Old Parliament House, Colombo

Old Parliament House is one of Colombo’s key civic landmarks and a clear reminder of Sri Lanka’s colonial and political history. Completed in 1930 under British rule, the building was designed by architect Austin Woodeson to house the State Council of Ceylon, the colonial name for present-day Sri Lanka. Its location near the waterfront emphasized Colombo’s role as the island’s administrative and commercial center, closely linked to the port and colonial government offices.

The building follows a neoclassical design, a style commonly used for government institutions during the British period. Its symmetrical layout, long colonnades, and broad entrance steps give it a formal appearance intended to project stability and authority. The pale stone exterior was chosen to suit the tropical climate, while the interior included large chambers designed for legislative debates and official ceremonies.

The grounds of the Old Parliament House are marked by a small group of statues that reflect Sri Lanka’s layered political and cultural history. These monuments commemorate key figures connected to governance, national identity, and the country’s transition from colonial rule to independence. Set against the neoclassical façade of the building, the statues introduce a quieter, reflective dimension to the site, contrasting with the formality of the architecture.

In the 1980s, Sri Lanka’s Parliament moved to a new complex at Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, outside Colombo’s historic center. Despite this change, Old Parliament House remains in active use, housing government offices and retaining its official function.