Before the Forum

9.00am – 7.00pm

Guests will meet at the Colombo residence of Geoffrey Bawa, where the trust curators will conduct a guided tour of Bawa’s home. Next stop would be the Sapumal Gallery, home to many original pieces of Art from the 43 group. It features a vast collection of George Keyt, Ivan Pieris, Richard Gabriel, Manju Sri, Collette, Classen and many more artists from that period. Next stop would be the De Saram house, designed by Geoffrey Bawa for his friend Druvi de Saram. 

Guests will explore the Cathedral of Living Christ; this iconic Poetry in Concrete is the work of Neville Wynne Jones. Next stop Jesuit Chapel designed by Valentine Gunasekara draws its inspiration from the waves of the nearby Indian ocean. A Sri Lankan Lunch will be served at Culture Colombo.

Exploring some of the contemporary architecture next up will be a mixed development project designed by the Robust Architecture workshop. Followed by the studio dwelling of Palinda kannangara. Guests will then have the privilege of visiting a few residences designed by Anjalendran followed by a discussion with Anjalendran at his home studio. Guests will then visit the Barefoot Gallery Boutique and Café. 

Inclusions:

• All Arcasia registrants are entitled for free airport pick-up and free airport drop-off
• Tour registrants lodging in Hotels in Colombo 01, Colombo 02 and Colombo 03 are entitled to complimentary pick-up for the tour
• All entrance tickets
• Transport during the tour
• Sri Lankan Lunch at Culture Colombo
• Drop-off to pick-up locations
• Guests will be accompanied by the SLIA Tour curators

Exclusions:

• Overnight accommodation

Notes:

• It is recommended to book your accommodation in Colombo 01, Colombo 02 or Colombo 03 to be entitled for a complimentary pick-up and drop-off during the above tour.
• Registrants will be informed of their pick-up time from the respective hotels and the registrants are advised to strictly adhere to these timings.

Before the Forum

10.00 am to 5.00 pm


A guided walking tour of old Colombo where the guests will get an immersive experience of the life in Fort and Pettah while exploring relics of history.

The group will meet at the Grand Oriental Hotel for Brunch at the famous Harbour Room with its breathtaking views of the Colombo Harbour. The hotel that was once the home for Anton Chekhov is located facing the passenger terminal of the harbour that welcomed the visitors to the island for more than a century.

After brunch and a brief introduction of the tour, the group will walk through the grand old structures of the Colombo fort erected during the British occupancy of the Island passing the former GPO, the Presidents house and the Republican building. This walking tour will explore the Chatam St. Lighthouse that incorporates a Clock tower into the design sightseeing around the new lighthouse and catching a glimpse of the port city.

Sambodhi stupa and the Maritime museum will be visited next and a short break will be taken at the Dutch Hospital shopping Precinct to freshen up. Guests will be then transferred by vehicle to Fort Railway station for a brief lookout, then walk to The Dutch Period Museum, the famous Red Mosque in Bankshall Street and the participants will walk down Reclamation Street to visit Ramanathan Kovil passing Kochchikade St. Anthonies shrine.

The tour will end up at the famous Verandah restaurant of the Galle face hotel with high tea watching the picturesque sunset.

Inclusions:

• All Arcasia registrants are entitled for free airport pick-up and free airport drop-off
• Tour registrants lodging in Hotels in Colombo 01, Colombo 02 and Colombo 03 are entitled to complimentary pick-up for the tour
• Brunch at Grand Oriental Hotel
• All entrance tickets
• Transport on request (This tour is planned as a walking/vehicular assisted tour)
• High Tea at Galleface Hotel
• Drop-off to pick-up locations
• Guests will be accompanied by the SLIA Tour curators

Exclusions:

• Overnight accommodation

Notes:

• It is recommended to book your accommodation in Colombo 01, Colombo 02 or Colombo 03 to be entitled for a complimentary pick-up and drop-off during the above tour.
• Registrants will be informed of their pick-up time from the respective hotels and the registrants are advised to strictly adhere to these timings.
• Registrants are recommended to pack lightly as this is mostly a walking tour.
• Registrants are advised to be prepared for the Colombo weather.
• Total walking distance during the tour will be approx. 4.7km with multiple rest stops.
• Tour will be accompanied by a vehicle for any assistance if required.

Before the Forum

10.00 am to 7.00 pm (Full Day Tour)


The participants will be given a general idea on the perceptions of architecture during the colonial period where architecture was to impose an image of the colonial rulers. This will be done in the Victoria Park using the Colombo town Hall as an example where a false dome dominates the colonnaded edifice.

The art gallery will give the participants an understanding of the new Nationalist style that was immerging in the 1940's where buildings built using modern technology and material were made to mimic historical structures. Where motifs from historical buildings were placed on these modern buildings to give it a more traditional outlook. The idea of attributing modern architecture to the west and our part of the world being restricted to their historical structures. This will be further explored at the Independence square built to commemorate independence from the colonial occupancy. This building is a replica built in concrete of the Royal audience hall of the last King of Kandyan Kingdom.

The participants will be given an introduction to the pioneers of regional tropical modernism. The architects experimented in appropriating principles of modernism to the tropical region. The group will then visit living examples of each of these architects to experience their architectural style and their approach. 

The early examples of regional tropical modernism will be places such as Senanayake Flats by Minette De Silva, Ilangakoon House by Valentine Gunasekara, Peiris House by Minette De Silva, Perera House by Ulrik Pleasner and the Gallery café; the former office of famous Geoffrey Bawa which will be visited during the tour.

Guests will also visit the Lakmahal Community library the former residence of C.L. Wickramasinghe to get an idea of a classical residence during the time. Once finishing the exploration of early examples of modernism the guests will also visit a few contemporary buildings in the vicinity such as Rithi by Vijitha Basnayake, Shirohana by Amila De Mel and Anu Saku house by Sumangala Jayathilake.

Tour will end up at the revolving restaurant; Blue Orbit by Citrus in Lotus tower Colombo, the tallest skyscraper in the country with a buffet spread that spans seven different cuisines while enjoying the breathtaking night view of Colombo.

Inclusions:

• All Arcasia registrants are entitled for free airport pick-up and free airport drop-off
• Tour registrants lodging in Hotels in Colombo 01, Colombo 02 and Colombo 03 are entitled to complimentary pick-up for the tour
• Lunch inspired by Jaffna cuisine at Maniumpathy
• All entrance tickets
• Transport during the tour
• Dinner at Lotus tower
• Drop-off to pick-up locations
• Guests will be accompanied by the SLIA Tour curators

Exclusions:

• Overnight accommodation

Notes:

• It is recommended to book your accommodation in Colombo 01, Colombo 02 or Colombo 03 to be entitled for a complimentary pick-up and drop-off during the above tour.
• Registrants will be informed of their pick-up time from the respective hotels and the registrants are advised to strictly adhere to these timings.
• Private residences listed in the tour will be subject to permission and the participants are requested to respect the occupants’ privacy during the visits.

After the Forum

8.00am on 29th Sep – 7.00pm on 30th Sep (2 Day Tour)

In the periphery of Kandy, the last kingdom of Sri Lanka lies a famous trio of temples Gadoladeniya, Lankakathileike and Ambakke Devale. The latter is famous for its intricate wood carvings and the magnificent timber roof structure.  Lankathileike in total contrast to Ambekke is a solid whitewashed multistoried edifice where only the bottom most floor remains today. Gadoladeniya is also significant due to its architecture. In addition, the Sooriyagoda temple too is full of history with many temple murals and carvings. The in-house museum features many artifacts. 

After visiting the temples, the participants will visit the Hiyarapitiya House designed by Channa Daswatta which is a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Kandyan house. 

The trinity College chapel designed by the British priest Rev. Gastor closely mimics the architecture of the Royal audience hall of the palace of Kandy. Its murals by David Paynter interprets biblical Characters with a local essence. While adhering to some of the key principles of a traditional church it also consciously breaks away from the western traditions of building by using an open pavilion for the building. 

The Helgas Folly features an eccentric collection of artifacts and provides and ambiance that is different to what’s seen as normal. The overnight Stay will be at the Kandy house Hotel (subject to availability) a heritage home belonging to the Kandyan nobility that is now converted to a boutique hotel.

The participants will visit the temple of tooth that is home to the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha and leave to Matale to visit to the batik workshop of the late artist Ena de Silva. On the return journey you will visit the ancient temple Ridee Vihara in Kurunagala along with Karagahagedara Ambalama a way side resting pavilion built of timber.

Inclusions:

• All Arcasia registrants are entitled for free airport pick-up and free airport drop-off
• Tour registrants lodging in Kandalama Hotels are entitled to complimentary pick-up for the tour
• Day 01 Lunch at Elpitiya walawwa
• Day 01 Dinner at the Hotel
• Overnight accommodation at ‘The Kandy House’ or similar depending on availability
• Day 02 Breakfast at the Hotel
• Day 02 Lunch
• All entrance tickets
• Transport during the tour
• Drop-off to Hotels in Colombo 01, Colombo 02 or Colombo 03
• Guests will be accompanied by the SLIA Tour curators

Exclusions:

• Overnight accommodation in Colombo after the drop-off
• Personal expenses

Notes:

• This tour will commence from Kandalama after the Forum22 on 29th Sep 2024 and all participants will be dropped off at Colombo on 30th Sep 2024 late evening.
• It is recommended to book your accommodation in Colombo 01, Colombo 02 or Colombo 03 to be entitled for a complimentary drop-off after the above tour.
• Registrants will be informed of their pick-up time from Kandalama hotels and the registrants are advised to strictly adhere to these timings.
• Participants are advised to dress suitably during the visits to religious venues.

Before the Forum

6.30am on 25th Sep – 9.00pm on 26th Sep (2 Day Tour)

Lunuganga is the garden and country home of Geoffrey Bawa, a labor of love that has evolved during the span of his lifetime. Breakfast will be served on the famous veranda by the lake where Bawa entertained many of his guests.  The Guests will also receive the opportunity to see the iconic Colombo home of Ena de Silva (subject to availability) designed by Geoffrey Bawa and now moved to the Lunuganga estate under the guidance of Amila de Mel and the Geoffrey Bawa Trust. 

A little drive from Lunuganga lies the home of Bevis Bawa that was the ground for many artistic and gardening experiments for many artists including the famous Australian artist Donald Friend and Sri Lankan designer Barbara Sansoni. Guests will also visit the landmark Bentota Beach hotel of Geoffrey Bawa, now lovingly restored to its original glory. Its famous batik ceiling by Artist Ena de Silva too was redone by her workshop based on the original tracings and color recipes produced many decades ago.  Guests will also walk about the Bentota railway station, built as a part of the urban rejuvenation project of Bentota. This iconic station was designed along with the Bentota beach hotel and the Serendib hotel. 

Lunch will be served in once the iconic garden of the Dutch artist Lydia Dutchini Gunasekara that features a salvaged shophouse from the Galle Road relocated to site by Geoffrey Bawa.

Next up will be a nature tour to experience the luscious environment of The Madu River, an inland water body with many residential islands. The centerpiece of the necklace of islands in the river Madu is the Kothduwa temple that is accessed by boat. 

Guests will then visit Armitage Hill (subject to permission), The Sri Lankan home of the famous Australian Singaporean Architect Kerry Hill. The overnight stay will be at the Lighthouse hotel Galle, The iconic creation of Geoffrey Bawa that features the famous "Mara Senawa" sculpture spanning the entire height of the building by Artist Laki Senannayake. (subject to availability)

No journey to down south is complete without exploring the Historical Fortress of Galle dating back to Portuguese rule. It was developed to its current form during the Dutch Period and is a living monument protected by the UNESCO.

Lunch will be arranged at iconic Jayawardane House by Geoffrey Bawa or at Mirissa Hills by Anjalendran depending on the availability. Followed by a visit to Villa Vista by Shigeru Ban (subject to availability). One could also catch a glimpse of Tadao Ando’s Pringier’s house in the vicinity prior to returning to Colombo.

Inclusions:

• All Arcasia registrants are entitled for free airport pick-up and free airport drop-off
• Tour registrants lodging in Hotels in Colombo 01, Colombo 02 and Colombo 03 are entitled to complimentary pick-up for the tour
• Day 01 Breakfast at Lunuganga
• Day 01 Lunch at the Boutique 87
• Overnight accommodation at ‘Lighthouse Hotel’ or similar depending on availability
• Day 02 Breakfast at the Hotel
• Day 02 Lunch
• All entrance tickets
• Transport during the tour
• Drop-off to Kandalama Hotels for Forum22
• Guests will be accompanied by the SLIA Tour curators

Exclusions:

• Overnight accommodation in Kandalama after the drop-off
• Day 01 Dinner (Guests will be dropped off to Galle Fort for a dinner of their choice)
• Day 02 Dinner
• Personal expenses

Notes:

• This tour will commence from Colombo on 25th Sep 2024 and all participants will be dropped off at Hotels in Kandalama on 26th Sep 2024 late evening.
• It is recommended to book your accommodation in Arcasia nominated hotels in Kandalama to be entitled for a complimentary drop-off after the above tour.
• Registrants will be informed of their pick-up time from Colombo hotels and the registrants are advised to strictly adhere to these timings.
• Participants are advised to dress suitably during the visits to religious venues.
• Please note that this tour will be subject to long transit hours (approx. 5hr 30mins) from Galle to Kandalama

On the Forum - Day 1

2.00pm – 6.00pm (Afternoon Tour)

Half a day guided tour of Ancient Rock Fortress of Sigiriya and a visit to Sigiriya Museum

On the Forum - Day 2

7.00am – 10.30am (Morning Tour)

Brunch with a view at the summit of Pidurangala

On the Forum - Day 1

6.00am – 6.30pm (Full Day Tour)

Full day Safari at the Minneriya National Park famous for Elephant gathering

On the Forum - Day 2

2.00pm – 6.30pm (Afternoon Tour)

Half day tour of historical Mihinthale temple followed by an evening at the Kaludiya Pokuna

On the Forum - Day 2

8.30am – 6.00pm (Full Day Tour)

Full day tour of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa

On the Forum - Day 1

9.00am – 2.00pm (Morning and Afternoon)

Half a day tour of the Ancient Dambulla Cave temple, Diyabubula; the retreat of Laki Senanayake and lunch at Kalundewa Retreat

On the Forum - Day 1

6.30pm – 9.30pm (Evening)

Cultural Night at Kandalama

After the Forum

9.00am – 7.00pm

Guests will meet at the Colombo residence of Geoffrey Bawa, where the trust curators will conduct a guided tour of Bawa’s home. Next stop would be the Sapumal Gallery, home to many original pieces of Art from the 43 group. It features a vast collection of George Keyt, Ivan Pieris, Richard Gabriel, Manju Sri, Collette, Classen and many more artists from that period. Next stop would be the De Saram house, designed by Geoffrey Bawa for his friend Druvi de Saram. 

Guests will explore the Cathedral of Living Christ; this iconic Poetry in Concrete is the work of Neville Wynne Jones. Next stop Jesuit Chapel designed by Valentine Gunasekara draws its inspiration from the waves of the nearby Indian ocean. A Sri Lankan Lunch will be served at Culture Colombo.

Exploring some of the contemporary architecture next up will be a mixed development project designed by the Robust Architecture workshop. Followed by the studio dwelling of Palinda kannangara. Guests will then have the privilege of visiting a few residences designed by Anjalendran followed by a discussion with Anjalendran at his home studio. Guests will then visit the Barefoot Gallery Boutique and Café. 

Inclusions:

• All Arcasia registrants are entitled for free airport pick-up and free airport drop-off
• Tour registrants lodging in Hotels in Colombo 01, Colombo 02 and Colombo 03 are entitled to complimentary pick-up for the tour
• All entrance tickets
• Transport during the tour
• Sri Lankan Lunch at Culture Colombo
• Drop-off to pick-up locations
• Guests will be accompanied by the SLIA Tour curators

Exclusions:

• Overnight accommodation

Notes:

• It is recommended to book your accommodation in Colombo 01, Colombo 02 or Colombo 03 to be entitled for a complimentary pick-up and drop-off during the above tour.
• Registrants will be informed of their pick-up time from the respective hotels and the registrants are advised to strictly adhere to these timings.

After the Forum

10.00 am to 5.00 pm


A guided walking tour of old Colombo where the guests will get an immersive experience of the life in Fort and Pettah while exploring relics of history.

The group will meet at the Grand Oriental Hotel for Brunch at the famous Harbour Room with its breathtaking views of the Colombo Harbour. The hotel that was once the home for Anton Chekhov is located facing the passenger terminal of the harbour that welcomed the visitors to the island for more than a century.

After brunch and a brief introduction of the tour, the group will walk through the grand old structures of the Colombo fort erected during the British occupancy of the Island passing the former GPO, the Presidents house and the Republican building. This walking tour will explore the Chatam St. Lighthouse that incorporates a Clock tower into the design sightseeing around the new lighthouse and catching a glimpse of the port city.

Sambodhi stupa and the Maritime museum will be visited next and a short break will be taken at the Dutch Hospital shopping Precinct to freshen up. Guests will be then transferred by vehicle to Fort Railway station for a brief lookout, then walk to The Dutch Period Museum, the famous Red Mosque in Bankshall Street and the participants will walk down Reclamation Street to visit Ramanathan Kovil passing Kochchikade St. Anthonies shrine.

The tour will end up at the famous Verandah restaurant of the Galle face hotel with high tea watching the picturesque sunset.

Inclusions:

• All Arcasia registrants are entitled for free airport pick-up and free airport drop-off
• Tour registrants lodging in Hotels in Colombo 01, Colombo 02 and Colombo 03 are entitled to complimentary pick-up for the tour
• Brunch at Grand Oriental Hotel
• All entrance tickets
• Transport on request (This tour is planned as a walking/vehicular assisted tour)
• High Tea at Galleface Hotel
• Drop-off to pick-up locations
• Guests will be accompanied by the SLIA Tour curators

Exclusions:

• Overnight accommodation

Notes:

• It is recommended to book your accommodation in Colombo 01, Colombo 02 or Colombo 03 to be entitled for a complimentary pick-up and drop-off during the above tour.
• Registrants will be informed of their pick-up time from the respective hotels and the registrants are advised to strictly adhere to these timings.
• Registrants are recommended to pack lightly as this is mostly a walking tour.
• Registrants are advised to be prepared for the Colombo weather.
• Total walking distance during the tour will be approx. 4.7km with multiple rest stops.
• Tour will be accompanied by a vehicle for any assistance if required.

After the Forum

10.00 am to 7.00 pm (Full Day Tour)


The participants will be given a general idea on the perceptions of architecture during the colonial period where architecture was to impose an image of the colonial rulers. This will be done in the Victoria Park using the Colombo town Hall as an example where a false dome dominates the colonnaded edifice.

The art gallery will give the participants an understanding of the new Nationalist style that was immerging in the 1940's where buildings built using modern technology and material were made to mimic historical structures. Where motifs from historical buildings were placed on these modern buildings to give it a more traditional outlook. The idea of attributing modern architecture to the west and our part of the world being restricted to their historical structures. This will be further explored at the Independence square built to commemorate independence from the colonial occupancy. This building is a replica built in concrete of the Royal audience hall of the last King of Kandyan Kingdom.

The participants will be given an introduction to the pioneers of regional tropical modernism. The architects experimented in appropriating principles of modernism to the tropical region. The group will then visit living examples of each of these architects to experience their architectural style and their approach. 

The early examples of regional tropical modernism will be places such as Senanayake Flats by Minette De Silva, Ilangakoon House by Valentine Gunasekara, Peiris House by Minette De Silva, Perera House by Ulrik Pleasner and the Gallery café; the former office of famous Geoffrey Bawa which will be visited during the tour.

Guests will also visit the Lakmahal Community library the former residence of C.L. Wickramasinghe to get an idea of a classical residence during the time. Once finishing the exploration of early examples of modernism the guests will also visit a few contemporary buildings in the vicinity such as Rithi by Vijitha Basnayake, Shirohana by Amila De Mel and Anu Saku house by Sumangala Jayathilake.

Tour will end up at the revolving restaurant; Blue Orbit by Citrus in Lotus tower Colombo, the tallest skyscraper in the country with a buffet spread that spans seven different cuisines while enjoying the breathtaking night view of Colombo.

Inclusions:

• All Arcasia registrants are entitled for free airport pick-up and free airport drop-off
• Tour registrants lodging in Hotels in Colombo 01, Colombo 02 and Colombo 03 are entitled to complimentary pick-up for the tour
• Lunch inspired by Jaffna cuisine at Maniumpathy
• All entrance tickets
• Transport during the tour
• Dinner at Lotus tower
• Drop-off to pick-up locations
• Guests will be accompanied by the SLIA Tour curators

Exclusions:

• Overnight accommodation

Notes:

• It is recommended to book your accommodation in Colombo 01, Colombo 02 or Colombo 03 to be entitled for a complimentary pick-up and drop-off during the above tour.
• Registrants will be informed of their pick-up time from the respective hotels and the registrants are advised to strictly adhere to these timings.
• Private residences listed in the tour will be subject to permission and the participants are requested to respect the occupants’ privacy during the visits.