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Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Inscription in Sinhala, Tamil, and English at the Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo, Sri Lanka: "Independence Memorial Hall. This hall was erected by the government of Ceylon to commemorate the achievement of the independence of Ceylon on 4th February 1948".
Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Independence Memorial Hall is located in the Independence Square at Colombo 7, known as Torrington Square in early days. The Hall was built for the commemoration of the independence from British in 1948. It was built at the location where the formal ceremony marking the start of self-rule, with the opening of the first parliament by the HRH Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester occurring at a special podium February 4, 1948.
Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo, Sri Lanka
The interior of the hall is supported by 60 pillars adorned with famous Embekke wood carvings from the 14th century Gampola kingdom. Made to the request of Premiere Senanayaka, who commissioned the building, it is said that he wanted a monument “worthy of this country’s long and impressive history.” Some of Sri Lanka’s most prominent architects labored over a number of sketches before the scrupulous premier granted his approval, making the Independence Memorial Hall one of the most meticulously designed buildings in the Colombo metropolis and even the whole country.
Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo, Sri Lanka
The interior of the hall is supported by 60 pillars adorned with famous Embekke wood carvings from the 14th century Gampola kingdom. Made to the request of Premiere Senanayaka, who commissioned the building, it is said that he wanted a monument “worthy of this country’s long and impressive history.” Some of Sri Lanka’s most prominent architects labored over a number of sketches before the scrupulous premier granted his approval, making the Independence Memorial Hall one of the most meticulously designed buildings in the Colombo metropolis and even the whole country.
Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo, Sri Lanka
The interior of the hall is supported by 60 pillars adorned with famous Embekke wood carvings from the 14th century Gampola kingdom. Made to the request of Premiere Senanayaka, who commissioned the building, it is said that he wanted a monument “worthy of this country’s long and impressive history.” Some of Sri Lanka’s most prominent architects labored over a number of sketches before the scrupulous premier granted his approval, making the Independence Memorial Hall one of the most meticulously designed buildings in the Colombo metropolis and even the whole country.
Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Independence Memorial Hall is located in the Independence Square at Colombo 7, known as Torrington Square in early days. The Hall was built for the commemoration of the independence from British in 1948. It was built at the location where the formal ceremony marking the start of self-rule, with the opening of the first parliament by the HRH Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester occurring at a special podium February 4, 1948.
Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Independence Memorial Hall is located in the Independence Square at Colombo 7, known as Torrington Square in early days. The Hall was built for the commemoration of the independence from British in 1948. It was built at the location where the formal ceremony marking the start of self-rule, with the opening of the first parliament by the HRH Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester occurring at a special podium February 4, 1948.
Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo, Sri Lanka
At the entrance to the building is an imposing statue of Don Stephen Senanayake, Sri Lanka’s first prime minister, surrounded by four menacing stone lions with protruding eyes. These feral guardians were recreated from the lion statues of the 13th century Yapahuwa kingdom.
Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo, Sri Lanka
At the entrance to the building is an imposing statue of Don Stephen Senanayake, Sri Lanka’s first prime minister, surrounded by four menacing stone lions with protruding eyes. These feral guardians were recreated from the lion statues of the 13th century Yapahuwa kingdom.
Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sixty stone lions are placed around the Memorial Hall, each symbolizing a Sinhalese king
The White House of Colombo, Sri Lanka
The Town Hall of Colombo is the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council and the office of the Mayor of Colombo. Built in front of the Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo, Sri Lanka, it is the meeting place for the elected municipal council.
The 350 m (1,150 ft) tall Lotus Tower, located in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as seen from Victoria Park.
Golden Buddha Statue in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Golden sitting buddha statue in Colombo's Victoria Park, Sri Lanka
Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Statues in front of the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Seating golden Buddha statue at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Hundreds of small Buddha figurines at the museum of the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Holy Bodhi tree in the Gangaramaya temple of Colombo in Sri Lanka
The holy Bodhi tree in the Gangaramaya Buddhist temple of Colombo in Sri Lanka
Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sitting Buddha statue at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Holy Bodhi tree in the Gangaramaya temple of Colombo in Sri Lanka
The holy Bodhi tree in the Gangaramaya Buddhist temple of Colombo in Sri Lanka
Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Naeren Kongo, a Nio guardian figure in Buddhism, at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Nio exhibit tremendous energy. Their arms, legs, and clublike feet dramatically jut into space, and drapery swirls violently around them. The Nio's bulging eyes, furrowed brows, flaring nostrils, and distorted grimaces bring their faces to life. Conceived as a pair, the Nio complement each other. Misshaku Kongo, representing power in action, bares his teeth and raises his fist in action, while Naeren Kongo, representing potential might, holds his mouth tightly closed and waits with both arms tensed but lowered. Each Nio figure represents a particular cosmic sound. Misshaku Kongo's open mouth sounds out "ah," meaning birth. Naeren Kongo sounds "om," meaning death. Thus, in two cosmic sounds life is encapsulated at a temple doorway, reminding viewers that life is fleeting and that good karma is necessary to avoid rebirth on the Wheel of Life.
Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Misshaku Kongo, a Nio guardian figure in Buddhism, at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Nio exhibit tremendous energy. Their arms, legs, and clublike feet dramatically jut into space, and drapery swirls violently around them. The Nio's bulging eyes, furrowed brows, flaring nostrils, and distorted grimaces bring their faces to life. Conceived as a pair, the Nio complement each other. Misshaku Kongo, representing power in action, bares his teeth and raises his fist in action, while Naeren Kongo, representing potential might, holds his mouth tightly closed and waits with both arms tensed but lowered. Each Nio figure represents a particular cosmic sound. Misshaku Kongo's open mouth sounds out "ah," meaning birth. Naeren Kongo sounds "om," meaning death. Thus, in two cosmic sounds life is encapsulated at a temple doorway, reminding viewers that life is fleeting and that good karma is necessary to avoid rebirth on the Wheel of Life.
Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This Buddhist temple includes several imposing buildings. It has the main features of a Vihara (temple), the Cetiya (Pagada) the Bodhi tree, the Vihara Mandiraya, the Seema malaka (assembly hall for monks) and the Relic Chamber. In addition, a museum, a library, a residential hall, a three storeyed Pirivena, educational halls and an alms hall are also on the premises. In other words - this temple is huge.
Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Replica of Borobudur - In Borobudur in Central Java, Indonesia, is the world’s largest Buddhist temple. Built in Gangaramaya is a perfect, impressive and aesthetically pleasing imitation of this example of ancient Southeast Asian architecture.
Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Statues in front of the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka
