Presiding regally in the heart of Colombo is the iconic Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, the most popular performance centre in the country. Its eye catching design makes it quite hard to miss while travelling in the city! It’s a breathtaking architectural masterpiece, deserving nothing but the highest admiration and praise.
The Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, which is also called the Lotus Pond is a state of the art venue created for large scale theatrical productions and events. The venue includes the Main Auditorium and the Open Air Theatre. The front steps of the venue can also be converted to an open air theatre. The auditorium has a capacity of 1,288 and a 690 square metre moving stage. The venue includes a library and training facilities as well. Parking space for 500 vehicles is also offered onsite, offering great convenience to those who are attending events at the venue.
The breathtaking architecture of the building reflects the majestic lotus pond in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa which was built by King Parakramabahu the Great. The exterior of the building is fitted with glass panels. When the sun light reflects off the clear glass panels during day time, the building truly looks sensational!
The building was constructed with the funds given by the People’s Republic of China. It was built in memory of the late Vijaya Kumaratunga, the most popular actor in Sinhala cinema. The veteran actor was the husband of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, a former President of Sri Lanka.
The theatre was completed in the year 2011 and was ceremonially opened by the then President Mahinda Rajapaska and Vice President of the Chinese Republican Committee, Sang Chiang.
When you are travelling in the city of Colombo with Green Holiday Centre, be sure to include this sensational site in your travel itinerary. If you can attend an event held at the venue, you will be able to marvel at the rich splendour of this majestic building with great ease
