Horagolla Walauwa is a historically significant manor house located in Nittambuwa, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most prominent walauwas (manor houses) in the country, known for its association with the Bandaranaike family, one of Sri Lanka’s most influential political dynasties.
Historical Significance
Horagolla Walauwa has a deep connection to Sri Lanka’s political history. It was the ancestral home of the Bandaranaike family, who played a crucial role in the country’s political landscape. The walauwa is particularly famous as the residence of Solomon West Ridgeway Dias (S.W.R.D.) Bandaranaike, who served as the Prime Minister of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) from 1956 until his assassination in 1959.
Architectural Features
The architecture of Horagolla Walauwa reflects the traditional style of Sri Lankan manor houses, with its spacious layout, high ceilings, and large verandas. The house is set amidst lush greenery, providing a serene and picturesque environment. The design of the walauwa embodies the colonial and indigenous influences that characterized the architecture of the period.
The Bandaranaike Family and Horagolla Walauwa
Horagolla Walauwa became the center of Sri Lankan politics when S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike moved there with his family. After his death, his wife, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, became the world’s first female Prime Minister and continued to use Horagolla Walauwa as a political base. Their daughter, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, who also became the President of Sri Lanka, spent much of her early life at the walauwa.
Current Status and Legacy
Horagolla Walauwa remains a symbol of the Bandaranaike family’s legacy in Sri Lanka. It is still owned by the family and is occasionally used for private functions and political gatherings. The walauwa is also a site of historical interest, drawing visitors who are keen to learn about the Bandaranaike family’s contribution to Sri Lankan politics.
The walauwa’s grounds are also the final resting place of S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike and Sirimavo Bandaranaike, with a memorial that honors their memory and their impact on the nation. The house continues to be a powerful symbol of the country’s political heritage and the Bandaranaike family’s enduring influence.
