Maha Modliaar, anonymous, c. 1750 - c. 1800
The maha modliaar served as the intermediary between the Dutch administration and the local population of Sri Lanka. He played a significant role in contacts with the Kandy court, including serving as an interpreter. This might be a portrait of Nicolas Dias Abayasinha Amarasekera, who worked for the VOC for nine years and was an influential figure.