Geoffrey Manning Bawa was born in 1919 and was among the most influential architects of his generation in Asia. The Pioneer and the principal force behind what is known today as “Tropical Modernism” in architecture. He is a recipient of the second highest national honour of Sri Lanka, the “Deshamanya” or “Pride of the Nation” award, which is presented by the Government of the country as a civil honour. Do not miss an amazing opportunity to explore some of Mr. Bawa’s best work in Sri Lanka. If you are staying in Colombo or Negombo, best to leave by 7.30am or at 6.30am, if you are staying in Galle or around the Southern Coast.
LOCATIONS THAT WILL BE COVERED
- Parliament of Sri Lanka – This is the supreme legislative body of Sri Lanka and it alone holds statutory supremacy and thus, critical power over all other administrative bodies in the country. This new parliament is located in Sri Jayawardenapura, Kotte; where it sits in the middle of a man-made lake. It combines Sri Lankan and Indian architectural features and was built in the mid to late 1970’s.
- Paradise Road Gallery Café – Established in 1998, the café exists in the former offices of Mr. Bawa, which was one of his personalfavourites. He himself accepted the takeover of this treasured property and its transformation into a beautiful gallery and grand restaurant by designer, Udayshanth Fernando.
- The Ratnasivaratnam House – A beautiful house designed by Mr. Bawa himself in 1979, for a Director of a big company in Sri Lanka. The house boasts three bedrooms, a study, a kitchen, a garage and a rooftop terrace. It features Geoffrey Bawa’s love for open spaces with lovely white coloured walls and a beautiful courtyard.
- No:11 Colombo Residence – With his signature white coloured walls, the residence of Mr. Bawa is an architectural marvel, where art and artifacts from his collection are exhibited. It boasts two bedrooms on the 1st floor, a balcony on the 3rd floor and an open viewing deck on the 4th floor.
- Lunuganga – Enjoy one of Mr. Bawa’s beloved pieces of work, which is a stunning garden hideaway in Bentota. The area was once a rubber plantation site and the structure took several decades to complete. It was one of his personal projects that later turned into a beautiful boutique hotel.
INCLUSIONS
- Transport to the locations from Colombo, Negombo or the South Coast and back
- Lunch on Tour
- Entrance fees to Lunuganga
EXCLUSIONS
- Anything that is not highlighted above