Event promoting rediscovery of Kandy architectural attractions kicks off today

Thursday, 14 June 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Kandy is the capital of the Central Province, and the second largest city in Sri Lanka with a population of about 130,000 people (2012). Due to the historical importance of being the sanctuary of Sri Lanka Buddhism, as well as being the capital of the last Kandy Kingdom (1469- 1815), Kandy’s cultural heritage is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, in the heritage city area, the historic buildings are not properly conserved, so the value and appeal as a historic heritage city is being lost.

Based on the above background, the technical cooperation project titled “The Project for Formulation of Greater Kandy Urban Plan” was commenced by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in February 2017. Under the project, JICA is supporting the UDA to improve development guidelines for the historical heritage area, and formulate comprehensive programs for restoring and utilising Kandy’s historic buildings. “Kandy, Our Heritage!” an administrative / citizen participation event, is one of the initiatives of the Project, aiming at conveying the charm of the historic buildings of the city. It will be held in Kandy from 14-17 June.

The event consists of two parts: “Info Place”, an exhibition and communication space making use of one of the historic buildings in the centre of Kandy, and “Archi-Tours”, which opens five historic buildings in the city to the public. They include the Ehelepola Walawwa, Meda Wasala, Kandy Municipal Council building and Bogambara Prison. At Info Place, the memories of historic buildings in the city and activities of the project will be exhibited. A walking map of the city and a booklet to introduce the attractiveness of the historic buildings will also be distributed free of charge. In addition, a cafe will be opened for a limited time, in cooperation with the local coffee shop. Archi-Tours aims to make citizens feel close to the historic buildings, by opening those buildings to the public with an architectural guide.

The event will be ceremonially opened by the Mayor of Kandy and Senior Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office, on 14 June. Thereafter, Info Place will be open from 10:00 to 17:00 during the event, while advance reservation are required to attend Archi-Tours. More details are available at https://www.facebook.com/GKUP.KANDY/