COLONIAL INFLUENCE ON SRI

LANKAN ARCHITECTURE
COLONIAL INFLUENCE ON SRI LANKAN ARCHITECTURE

3.1. COLONIAL INFLUENCE ON SRI LANKAN SOCIETY

3.1.1. PORTUGUESE

The Portuguese in 1505 A.D. conquered the Maritime Provinces of Sri Lanka. At that time
Buddhism was the religion that prevailed in the country. Tamils along with S i n g h a l e s e
occupied the Northern sector of the country, while the Sinhaleese occupied in rest of the
country too. "The entry of Portuguese settlers to the rank of villager land holders, and the
gradual alienation of royal villages (Gabada gama) to Roman Catholic missionaries and
Portuguese settlers had more far reaching consequences, not indeed for the traditional
society only but for the Portuguese themselves. The evidence suggests that these changes in
landholding did not, as a rule, result any displacement of cultivators, which however seems to
have been due to the chronic shortage of agricultural labor in early seventeenth century Kotte
rather than to any solicitude for the indigenous peasantry"(SUva K. M., 1981, p123)

The social system prevailing in Sri Lanka was feudal and hierarchical, based on professional
groupings. The nobility were the land owners who had access to the King and were part of the
agriculture. The priests and missionaries spread the faith of God through activities and
erected many churches especially along the coastal belt.

In order to make Christianity more attractive to the people, the Government in power issued
preferential appointments to Christians. Their children received education in missionary
schools. They were given the opportunity to gain privilege positions and some power if they
became Christians and some nobility, rather than loose their prestige and positions. Therefore
they preferred to change their names, and adopted Portuguese names and embraced the
Christian faith. The arrival of the Portuguese to Sri Lanka also led to greater commercial
activity, increasing monetary activities of the economy and higher prices for its products.

3.1.2. DUTCH

In Jaffna, the Dutch built a church and a college of the Jesuit order at the western end of the
town and a church and a convent of St. Dominic at the east. The Dutch made themselves
masters of fortress by 1658 in the Jaffna peninsular. They spread Christianity through the
Jesuits , the Franciscans, the Dominicans and the Ecclesiastics.
The Dutch who took control of the maritime provinces were Protestants and belonged to the
Dutch reformed church. They destroyed many Catholic churches. The Dutch church at
Wolvendhal stands on a church built by the Portuguese. However the early Dutch policies
regarding the prorogation of Protestants, Christianity was not so different from those of the
Portuguese.

"V. O. C. took over the administrative structure, adapted it for its own purposes and left it much
as found. Thus the traditional division of each 'disavani' in to 'korale pattu' and the village was
maintained with 'Mudalaliyas', "vidane" 'korales' and 'athukorale' as the chief administrative
officials and each village was 'vidane' in whom was vested the day - to - day management of
village affairs". (K. M.de Silva. 1981,p188)

The above mentioned headman system was a very complex one, and no comprehensive
study of it has yet been attempted. They established many headmen generally for villagers
with some of them with just a dozen or even fewer families under their authority.

The Dutch maintained the link between proselytisation and education established by the
Portuguese. They took over the schools established by the Portuguese, revitalized them, and
added to their number by their policy of attaching schools to each church. The schools
provided a simple system of instructions with reading and writing in the vernaculars,
arithmetic etc.

Application of Roman - Dutch law to the Singhalese consolidated social changes such as
monogamy and emphasis on the sanctity of marriage, which had their origins under Dutch
rule. But its strongest influence was on inheritance of property and indeed on the concept of
private property. Innovations with regard to the instrument transfer of property gave a legal
stamp to private land holding.

3.1.3 BRITISH

The British invaders established their power in Sri Lanka in 1815 and thereafter ruled the
country as one of their colonies. They were like their predecessors and did not destroy the
Dutch churches. However, some were altered which preserved the Dutch characters.

British brought some important reforms to change the existing social system and paved the
way for the new development of the country. The British established a common form of
administration on a territorial basis for the whole island. This brought the three separate
administrative units of the Kandian, the low country Sinhalese and Tamils, areas under the

34
central administration system. Subsequently they re - arranged the provinces uniting the
Kandian low lands with the low country Sinhalese and Tamil districts in to a common
administrative basis. They also introduced the currently prevailing sytems of courts.

"The British went further to encourage the trade and industry. They abolished "raja kariya",
which hindered the mobility of labor and the government monopolies which left little room for
private enterprise and free trade" (Mendis A.C, 1958, p108). They established specialist
"technical" departments, such as medical, education, and public works departments, which
provided Sri Lanka with widest choice and greatest opportunities for responsible if not
remunerative employment. Even so appointments in some technical departments like
Railway, irrigation and survey Departments were for the exclusive preserve of the Europeans
for a long period.

3.2 COLONIAL INFLUENCE ON SRI LANKAN ARCHITECTURE

The documentary evidences, with the understanding of the colonial Architecture scenario of
the country would lead a fair picture of the concepts of the early European Architectural
styles. The invaders from Europe transplanted their own religious Architectural reforms and
features for buildings without considering the climatic peculiarities, and adapting to any kind of
Architectural principles of Sri Lanka context.

The adaptation of western Architectural styles may be partly attributed to the introduction of
new building technologies. The traditional building systems of materials and labor
organization were neglected. Architects, builders and craftsmen had been brought from
Europe to look after the more important building activities in colonies. A mixture of the
renaissance and the Gothic revival style adapted to the particular climate and social
conditions prevalent in the colonial countries gave rise to the variety of rich by bridge style.

3.2.1 PORTUGUESE

The European renaissance style was first introduced to Sri Lanka by the Portuguese , but
there are no surviving edifies of the Portuguese period. But substantial Portuguese buildings
worthy of the name of the Architecture erected. These were mainly military forts and the
churches of Catholic missionaries. They firstly erected church building to spread their
architecture and they highly influenced their own church buildings to spread their architecture.
The first church built by the Portuguese was the February Chapel in Colombo represent two
instances, now in ruins from which a positive study could be made. As all the Portuguese
churches had gone to the ruins by the age, were destroyed or used by the Dutch built on the
 same foundations of former Portuguese churches. The churches built during the Portuguese
period were solid and generally rectangular in form. Churches were constructed with internal
timber columns, but the out side walls were very thick masonry, the door and window
openings had played reveals to admit maximum of day light. Their main feature was two Porto
- types which are colonnade types and open hall type.

In colonnade type the channel and the nave which had their distinct functions. The channel
was occupied by the priests while the nave mainly used by the congregation.(e.g. Chankanai
church) (Fig 28, Fig 29). The open hall type there had a single room with neither central rows
of columns or any internally and on the external walls. But these church buildings influenced
to constructed residential and others in Sri Lanka, division between the central channel and
the nave. The buildings contained every decorative ornaments of exquisite design and
workmanship (Fig 30). The Mosaic and the glazed tiling in the interior of the building was
introduced to Sri Lanka by the Portuguese but in their churches was the use of the Mosaic
and the glazed tiles as a surface treatment.
4

F i g 28 C o l o n n a d e type - J a f f n a C h a n k a n a i c h u r c h

"It is also possible to judge the features that characterized Portuguese architecture in Sri
Lanka by looking at the servings sixteenth and seventeenth century buildings in Cochin, Goa,
Daman and Diu in western India and those in Malaka in Malayasia" (Roland L. et.al,1988,
p154). According to this statement we can see that Portuguese building were likely to have
often been double storied with projecting or flush window grills, mush rabies, on the upper

36

1
floors. These were balconies constructed in timber or masonry on the face of the buildings

(Fig 30).

ibiyya^ in Galle fort (from

1740)

They were some times enlarged into covered verandas which helped hold up the steeply -
pitched, over the hanging roofs, alternatively, large floor to ceiling opening in the walls
severed to provide cross-ventilation to relieve the coastal humidity

Openings are some times constructed as double or triple windows, two or three in a row and
some were crowned with arches. Thus forming arcades flush with the wall of the house.
Alternatively they were constructed with heavy wooden beams spanning the openings (Fig
31). Doors and shutters were pivoted in to the floor or sills and into the wooden frames
above.

Fig 31
Double arch w i n d o w - Matara and Jaffna church.

Portuguese who first introduced roofing systems of half - round roof tiles to Sri Lanka. But in
extensively used in the vernacular Architecture of Portugal. In Sri Lanka Portuguese
characteristics persisted much longer but it not difficult to understand the presence of
Portuguese type churches and barely in domestic buildings.

3.2.2 DUTCH

Dutch were more remarkable than the Portugese were the former built monumental edifies as
though to last forever. The Dutch used extensively in their Architecture in Holland and their
colonies.

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Sri Lankan climatic conditions was more suitability to the established this Architecture as well
in contrast to the Portuguese, the Dutch founded houses in which all the rooms were inter
connected . A typical plan had a central door way .A deep verandah, probably enlargement
of the traditional 'pila' was developed as a special feature, which are wide. The roofs had wide
and low at the eves, which provided a solution for reducing the glare of the sun (Fig 32)

Fig 32 Dutch home rich with their architecture.

( Source- the architecture of an island)

The Dutch was introduced circular 'Tuscan' columns to Sri Lankan buildings instead to
traditional timber columns. They used Laterite blocks or bricks for these. The double columns
been often in Dutch period verandahs were probably a derivative from the double column
used for arches; Arches were eliminated but the double column retained for esthetic reasons.
The fashionable window in this period were of the double slash was center - pivoted. Such
windows were constructed with thinner wooden members. At the beginning of the period,
doors , window frames were gives a particularly characteristics moldings a quadrant of a
circle flanked a short flat step in the either side. The doors and shutters were made at this
time with one panel to each hall unit. They often molded on the corners of the panels with the
same profiles, a quadrant flanked by a small step on each side . Sometimes the top of the
panel was elaborately shaped in to a Concave - Convex silhouette in true Baroque styles.
(Fig 33)

Fig 33
Fashionable door and windows in the
Dutch period.

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Dutch were capable of usinge straps works' plastics - moldings: heraldic emblems, and other
decorative features on the facades and the gable end walls of their buildings.

"It is difficult to be certain how dispread was the fashion for baroque gable in Sri Lanka in the
h h
lf and 18f centuries. The visual documentation so far discovered from those countries
th
Scanty, and some gable were dismantled during the 19 century to analyze the house. But
enough gables do occur in the documentation to suggest that some high masonry gables
were built in the center of the main facades of houses, as well as many end gables and that
these were designed variations of the Curvilinear Concave - Convex fashion of Baroque and
Rocco Europe" ( Lewcock R.,et. al,1988, p 74). (Fig 34).

F i g 34 F a s h i o n a b l e g a b l e e n d s in Dutch period.

Some can be seen in their later buildings, Dutch first church built at Galle in 1663 A.D. Dutch
reformed churches in good condition as at the present date were in Colombo (Wblvenda)
1749, Jaffna 1774 etc. (Fig 35) but present Dutch museum in Pettah and all houses mostly in
the coastal towns are appropriate examples.

Fig 35
Dutch reformed church at kalpitiya and kotahena
(wolvendal)

3.2.3 BRITISH

Colonial architecture of Sri Lanka was influenced by the British with their arrival in 1797 and
th
hence their dominance over the island but by the first decade of the 1 9 century true British -
styled buildings were erected. The early British buildings in Sri Lanka their design in the
Renaissance style

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"House plans of English type in the early 19 century had characteristically narrow entrance
halls, often running from front to the back of each house, where their would be wide back
doors, Such houses had generous rooms opening off the entrance hallways through large
double doors or even wide arches facades with plaster decorations complete with balusters.
(Lewcock R. et. al,1988, p 249)

The steep pointed gable roof, the pointed monkey top and "Vehi Kandu" rain protection
devices with decorative timber barge boards where significant features in domestic
Architecture. The door panels were perfectly rectangular, with sometimes a plain panel face
with two or three head mouldings around the edge, sometimes bolection mouldings were
placed over the edges of the panel instead of fielding it .A characteristics molding on door and
window frames, as well as on ceiling beams, was a small .corner bead molding. Bay window,
recess or partially enclosed extension of rooms, open or enclosed balconies where symbols
of British influence which could still be seen.

External decorations of columns and plasters with grooves cut on surface; "Rocco" motifs and
other plaster decorations were common in domestic Architecture. The verandahs of British
houses were lightly constructed and elegant, with wooden columns or slender plaster
masonry columns in classical styles.

The triangular pediment in the gable end was emphasized with floral motifs; circles using
applied plaster mouldings and relief plaster decorations. The mouldings were also curried
round windows in front as well as on the sides of buildings forming decorative forms.

The domestic Architecture of the period varies considerably form large residences for high
government officers and residence of the wealthy people. Those were large two - storied
structures and other was simple compact single story houses. (Fig 36, Fig 37)

Although most of these were based on European proto - types, they were well adapted to
local conditions; specially to a hot humid environment.

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 British p e r i o d h o u s e with British r e n a i s s a n c e architecture-Eknaligoda W a l u w a ,
( S o u r c e - t h e arclutecture of a n island)

European invaders approached the southern coastal belt of Ceylon, and Galle in particular. It
was favorable for them to attack and capture this area. Also the climatic and geographical
wise Galle was favorable for their activities with lot of natural gifts from nature such as a fine
natural harbour which gave total safety and advantages in many other aspects. Galle was
also very important as a meeting point or servicing point for transportation and played a major
role in the economic activities of the country, thus became vital as a cultural, political and
commercial centre.

41
In this respect the Architectural influence of these colonial invaders could be seen clearly in
Galle. This is a reflection of their influence on the local society. In this context remarkable
monuments they had introduced to this area and were fonts, buildings, streets etc ... which
were erected a according to entirely new aspects of town planning approach
*

As they spread their rule, they introduced religious buildings especially to this area such as
churches and temples. Churches were bounded to city and temple were erected within cities
and neighboring areas. During these periods Galle had been rich with a number of Buddhist
temples and most of temples were established closed to the coastal area. Out of the temples
that were built in the colonial era in Galle district, Totagamuwa Raja Maha Viharaya and
Sunandaramaya are could be considered as important.

3.3.1 CASE STUDY ONE.- TOTAGAMUWA RAJAMAHA VIHARAYA - TELWATTE

The Buddhist monastery known as the Totagamuwa Rajamaha vihara is one of the famous
th
seats of learning in the 15 century, where lived a great poet monk Venerable Totagamuwa
Sri Rahula Thero. Chronicle evidence would take the history of the Totagamuwa temple as far
back as the reign of King Vijayabahu (1051-1106 A.D.) who established the great capital
Polonnaruwa that belongs with this period. Arrival of western powers beginning with the
Portugese brought about the gradual warning of monastery establishment at Telwatte.

th
In mid 18 century, during religious renaissance brought about by venerable Valivita
Saranankara under the patronage of king Kirthisri Rajasinghe, the Vijayaba pirivena of
Totagammuwa too., underwent a resurgence of activities and under the tuffleage of
Venerable Pallatara Punasara (1734 - 1799) the stupa, the chapter house, an image house,
shrine and monks residence were constructed. The worship of Natha, Vishnu , Kataragama
(Skanda) restarted. The pupil of the above mentioned incumbent is said to have completed
the work of the image house now called the Puranavihara by 1799, the year of his demise
and new viharaya, was completed under the patronage of Sri Wickremarajasinghe. (1798 -
1815).

3.3.1.1 LOCATIONAL PLANNING

Totagamuwa Rajamaha viharaya is located at Telwatta, 300 meters away from the Galle -
Colombo main road, and a subway connects the temple and the main road. The physical
environment of the area is one of the most attractive aspects. Sea and the river are the major
boundaries of the temple. According to history, to the west and to the east of the temple, there
were large Nindagams belonging to the Totagamuwa Viharaya. These are now located in the

42
flat area surrounded by coconut plantations and residences and are in a scattered form. The
temple lies on the North South direction. According to the location of the temple, the temple
could be a easily located eye. Because it stands with the surrounded environment and there
with the settlement that is effected to dominate the temple and characteristics (Fig 38)

F i g 38 Locational p l a n of T o t a g a m u w a V i h a r a y a •

3.3.1.2 LAYOUT PLANNING

The turn of the road leads straight on to rather flat terrain which is square shaped and main
entrance at western side. The other entrance is at north side of the temple. Main entrance
directly facing statue of Rahula there which is recently constructed the temple consisted with
two main terraces ' Maluwa". The large raised terrace with sacred edifies is situated to the left
of the main entrance and dwelling of the monks are located at the right side of it other
Awasage at north side of the terrace.

The main entrance to the raised terrace faced south and consists with for entrances. There
are on south and other at north east side. Main axis directly faces the old image house
ancient Bodhi tree provided with shrine room on the north side. The new image house which
is larger than the older one located to the towards the middle of the west side of the entrance.

The Stupa built on behind the old image house towards the north and "Mihidu Guhawa" at
west side of it. The two old devalas dedicated to Vishnu Kataragama are built on eastern face
of the terrace towards the north eastern corner. Between the two devalas has a stone pillars.

43
The large modern preaching hall is built the south eastern sector and bell - tower stands at
the middle of the raised terrace middle area consisted with the row of the pillars and raised
terrace surrounded by rampart buildings (shrines) arranged around the terrace and middle
which takes open space.

The chapter house is positioned to the north of terrace. There were ruins of an excavated
pirivenas (Vijayaba) in very recently closed to the Uposathagara (Chapter house). Library and
new pirivena buildings are on the southern of the lower level. Main thing is Awasage, library,
pirivena, chapter house were locate surrounded the main raised podium and outer
environment has rich of landscaping. (Fig 39)

Fig 39 Layout plan of Totagamuwa Viharaya

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3.3.1.3 STUPA

The stupa at Totagamuwa Viharaya is

situated on a large podium with raised
octagonal base that is located behind
the old image house. The Stupa
consisted with three "Pesawalalu" and
dome on top of the these three rings.:
:
The dome get well shaped form a n d
other rest of components are on it.
Dome is decorated by motifs and Bo -
leafs at four sides of the dome. A floral
bouquets are belongs with the "Hataras
Kotuwa" and which immediately above
the dome. The pinnacle create by
parallel lines. Other architectural-
features which could be seen in the
stupa. Altar is at front of the stupa and it
is rich with decorated columns and
above on the roof.
"Mihidu Guhawa" has been built
behind the stupa and it's Shelter provide
required facilities for put the statues.
Stupa covered by sandy path for
worshipers to circumambulate much
easily

Fig 4 1

Stupa with shrine room -Totagamuwa

Viharaya

3.3.1.4 BO TREE

In the Totagamuwa Viharaya , Bo - tree is the

other important edifies at the raised podium.
This important edifies has been given by it's
position which is at the east side with the
main entrance of the terrace. According to
these positions it could be easily captured to
enter the terrace and betweenit is surrounded
by a outer wall (Fig 42). Bo - tree provided
Fig 42 B o - t r e e w i t h Bodigaro - T o t a g a m u w a V i h a r a

4 5
with the shrine room on the north side and it has become recently changes. Bo - tree
consisted a large " Weli Maluwa" which is around the Bo - tree for circumambulate. These
areas create appropriate environment for meditation which helps the devotees to concentrate
their mind.

3.3.1.5 IMAGE HOUSE

Totagamuwa Viharaya consisted of two image houses. New one constructed on square
shape plinth plat form and old shrine on rectangular shape plinth plat form.

New image house consist of square garba and outer cella. The main entrance belongs with
east outer face "Makara Thorana" , which is largest and most impressive entrance. The other
entrances are at north and south faces. Outer wall is covered by three sides and front is
open., massive columns on the half wall (Fig 43) -,,

Fig 43 I m a g e h o u s e - T o t a g a m u w a v i h a r a y a

Inner Garba is divided in to two cells and inner rectangular shell which contains a larger
recumbent Buddha and is entered through two doors. The visible front accommodate the
large sculptured figures of divinities. Such as "Ananga", "Siva", "Brahma", "Indra", "Vishnu"
and their vehicles. "Sudavasa Brahma" positioned behind each arches. The entrances of this
shell are arranged at east and south directions and these two entrances directly faced to
entrances of outer shell. The large path - ways around the garba for circumambulate. It has
received lighting and ventilation as well by windows located at four sides. The doors
consisted by stone pillars and timber used for the windows.
 Almost adjoining the rectangular shaped image house is the smaller but older shrine rooms. It
has two door ways facing south and the east South access is the main entrance for enter
inner "garba" and it joined to outer Sheller by two sides. Garba provide little facilitate for
recumbent Buddha statue and two door - ways has a entrance to it. They are not provide
facilities for circumambu'ate path around the "Garba". They are used for painted "Jataka"
stories and the events of Buddhist life (Fig 4 4 )

• • •»

F i g 4 4 Image house ( o l d ) - T o t a g a m u w a viharaya

3.3.1.6 PREACHING HALL

Fig 4 5 P r e a c h i n g h a l l - T o t a g a m u w a v i h a r a y a
The large preaching hall of Totagamuwa Vihara is built on the south east side of the raised
terrace. This built on rectangular shaped raised plinth platform. Main feature is providing
circumambulate path around the "garba" . and it has three entrances Main is at raised
terrace from west direction, but other two access from lower terrace of south and east. Outer
pathways has decorated hand rail with rich at stone pillars. These are bare the roof shelter of
preaching hall but also "Garba" is large covered area with huge volume of spaces It has to
provided entrances from each four sides with stone door - ways. The special thing about the
preaching hall is that entry is possible first and second terraces.

3 . 3 . 1 . 7 CHAPTER HOUSE (UPOSATHAGARA)

"Uposathagara" is also located at the

North side of complex at lower terrains.
It is seen the remains of this building with
raised plinth platforms It is comparatively
small and provides small front verandah
with enclosed "Garba" can be seen in that
structure. Main entrance at
"Uposathagara" locate on east side and
give facilitate for few number of monks
Fig 46 Pohoyage -Totagamuwa viharaya

3.3.1.8 BELL TOWER (GANTARA KULUNA)

Gantara Kuluna used to ringing of bells, became a form of offering " Gantara Puja" and is
part of " Sabda Puja". These structure of Totagamuwa Viharaya is located at a prominent
place of temple complex. These are usually rectangular in plan and the four sides of walls are
topped with a dome shaped roof and "Gantaraya" hang on this most attractive place. The
structure is simply decorated with floral bouquets and mouldings. But these are tallest
elements in this context. (Fig 47)

3.3.1.9 RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

"Awasage" is a place for dwelling of monks and refectory, kitchen and bath house are other
available buildings. Totagamuwa Viharaya consist of three Awasage and there are three
residential buildings. The main feature is a separate group of monks dwelling separately in
the same temple. First Awasage locate in the Southern part of the site close to the main
entrance of the temple It consists of two parts The first is awasage and the other one is

is
refectory. Awasage is locates on a raised plinth platform and it's front verandah is faced to the
east side. Which is used for discuss laymen (dayakas). Inner cell provides dwelling facilities
for monks. The refectory consists with a kitchen and a bath Their location is lower than main
awasage but front portion of the refectory building with the mother verandha at the most front
side. (Fig 48)

The second awasage at the lower terrace is at the right side of the main axis. It's closed to the
library and the south east corner of the site. Awasage is a totally covered building which has a
main entrance and at the north of it has narrow cell. It provides access to the dwelling rooms,
the refectory and the kitchen. That is not a large than the first awasage but it provides
required facilities for few monks. (Fig 49)

The other awasage is located at the north side of the temple and is behind to the Pohayage.
But it is closed to the second entrance at the north side of the temple . Awasage is located on
a rectangular shaped plinth plat form with a front verandah but inner arrangement is much
similar to the above awasage. Recently few changes has happened to these awasages and
some of the part shave been added to it. (Fig 50)

I"
Fig 49
Awasage

Totagamuwa
Viharaya

Fig 50
Awasage
Totagamuwe
Viharaya
3.3.1.10 PIRIVENA

"Uposathagaraya" on middle of the recently excavated Vijayaba pirivena and now can be
seen only stone foundation like as well as ruins. This had been glorious history because it
s
was the famous eastern institution during the period of 1 ' century A.D. of Kotte Kingdom.

The library face to the main entrance of the Viharaya located on the southern part of lower
terrace which consists of two storied and both stories are used as the library that constructed
on the rectangular plinth plat form and could be identified as a recent work. ( Fig 51)

Fig 51
Library building
T o t a g a m u w a viharaya

3.3.2 C A S E S T U D Y T W O - S U N A N D A R A M A Y A V I H A R A Y A - A M B A L A N G O D A .

Sunandaramaya' was originally inhabited by the "Ganinwahansela", who preserved the

remaining ruins during the Dutch rule. It is a belief among the archeologists during the history
of this temple goes far back as to the Kandy period with reference to a expert judgement
made observing the paintings of this temple. But according to the written history of this temple
th
it had been constructed in the late 18 century by Ven Veligoda Punyasara Thera who was
the chief incumbent at the time. Today it's visible features of the temple ; the Cheittya ,
"Dharmashalawa","Bodhi" and the "Gantara Thorana" had been constructed at various stages
under the direction of the chief incumbent corresponding to such times.

Sunandaramaya is regarded as one of the richest temples of the region with respect to
history, culture and architecture. The stone pillars could still be seen standing out proudly with
it's rich history. The folk tales surrounding the temple divulges its historical and traditional
value and people's belief of the much valued respect. According to the present chief
incumbent of the temple , the reliquary which was brought by Ven Punyasara Thera had been
attracted by a giant cobra who had later died in the very same place leaving the reliquary

51
which had been a fake with no relics. The folk tales continues describing how the relics
appeared in a "No flower" which bloomed out of season, bring the reliquary into the temple.

3.3.2.1 LOCATION PLANNING

Sunnandaramaya is located in about approximately 300 m away from Galle - Colombo main
Road and is close to the town center. A direct access continue from the main road to the
temple and it is a straight way the temple obligates with the city and the residential area whish
are generally in scatted form.

The temple adjoining with the main places with the city such as railway station, bus stand and
other Governmental buildings and other commercial activities. The city is linear scattered one
and the temple is located to the perpendicular to it. The access roads are surrounded by the
te/nple which gives easily access to the temple from the city and the other environment and a
special feature is that few of the temple locate close to the Sunandaramaya and the city.

The temple is located on naturally flat rectangular terraces, this lies on the North - South
direction and dominantly it's surrounded landscaping. The temple is prominent structure and it
can be easily captured by it's large "Gantara Kuluna".

Fig 5 2 Location plan of S u n a n d a r a m a viharaya

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3.3.2.2 LAYOUT PLANNING

The main access road directly leads to the large rectangular shaped flat terraces which
consists of two entrances from north and west. The west side of the entrance . w h i c h is the
main entrance , is through a bell - tower. It locates on the entrance and procession of steps in
front of the "Dana - Shalawa". But the temple consists with two terraces and one is large
raised podium at the north - east corner. The shrines and the sanctuaries are located on the
raised podium and the other buildings are in the lower level. The preaching hall on the left of
the main entrance and is closed to the north entrance. The main "Awasage" is located in
between the "Poyage" and the "Bana - Shalawa" and at the south direction in the same axis
with new awasage. The "Poyage" built and oriented to face the raised podium of the temple. It
is consisted with a library which is on the upstairs. Although the whole is faced to the north
direction but west side to "Dana salawa" and the temple is surrounded by a well known as
"Pawura". But pirivena located at right side the main layout and behind the avasage.

Fig 53 Layout plan -Sunandarama viharaya

The main entrance of raised terrace faced west to the consists of minor access with a small
steps locate in front of the preaching hall and "Danashalawa". The main axis of the raised
terrace directly facing to the old image house and that is a larger one. Bo - tree on north
provide with Pauwra. The new image house at near with old one and closed to the main
entrance of raised terrace. Stupa built on towards from the image house and left side of the
entrance , which has altars at 2 sides. The stone and lime pillars (Pahan Kanu) built around

53
 the Chaitya. Their raised plat form rich with large "Wally Maluwa" and covered by decorated

ramparts.

3.3.2.3 STUPA

The Stupa at Sunandaramaya is located at the second elevated terrace with a base which is
a raised octagonal. The "Pesa Wallalu" or
the three rings are constructed next with a
dome on top of it which is in the shape of a
bell , with the rest of the above mentioned
components. There are three important
Architectural features in this Stupa and this
is not found in everywhere. The motifs that
are found in the dome , floral boutiques that
are on the square, which immediately above
the dome (Hataras Kotuwa) and parallel
lines that are found in the pinnacle . Apart
from these two features could be seen . i.e.
there altars constructed few feet away from
the octagonal base and the few stone and
line pillars which are constructed around the
Stupa , are used to light oil lamps The
Stupa consists of sandy paths for worshipers
to circumambulate.
Fig 54 Stupa with slinne room

3.2.2.4 B O T R E E

Bo tree is the important edifies at the raised terrace of Sunandaramaya which is positioned to
north east corner of the terrace and with Bo -Maluwa containing the "Bo-tree" shrine , which it
consists with octagonal shape "Pouwra" and it is located around the Bo - tree. Bo - tree can
* easily be seen enter from north side and it conquer a large spatial. These provide large "Bo -
Maluwa" spread on the terrace , which facilitates movements of the devotees around it.

>4
 Fig 55 Bo- lice with Bodigara -Sunandarama viharaya

3.3.2.5 IMAGE HOUSE

Sunnadaramaya consists of two image houses , constructed on two square plinth plat foims.
Old image house consists of square "Garba" and outer cellar. The outer cellar belongs with
entrance porch on west side and with decorate wall known as "Thorana" or pandal with an
archs. The most attractive features enriched with this and the entrance door locate behind the
Thorana. The other entrances at south and the east sides of the outer Cella. This is enclosed
by walls and windows for adequate lighting and ventilation provided on all four sides
Inner "Garba" or cellar of the Image House has a main entrance which is located directly in
front of the "Thorana" and with other entrances positioned on south side of the main entrance.
This cellar contains a recumbent Buddha and other Buddha statues. In between the
"Thorana" and the entrance to the "Garba", a path could be found for the worshipers to
circumambulate. The walls decorates with paintings and figures of divinities. (Fig 56)

Second image house closed to the

old image house is a square shaped
and comparatively smaller shrine
room. Which has fully openabie
verandah it provides
circumambulate to worshipers. But
consists of arches supported on
large decorative columns all round
the building. West side has been a
main entrance to inner "Garba" and
windows on either side. It is rich with
Buddha statue and top of outer
facades decorated by carvings with
respect. (Fig 57)
Fig 57 Small i m a g e house - S u n a n d a r a m a viharaya

3.3.2.6 PREACHING HALL

The preaching Hall at Sunandaramaya is positioned North and south direction of lower level
of the temple. Which is constructed on the rectangular shape raised plinth platform and has
openabie entrance porch with colonnaded structure verandah circumambulation path around
the rectangular shaped "Garba" consists with two minor entrances of east side of the
verandah which is covered by timber decorated hand rail with massive colonnaded structure.

"Garba" opens out in to the verandah, allowing sufficient lighting and ventilation, spreading to
each of the four sides and the main entrance directly faces to the entrance porch others
locate at the north and east sides but east part of "Garba" consists with rich of doors unique
features that could be identified is the large "Garba" which provides accommodation for a
large crowd it has been diminished (Fig 58).
 Fig 58 Preaching hall -Sunandarama viharaya

3 . 3 . 2 . 7 C H A P T E R H O U S E (UPOSA THA GAR A YA)

Sunandaramaya is located on a two storyed building constructed on rectangular raised

plinth plat form. Which is at the right side of the main axis of the entrance. The building could
be accessed from three different directions which has a verandah and the timber staircase is
located on one extreme end which gives access to the timber upper floor. The most

il significant
verandah
feature
provides
is that the
decorative
columns on three sides of the
W m M m k
building, on which the arches rest

\V\laH WSILv enclosed "Garba" at the ground floor

nF j | B w a M «
used the Chapter house it provides
accommodation for the monks.. The

JfN? main entrance faced to the north

direction and the upper floor is used
as the library, the most significant
•

feature is which decorate with floral

bouquet and motifs

m m
Fig 59 Pohoyaga with Library -Sunandarama viharaya

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 3.3.2.8 BELL TOWER (GANTARA KULUNA)

The colossal Gantara Kuluna is the most prominent character of the Sunandaramaya layout.
These are comparatively huge structure and it acts as entrance Thorana, which facilitates
access through it's Garba Gantara Thorana enhance the unique symbolism of the latei

period

These designed provided easily climbed to top

of "Thorana" and "Gantaraya" located at most
highest place of this structure. Thorana
consists of various types of architectural
features and traditions Fully carved human
tiguies and animal heads aie most significant
characters but molding. carving and
ornamentations are enhanced tfieir attractive
quality. Designers attempted to demonstrate
"Thorana" in all directions Hence it's front and
rear sides are rich with architectural elements

Fig 60
Gantara kill una -Sunandarama viliarava

p 3.3.2.9 RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

'Awasage" of Sunandaramaya consists of two independent residential buildings i.e. main

"Awasage" is locates at the southern part of the temple, which is a two stoned building with
the entrance lobby direct to the northern side and constructed in a planned manner. The
building space is utilized effectively to provide the maximum comfort and accommodation for
the longitudinal axis. The upper floor which is out of timbet provided with a timber staircase
and with typical doors and windows for specially with respect to lighting and ventilation. The
verandah is located to the most nearest place of the "Awasage" and is decorated with floral
boutiques (Fig 61).

Recently constructed "Awasage" (Fig 62) at the right side of the entrance, which is
rectangular shaped and simply response to the requirements. The entrance leads to a narrow
cell and living rooms on one side of the buildings that provides facilities for a small refectory.
Refectory or "Danasalawa" is directly faced to the main entrance, which stand as an isolated
building. The rectangular shaped "Dana Salawa" consists of kitchen, store rooms and main
dinning area. The entrance colonnaded verandah that leads to the large dinning area which is

•
comparatively huge, comfortable and spacious for the monks to have their meals. These
buildings rich of architectural features it's enhance the historic value of "Danasalawa" (Fig 63)

Fig 63 Refectory hall - Danasalawa.

59
 3.3.2.10 PIRIVENA

Pirivena is located on rectangular shaped plinth platform and it is partially two storied. Which
is out side the main layout and seen as a domestic balding. This is a fully covered building
and provide more accommodation for laymen. It is decorated with moldings, glass windows
and sun shades are specially detailed in this temple.

Fig 6 4 Double storied pirivena -Sunandarama viharaya

60