Written on October 16, 2010 at 12:20 AM by Lasith

Colombo National Museum

Filed under Kandyan & Colonial era (post-1500), Pre-Colonial era (pre-1500) {no comments}

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Location: Colombo, Western Province
Date of visit: 11th October 2010

Although I had been to the capital many a times, never had I had the chance to explore The National Museum. So today, having gotten out of a morning appointment earlier than expected, I seized the opportunity to make my first ever visit. I would recommend a trip to anyone who hasn’t been to some of the country’s more prominent historic sites as it provides a wonderful snapshot of the country’ history and culture at a price of LKR 500 (for foreigners) or LKR 25 (for locals), with a camera pass costing an additional LKR 250.

History of the Museum

The first piece of history that welcomes you is the majestic museum building itself. Located in Cinnamon Gardens, the museum was originally built in January 1877 under British colonial rule by then Governor, Sir William Henry Gregory. The building was designed by J. G. Smither of the Ceylon Public Works Department in the styling of Italian Architecture, and construction completed in under four years.

Today the museum houses several exhibits documenting various periods of Sri Lanka’s history from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa to the Transitional to Kandyan, and more recently the Colonial periods under Portugese, Dutch and British rule. A note to caution those seeking total sensory stimulation– The Colombo Museum does lack the modern audio/visual presentations that enhance some of the other museums. Nonetheless it does well to help its visitors’ experience Sri Lanka’s history through the many artifacts and replicas (of monuments still standing) on display.

The Kandyan Throne

This album doesn't have photosThe must-see centerpiece on display is the Kandyan Throne, originally built in 1693 and presented to King Wimaladarmasuriya II (reigned 1687 – 1707) by the Dutch Governor Van Ree. The throne consists of a wooden frame covered with gold sheeting and velvet cushioning, decorated with 243 precious stones. It was passed down through six generations of Sinhalese Kings during the 16th and 17th centuries, during which the Kingdom of Kandy managed to avoid foreign invasion. However in 1815, the British finally seized Sri Lanka’s hill country and captured King Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe (reigned 1798 – 1815), taking the throne to England where it was placed in the treasury room of Windsor Castle. Its whereabouts were hidden from the Sri Lankan people for over a century and only returned back to the country in September 1934 by King George V’s son, the Duke of Glouster. Today you could see it in its final resting place at the Colombo National Museum.

I would suggest allotting between one and a half to up to four hours to fully explore the museum. It certainly is a must-do for anyone who has not visited Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, but optional for those more familiar with the country’s history and cultural sites.

Goto main Colombo page: The city of Colombo

Lasith tagged this post with: British, Colombo, Colonial history, Dutch, King Wickrema Rajasinghe, King Wimaladarmasuriya II Read 25 articles by Lasith