Last Sunday evening I made my way to the exhibition of the World Press Photo (WPP) collection at Cinnamon Life in Colombo—and it was a deeply moving experience.
The Event in Context
Organised by the World Press Photo Foundation, this travelling exhibition presents some of the most powerful images from global photojournalism: tens of thousands of entries, hundreds of photographers, stories from conflict zones, moments of survival, voices of resilience. In Sri Lanka, the exhibition has had several stops—including Arcade Independence Square in early January, Galle in late January, and then returned to Colombo (at Cinnamon Life) from 8-10 February.
What I Saw and Felt
Walking through the gallery, each photograph was more than an image—it was an invitation to reflect. Scenes of suffering, shifts in human stories, nature shrinking or fighting back—all captured in silent frames that convey urgency. What struck me most was how the everyday comforts we live in are often taken for granted—while elsewhere, through the lens of these photographers, reality is raw, unfiltered, urgent. One particular photo stayed with me: a child’s expression, caught in the moment of upheaval. No caption needed—just the eye, the light, the composition conveyed everything. This is what photojournalism is at its best: not simply showing us something we don’t know, but helping us see what we probably don’t want to see or choose not to see.
Why It Resonates
- Perspective change: We often think our daily concerns are paramount—but these works remind us how wide the world is, and how many lives are unfolding in parallel.
- Power of imagery: A single frame can speak more loudly than paragraphs of text. The exhibition emphasised that.
- Ethics of witnessing: We might view images of conflict or disaster and turn away. But these photographs force the gaze—and implicitly ask: what does seeing compel us to feel or do?
- Cultural relevance: These global stories matter in a local context. Sri Lanka itself has had its share of humanitarian, environmental and social issues. Seeing world-issues displayed here creates a bridge between “there” and “here”.
My Reflections
Attending this exhibition left me with some questions—and some inspiration:
- How many stories go untold because no one’s looking?
- What is my responsibility—not merely as a viewer, but as someone who sees, shares, acts?
- Could I help raise greater awareness in my community for the lesser-seen issues?
I left with a renewed appreciation for the craft of the photographer—and the courage required to capture these moments. The WPP collection shows the world not as we wish it were, but as it is. And in that unvarnished truth, there’s hope—because seeing is often the first step toward change.
