Richmond Castle: A Legacy of Colonial Grandeur

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Richmond Castle - Kalutara — Source : http://www.tourism.wp.gov.lk

Perched atop a hill on a sprawling 42-acre estate in Palatota, near Kalutara, Richmond Castle is one of Sri Lanka’s most striking examples of colonial-era architecture. Built at the dawn of the 20th century, this grand mansion was the residence of Padikara Mudaliyar Nanayakkara Rajawasala Appuhamilage Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena—an influential landowner, philanthropist, and chief administrator in the Kalutara District under British rule.

The Architectural Masterpiece

The two-storey Richmond Castle boasts 99 doors, 34 windows, and an overarching roof that covers the entire structure. The mansion’s architecture is more reminiscent of a British manor than a traditional Sri Lankan walauwwa. It combines European design elements with Eastern aesthetics, featuring Burmese teak pillars, Italian and Scottish stained-glass windows, and Kandyan-era wood carvings, especially prominent on the intricately designed dancing floor.

Construction materials were imported: teak from Burma, timber from England, and glass from Italy and Scotland. The mansion includes a ballroom with a natural ventilation system reputedly connected by underground ducts to the Kalu Ganga River. Other luxurious features include a stable, servants’ quarters, guardrooms, and a master bedroom with soundproofed walls using a cold-climate wall design that enclosed wooden lathes within plaster.

The mansion once overlooked lush gardens filled with flowers and marble statues. Although the floral splendor has faded, the estate remains home to various fruit trees such as mangosteen, mango, rambutan, guava, and citrus.

The Man Behind the Mansion

Born to Paulis Silva, known as the “plumbago king” of Galle, and Isabella de Silva of Baddegama, Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena was the youngest of two sons. Educated in Colombo and abroad, he was known as Padikara Mudali by the British Crown for his notable service to society. At his peak, he held administrative authority over 12 mudaliyars and a battalion of 40 guards under his command.

His marriage to Clarice Maud Sooriyabandara, daughter of a prominent lawyer, was a grand affair remembered by locals to this day. The bridal procession—accompanied by four white horses—was reportedly attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales and even the Maharajah of Raman, whose Indian palace inspired the design of Richmond Castle.

Despite the fairytale wedding, the marriage was not successful. Childless and later separated from his wife, the Mudaliyar devoted his life and wealth to philanthropy. He eventually gifted Richmond Castle and his other properties to the Public Trustee of Sri Lanka, with the wish that they be used to uplift the lives of underprivileged children.

A Center for Education and Welfare

Following his donation, Richmond Castle became an educational center and sanctuary for destitute children. The Mudaliyar’s vision included teaching foreign languages, providing technical education, and offering preschool facilities and children’s parks. His dedication to social welfare extended beyond his estate; he also donated the 81-acre Ira Handa Yawa estate for children and contributed generously to institutions such as Lady Ridgeway Hospital.

Honors and Legacy

Arthur de Silva Siriwardena was a devout Roman Catholic and maintained close ties with the Vatican. He received numerous international honors in recognition of his services:

Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre
Knight Grand Officer of the Crown of Italy
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Sylvester
Knight Commander of the Order of Leopold II
Knight Commander of the Order of the Black Eagle
Member of the Pontifical Academy of Rome
Gold Cross of Merit from the Society of Arts, Science and Letters of France
Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Great Britain
President of the Association of Ceylon Chiefs (1921–1928)

Later Years and Preservation Challenges

After donating his property, the Mudaliyar lived in a quiet room at the Queen’s Hotel in Kandy until his death in 1947 from thrombosis. Unfortunately, during the period following the transfer of ownership, the mansion was occupied by foreign soldiers, which led to considerable damage. Legal disputes delayed proper conservation, and many original items—statues, imported tiles, and garden ornaments—were stolen or vandalized.

Despite these setbacks, Richmond Castle continues to stand as a monument to colonial Ceylon’s architectural brilliance and the noble spirit of one of its greatest philanthropists. Visitors today can still see century-old plate photographs, remnants of the porcelain birdbath and fountain in the meda midula, and the grand double staircase leading to the upper floor.

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Travel Directions to Richmond Castle of Kalutara

Route from Colombo to Richmond Castle	Route from Galewela to Richmond Castle
Through : Moratuwa – Panadura Distance : 45 km Travel time : 2 hours. Driving directions : see on google map	Through : Distance : 3 km Travel time : 10 minutes. Driving directions : see on google map