Heritage

Historic Old Marketing Department Building in Colombo (ඓතිහාසික පැරණි අලෙවි සංවර්ධන දෙපාර්තමේන්තු ගොඩනැගිල්ල)

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Historic Old Marketing Department Building in Colombo

Constructed in 1878, this historic two-story Neoclassical building lies at the intersection of Hospital Lane and Chatham Street in Pettah. It can be accessed either from the Economic History Museum side or from the rear of the Dutch Hospital precinct.

Designed according to the plans of the English architect Bannett, the building was later occupied by various government institutions (Manathunga, 2005/2020). Today, it is remembered simply as the Old Marketing Department Building.

Architectural Style

The structure is a classic example of Neoclassical architecture, adapted to suit the tropical climate of Sri Lanka. Its overall layout is square, and a portico marks the main entrance. The façades are defined by a series of semi-circular arches in the Roman and Victorian style, lending rhythm and solidity to the ground floor elevations. (Manathunga, 2005/2020)

Distinctive Features

The two-story section is separated by a wooden floor, while the roof is supported by sturdy iron trusses. On the upper floor, tall arched windows with decorative fanlights dominate the façade, allowing both natural light and ventilation. Cement balustrades and balconies add further character to the building.

Roofline and Ornamentation

The roofline is flat and edged with a projecting cornice, a feature typical of Neo-Classical and Palladian styles. Classical details such as pilasters, cornices, and mouldings bring elegance and proportion to the exterior.

References

Manathunga, S. B. (2020). කොළඹ දිස්ත්‍රික්කය: පෞරාණික ස්ථාන හා ස්මාරක (3rd ed.). Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka. (Original work published 2005)

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Travelling Directions to Historic Old Marketing Department Building

Route from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Historic Old Marketing Department Building
Distance: 1.4 kilometers Travel time: 5 minutes Driving Directions: see on Googl e Map

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