10 Most Unique Buildings In Sri Lanka

While we fly around the world visiting the world’s great architectural standouts, why not we also hail the amazing buildings and wonders right here at home.  Sri Lanka, the tiny island we call home has been a world-beater in architecture from time immemorial.  Sri Lanka Update presents 10 Architectural Standouts that make Sri Lanka proud.

Jethawanaramaya

Standing at 400ft (122 meters), Jetawanaramaya was one of the tallest structures in the ancient world, second only to the Great Pyramid of Gaza.  Built by King Mahasena in the Anuradhapura era, around 100 million baked bricks are said to have been used to build the awe-inspiring architectural wonder.  The great Stupa, somehow, doesn’t get the recognition and fanfare it deserves.

Sigiriya

Touted as the unofficial 8^th wonder of the world, Sigiriya Rock Plateau was a monastery as early as 3th century BC before King Kasyapa turned it into an architectural wonder in the 5^th century BC.  Believed to have formed from the magma of a volcano, Sigiriya rises 200 meters from the surrounding plateau.  Inside the complex, remnants of a pleasure palace, gardens, ponds and fountains pointing to an intricate architectural and engineering feat have visitors spellbound.

Dalada Maligawa

The most venerated of all architecture, Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Tooth Relic is a holy complex of three primary buildings – Vedahiti Maligaya, Pattirippuwa and Aluth Maligawa.  First built between 1593 – 1603 by King Vimaladharmasooriya, its most famous outer portion – the spectacular Pattirippuwa was built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasingha between 1798 – 1815).

Altair

Sri Lanka’s own leaning tower, Altair places the country right on top among modern-day marvels.  The taller tower stands at 240 meters while the second, at 209 meters, leans on it, creating a heart-stopping picture that lends fame to one of Sri Lanka’s latest mix developments.

Galle Fort

A rare living heritage city of the world, Galle Fort is the largest fortress built by conquering Europeans in Asia.  The vast fortified complex was originally the work of the Portuguese in 1588 but later on in the 17^th century completely redesigned and rebuilt by the Dutch.  Buildings from simple house to government offices and magnificent churches make Galle Fort a haven for old architecture.

Lotus Tower

Civil & Structural Engineers

Proclaimed to be the tallest structure in South Asia with a height of 1150ft (350 meters) the Lotus Tower is expected to join the world’s most celebrated broadcast towers.  Located on the banks of Beira Lake, the tower – in the shape of a lotus flower – adds to Sri Lankan architectural prowess with the structure housing a revolving restaurant, luxury hotel and a banquet hall.

Sri Jayawardenapura Parliament

The crowning legacy of Architect Geoffrey Bawa, the Sri Jayawardenapura Parliament was commissioned in 1979.  The massive complex was designed as an asymmetric group of colonnaded pavilions with striking copper roofs picturesquely ‘floating’ on a man-made lake, dredged connecting the Diyawanna Oya.

KumbukRiver

KumbukRiver is among the world’s top 10 most unusual hotels, putting Sri Lanka on the world map of tourism.  The eco resort on the edge of Yala in Buttala is made famous by the architecture of its primary eco villa built in the shape of an elephant – in whose belly guests can actually sleep.  The 40ft, 2-story structure is a tribute to indigenous local artistry and craftsmanship.  Lonely Planet lists it among the world’s hotels to be woved, among other international accolades, making it a true Sri Lankan wonder.

Independence Memorial Hall

A national monument, the Independence Memorial Hall was unveiled in 1953 to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule.  Located in Independence Square in Colombo 7, the monument known for its decorated concrete pillars inspired by Kandyan architecture was built on the same place where the ceremony of independence was held on February 4, 1048.

Sambodhi Chaitya

One of the most ignored landmarks in Sri Lanka, the majestic Sambodhi Chaitya was built in 1953 at the Colombo Harbour.  Perched on top a platform supported by two gigantic interlocking concrete arches, the Stupa is uniquely different to all other Stupas and is made impressive by its height and the aceess way rising above the ground.