Overview
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte — Sri Lanka’s administrative capital and the seat of Parliament — is built around an ancient lake system that was once the moat and water supply of a medieval royal city. The Diyawanna Oya (Parliament Lake) and its connected water bodies form a lake corridor of considerable beauty in the heart of the Colombo metropolitan area, most famously providing the reflective water setting for Geoffrey Bawa’s Sri Lanka Parliament building — one of the great pieces of postmodern architecture in Asia. The lake system is surrounded by the Diyatha Uyana park, governmental buildings, and the Parliament complex, and the combination of architectural masterpiece, ancient lake, and urban natural landscape creates an experience of exceptional quality.
Highlights
- The Geoffrey Bawa-designed Sri Lanka Parliament — one of Asia’s great modern buildings
- Diyawanna Oya (Parliament Lake) — formerly the moat of a medieval royal city
- The Parliament building reflected in the lake — the definitive architectural photograph
- Connected to the Diyatha Uyana park and Beddagana wetland system
- The ancient royal city of Kotte underlies the modern administrative capital
- Waterbirds using the lake in the grounds of the Parliament complex
- The lake at sunset with the Parliament building illuminated
- Part of Geoffrey Bawa’s most significant public building legacy
Best Time to Visit
Dawn for the Parliament reflection. Sunset for the illuminated building. Year-round.
Activities
- Parliament building architecture photography
- Lake promenade walking
- Birdwatching on the lake margins
- Diyatha Uyana park combination
Suitable For
Architecture enthusiasts, birdwatchers, all visitors to the Colombo area
Nearby Attractions
- Diyatha Uyana (adjacent)
- Beddagana Wetland (10 min drive)
- Thalangama Wetlands (10 min drive)
- Colombo National Museum (15 min drive)
- Viharamahadevi Park (15 min drive)
Travel Tips
- The dawn reflection of Parliament in the lake is the finest photograph
- The Parliament complex is viewable from the lake and promenade
- Security restrictions apply around the Parliament buildings
- Combine with Diyatha Uyana for a complete Kotte lake morning
- The Kotte medieval city ruins are visible in several areas around the lake
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