Parliament of Sri Lanka
The national Parliament, a striking Geoffrey Bawa building set on an island in the Diyawanna lake at Kotte, best admired from the surrounding parks and lakeside.
The Parliament of Sri Lanka is one of the most striking buildings in the country, and one of its most photographed. Designed by the celebrated architect Geoffrey Bawa and opened in the early 1980s, it sits on its own island in the Diyawanna lake at Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, about 10km east of central Colombo.
What makes it special is how it seems to rise straight out of the water. Bawa drew on traditional Sri Lankan architecture, and the layered copper roofs and open pavilions give the whole complex a sense of calm rather than grandeur. From across the lake, with its reflection in the water, it looks almost weightless.
The building isn't open for casual visits, so you won't be able to wander the grounds. The good news is that the best views are from outside anyway. The lakeside parks and walking paths around Diyawanna give you open, uninterrupted views, and many of them are pleasant places to spend a little time.
Late afternoon is the ideal time to come. The light turns golden, the heat softens and local walkers and joggers start filling the lakeside paths. Around half an hour is enough to take in the view and grab a few photos, though you may want to linger.
If you'd like to see Parliament in session, the public gallery can sometimes be visited with advance permission. Check the official Parliament website for the latest arrangements before you go.
At a glance
- Entry fee: View from the surrounding area
- Opening hours: Grounds not open to casual visitors
- Time needed: 30 minutes
- Best time: Late afternoon
How to get there
At Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, about 10km east of central Colombo.