Bogambara Prison: A Historic Landmark in Sri Lanka-by Kalani-eLanka Bogambara Prison, located in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka, stands as one of the country’s most historically significant and architecturally distinctive penal institutions. Built during the British colonial period, the prison operated for over a century before closing in 2014. Today, Bogambara is a powerful symbol of Sri Lanka’s colonial past, justice system, and architectural heritage. Historical Background Bogambara Prison was constructed in 1876 under British rule, modeled after the design of European prisons of the time. It officially opened in 1878. Before Bogambara, prisoners in Kandy were held in smaller, less secure facilities. The British authorities, seeking a more modern and structured prison system, invested in building Bogambara to replace the aging facilities. The prison was originally designed to hold around 400 inmates but often housed far more, especially during periods of political unrest. Over its long history, Bogambara ...
Apr 28, 2025
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Articles, Kalani Prabodha
Tagged Bogambara Cultural Park, Bogambara Prison, British prison architecture, prisoners in Kandy, Sri Lankan literature
