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| Saturday, 29 May 2004 |
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Fund-raising project for Victoria Masonic Hall The history of Freemasonry in Sri Lanka reaches as far back as the Dutch period. During the last quarter century of their occupation, they founded 3 Lodges - 2 in Colombo and 1 in Galle. It is from these times that Freemasonry as an association attracted the elite, many of whom were owners of mansions situated in the environs of the Beira Lake. Fond memories of institutions back home dear to the traditional English coloniser, accompanying him wherever the interest of trade beckoned him, were made manifest in the form of clubs, cricket fields and golf links. It was therefore, only to be expected that Freemasonry, also an association of gentlemen, should architecturally reflect the influence of the typical Englishmen's club. The Victoria Masonic Hall which was completed on 5th September 1901, is an excellent example of this. This building had been envisaged in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. But for various reasons the construction was delayed. The foundation stone for this beautiful piece of architecture was laid at a simple ceremony by John Norman Campbell, a Freemason and a philanthropist at 7.15 a.m. 27th November 1900. This building which has sturdily withstood the vagaries of the weather and other elements, represents the stable, solid and undemonstrative virtues of Freemasonry. It is an important monument of this period and a part of Sri Lanka's colonial history. The Victoria Masonic Hall is the outcome of the efforts of years to provide a spacious and comfortable hall for the Craft in Colombo. Elaborate external architecture and attractiveness of this Hall have been exchanged for internal comfort, as a moment's glance would convince any discerning visitor. In the city of Colombo, the Victoria Masonic Hall stands tall as a tribute the worthy Freemasons of Sri Lanka who designed, constructed and maintained this Hall. The English, Irish and Scottish Freemasons of Sri Lanka on 5th September 2001 celebrated its centenary on a grand scale with Multi-religious Thanksgiving Services and donation of spectacles to the needy, in addition to a generous contribution of valuable books on Architecture worth approximately Rs. 50,000 to the Department of Architecture of the Moratuwa University. This building in view of its age and beauty achieved government protected status in the centenary year. To effect urgent repairs the Fund-raising Committee of the organization chaired by Upali Mahanama, has finalized plans to stage the popular satirical drama by Wilson Gunaratne, "Charitha Hathak". This drama which revolves around the follies and foibles of contemporary politics and politicians will be staged at 7 p.m. on May 30, 2004 at the Bishops College Auditorium, Colombo. For details contact: Mr. Leeniyagoda, Victoria Masonic Hall, 60, Mohamed Macan Markar Mawatha, Colombo 3 Upali S. Mahanama, Chairman, Fund-raising Committee |
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