Buddhist architecture Sri Lanka Archives

The Evolution of Sri Lankan Architecture: A Tapestry of Cultural Influences – By Malsha – eLanka Sri Lanka, strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean, has long been a focal point for travelers and traders due to its critical role along maritime routes. Formerly known as Ceylon, the island has witnessed a continuous succession of invasions, each leaving a distinct imprint on its architectural and cultural heritage. From the incursions of South Indian dynasties such as the Pandya and Chola to the lasting impacts of European colonial powers—including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British—Sri Lanka’s sociocultural and political landscapes have been shaped by these varied interactions. Buddhism and Early Architectural Development A deep exploration of Sri Lanka’s architectural heritage highlights the profound influence of Buddhism. Early residential structures exhibited simplicity, utilizing materials such as mud, sticks, and straw, while religious edifices were constructed with durable materials like stone and clay bricks, ensuring ...

Degaldoruwa Cave Temple – finest examples of Kandyan era paintings By Arundathie Abeysinghe Constructed in 1771 AD by King Rajadi Rajasinha (1782–1798) as a Cave Temple with *Kandyan era architecture and paintings and situated in Amunugama in Kandy, the Temple is situated at a place where two rocks have linked with each other from above as well as below, almost similar to one single rock. The rock mass has a height of approximately 40 feet (about 12 meters). The Shrine Room of the Temple has been constructed by breaking the rocks. Construction of the Temple had commenced during the reign of King Rajadi Rajasinha’s elder brother King Kirti Sri Rajasinha (1747-1782 AD). King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha was well-known as a great restorer of the Buddhist Order, as he revitalized numerous abandoned historical monasteries, resettling them with monks and adorning the places of worship with resplendent paintings. Majority of finest examples ...