‘Discovering SL’s original architecture, much felt need’

Chamikara Weerasinghe

Original Sri Lankan architecture is still to be uncovered to establish its correct form. An in-depth engineering and architectural study is yet to be carried out on a proper footing, to find how great palaces and cities were made, their concept and perspective of design, stone molding techniques and method of construction, said architect Baduge Dennis Chandra Kumara Fernando, a former director of the State Engineering Corporation.

He said: “It is sad that not much effort has been exerted to discover the origins of our architectural forms and designs.”

He added that the country has a grand history in art and culture, and boasts of being a developed civilization from the time of King Ravana.

“There were palaces, domiciled caves, efficiently managed cities, ornamental interiors, graceful pillars, magnificent monasteries and environment-friendly houses that had courtyards,” he pointed out. “These structures have stood the test of time for many thousands of years before they have been reduced to ruins. The significance and the power of the island’s ancient architectural work rests in the sustainability it demonstrates,” he said.