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The Mulacari of Peradeniya University: Shirley De Alwis-by Michael Roberts Source:Thuppahis KNO Dharmadasa, in Hanthana Night, produced by the Üniversity 0f Peradeniya Alumni Associatio Western Australia Chapter, August 2023 The word Mulacari in the Kandyan period of Sri Lankan history meant “the chief architect”. These would have been the great architects of yore like the one who designed the “Brazen Palace” (Lovamahapaya) during the Anuradhapura period. But we have no information about their titles or names. Shirley De Alwis (1898-1952) who was appointed the “University Architect” in 1946, was the man who designed the eight original Halls of Residence -Marrs, Jayatilaka, Arunachalam, Hilda Obeysekara, James Peiris, Marcus Fernando, Sangamitta and Ramanathan.  He also designed the Senate Building — which was modelled on the Brazen Place, although on a modest scale.  The Science and Arts Faculty buildings as well as the Geography Building are also creations of Shirley De Alwis. Today, the Peradeniya University is considered one among the ...