mortar and pestle you see here was used to pulverize stones by hand during our inception — no machinery was involved, and only hand-driven tools shaped the first works. Every grain of mineral pigment was ground, sieved and placed by hand, in the tradition of Sri Lanka's ancient artisans.
That patience remains our measure today: the same minerals, the same hand-driven care — now guided by three decades of mastery.
Vision & Mission
Vision
To provide Maximum Value Addition to Local Mineral Resources by Refinement of Aesthetics Through Technological Advancements.
Mission
Becoming the Preferred Artisan for Premium Portraying — delivering museum-quality mineral artistry that honours Sri Lanka's 2500-year gem heritage while pioneering sustainable, ethical production.
The Premium Portraying Philosophy
- Patented Lamp Technology — NIPO-registered in 1999 for manufacturing decorative lamps from mineral sand and pulverized stone, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka.
- Natural Minerals — Tourmaline, Hessonite, Agate, Quartz, Garnet & 19+ stones, ground to fine particles.
- Lifetime Guarantee — Mineral pigments never fade; colours sealed for generations.
- Ethical Craft — No child labour; we employ underprivileged local artisans and use humidity-tolerant MDF for durability.
- Cultural Continuity — Design language rooted in Sigiriya frescoes and temple reliefs.
Dalada Maligawa cultural commission — Prince Dantha & Princess Hemamala
The Hokandara Workshop
Inside our factory floor where raw minerals become art — a space of dust, light, and patient hands.
The Founder
A. A. R. L. Dias — examining a raw mineral specimen
A.A.R.L. Dias
Founder / Former Chairman & Managing Director
BA (1985)., MA (1990)., MIMM (UK 1995)., FGS (LONDON 1995)
Art Director, Designer cum Consultant Geologist
A geologist by training and artist by calling, Mr. Dias founded Ran Ruwan in 1994 to add maximum value to Sri Lanka's mineral wealth. His patented mineral-lamp technique — registered with NIPO in 1999 — turned waste mineral sand into luminous art, and his Premium Portraying technique has portrayed statesmen, clergy and families across the world.
Mr. Chalitha Dias
Executive Director
A Certified Geologist from the University of Moratuwa and an MSc alumnus of the University of Colombo, he is dedicated to bridging geological insight with spatial intelligence to drive strategic leadership and innovation. He began his journey at Nalanda College Colombo.
Mr. Haritha Dias
Director — Gem & Jewellery
A Certified Gemologist from the University of Moratuwa and a proud Nalandian, he drives strategic growth and market expansion in the gem & jewellery industry.