The magnificent Sri Lankan Parliament Building is a place of exquisite beauty. It is one of the most prominent landmarks in the capital city of Sri Jayewardenepura. It stands tall and proud while the gently rippling waters of the Diyawanna Oya sparkle all around it. You will be able to catch a glimpse of it as you cruise along the Japan Sri Lanka Friendship Road.
The building was designed by the world renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. It embraces the style of regional modernism while gracefully embracing the concept of Sri Lankan vernacular architecture. It simply is a work of art that deserves the highest praise and admiration.
Moving to a New Parliament
On the 4th of July in 1979, the Parliament of Sri Lanka decided to move to a new building which was to be built in Duwa, a 12 hectare island nestled in the Diyawanna Oya. It is said that the island was where the palace of Minister Nissanka Alakesvara, who was a powerful minister of King Vikramabahu III, was located. The beautiful island had belonged to E. W. Perera before it was vested in the state.
The majestic building, which was designed by Geoffrey Bawa, was constructed by a Japanese consortium. The total cost of the project was over 25.4 million USD. The building was completed within 26 months.
The New Parliament Building was officially opened on the 29th of April 1982, by the then President of Sri Lanka, J. R. Jayewardene.
The building which is located approximately 16 kilometers away from Colombo is truly a marvelous site to behold. You will be able to catch a glimpse of it of it when you travel in the island with Green Holiday Centre. There are many wonderful places of interest that you can visit while traveling in this beautiful paradise island. If you are interested in architecture you should certainly not miss this building!