Sri Lanka, strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean, has historically been an object of interest for travellers and traders due to its critical role along essential maritime routes. Formerly known as Ceylon, this island has faced a continuous series of invasions, each leaving a distinct influence on its multifaceted heritage. From the incursions of ancient dynasties such as the Pandya and Chola to the lasting impacts of European powers including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, Sri Lanka’s sociocultural and political landscapes have been shaped by these varied interactions.
The exploration of this island demonstrates the significant impact of Buddhism on its architectural heritage. Residential structures exhibit simplicity in materials, such as mud, sticks, and straw, while religious edifices are notable for their impressive construction using durable materials like stone and clay bricks, showcasing remarkable resilience over time.
In the early stages of Sri Lankan architectural development, numerous religious structures were skillfully integrated into the natural environment, frequently utilizing existing stone caves. This adaptation highlights the exceptional craftsmanship of early builders, who transformed formidable stone into sacred artifacts, which include intricate statues, elegantly designed staircases, ornamental guard stones, and towering stupas.
Engaging with Sri Lanka’s architectural legacy reveals not merely edifices, but an intricate narrative of a culture that has thrived for centuries. This island constitutes a continuum of rich historical significance and artistic expression, inviting scholars and professionals to explore the enduring spirit of its people through their architectural achievements.
Ancient Anuradhapura is regarded as one of the greatest cities in historical contexts. Originating from settlements along the banks of the Malwathu Oya River, Anuradhapura City developed around numerous irrigation tanks in the area. Despite experiencing brief periods of Tamil hegemony and occasional invasions from South India, the city flourished from 250 BC to 900 AD. During its peak Buddhist culture, Anuradhapura hosted a multitude of monasteries and significant religious sites, thereby establishing a grand legacy of Buddhist architecture in the region.
Remarkable achievements
In 477 AD, King Kashyapa relocated the capital from Anuradhapura to a more secure location, an isolated rock approximately 60 kilometers away. In response to various threats, he constructed his fortress atop Sigiriya rock, which rises about 200 meters above the surrounding plains. This period saw remarkable achievements in the arts, city planning, architecture, and garden design within the Sigiriya kingdom. The water garden of Sigiriya, characterized by its intricate design, stands out as an exceptional example of its time, representing advancements in linear irrigation to celebrate water. The harmonious integration of formal and informal elements with natural and man-made features creates a picturesque landscape.
In the early 11th century, the Chola Empire successfully invaded Sri Lanka, prompting a relocation of the capital from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa, situated about 75 kilometers away. The Cholas were known for their persecution of Buddhism, resulting in the destruction of many monasteries and the construction of new Hindu shrines. Although the Sinhalese King Vijayabahu successfully repelled the Chola forces back to India in the mid-eleventh century, the influence of Hindu architecture persisted in several structures built in Polonnaruwa.
By the end of the fourteenth century, the power center of the island shifted to the wet zone, leading to the establishment of a new kingdom in Gampola. This period marked a brief renaissance in architecture, characterized by the construction of several important temples in Kandy and surrounding areas. These temples incorporated localized classical architectural styles, combined with significant vernacular elements. Notable structures from this era include the Lankathilaka temple, Gadaladeniya temple, Embakke Devala, and many Ambalamas from the Kandyan period. The exceptional craftsmanship of wood as a building material and the innovation of the Kandyan roof, a climate-responsive shelter, exemplify the most prominent architectural characteristics of the Kandyan period.
The arrival of the Portuguese on the island’s coast in 1505 initiated the setting up of a network of forts and trading posts along the western coast within the following decade. Their primary interest lay not in territorial expansion but in influencing Arab-dominated trade in the Indian Ocean. For over a century, the Portuguese wielded considerable power along the coastal regions of Sri Lanka, designating Colombo as their main trading post. They introduced Catholicism to the locals, often by force, yet many islanders converted and adopted Portuguese names.
Despite their unpopularity due to erratic behaviour, the Portuguese significantly influenced various aspects of Sinhalese culture, including architectural elements and construction techniques that were adeptly integrated into Sri Lankan vernacular architecture. Examples of these influences include the introduction of timber shutters, large windows in domestic residences, squat Tuscan columns, round-arched wall openings, and half-round roofs.
Strategic alliance
In the 17th century, King Rajasinghe II of Kandyan formed a strategic alliance with the Dutch, aiming to expel the Portuguese from Sri Lanka. The Dutch responded by not only reinforcing the Portuguese forts in Colombo, Galle, Matara, and Jaffna but also constructing new forts along the island’s western and eastern coastal lines. Within these expansive fortifications, they established small towns arranged in a linear grid system, characterized by streets shaded by large trees and buildings featuring deep verandahs.
The Dutch skillfully adapted their architectural styles to suit the Sri Lankan context. Unlike the Portuguese, who favoured multi-storey structures, the Dutch opted for single-story buildings with spacious verandahs. This design choice was a thoughtful response to the surrounding streets and the inward-facing large courtyards. While the door frames, colonnades, gabled roofs, and fanlights were distinct influences from Holland, the spatial qualities reflected aspects of Asian architecture. The remaining Dutch churches in Colombo and Galle stand as a testament to this integration, exemplifying a plain yet dignified Baroque style with smooth walls and modest windows.
Following the Dutch, the British emerged as the first to occupy Kandy, subsequently taking control of the entire island in 1815. Differing from the Portuguese and Dutch, the British sought more than just dominance in trade; they instituted a plantation system that fundamentally transformed the country’s landscape. The western regions were cultivated with cinnamon and coconut, later transitioning to rubber, while the central hills were developed into thriving coffee and tea plantations. This ambitious plantation system necessitated a comprehensive transportation network, prompting the development of roads and railways—all initially overseen by military engineers until the establishment of the Public Works Department (PWD) in 1867.
In their quest to build prominent public structures integral to their administrative framework, the British moved away from Portuguese and Dutch architectural traditions, embracing a robust neoclassical style that conveyed the seriousness of their empire. Regarding domestic architecture, the British rejected grounded courtyard houses in favor of compact bungalow-style homes, often accompanied by generous gardens. Their homes, much like their attire, reflected a preference for dignified expression over mere comfort.
