From a very young age, Eric was inspired by nature, people and colour, and having completed his education, he pursued his artistic interests at The School of Fine Arts and also explored photography under the mentorship of celebrated wildlife photographer Nihal Fernando. His early experiences abroad, studying in London, UK and travels in South East Asia exposed him to a broader spectrum of creative expression – he was especially drawn to the intricate batiks of Indonesia and Malaysia. Much inspired, he introduced batik to Sri Lanka in 1969 in an innovative way that combined technique and tradition with local motifs and materials to create a uniquely Sri Lankan art form. Reshaping the local industry and helping to establish batik as a vital Sri Lankan export at that time, he set a precedent that inspired the journey of many other batik artisans.

His passion as an artist has remained constant throughout the years, and his fame extends far beyond the shores of his homeland, exhibiting his art internationally, from very early on in Paris, London, Rome, and later in Japan and Germany. Combining art and artistry, he was one of the first Sri Lankan artists to elevate batik as an art form that befitted gallery walls, and over his long and illustrious career he has participated in nearly 100 exhibitions across 65 cities worldwide, bringing much renown to his motherland.