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The Old Parliament Building is a Neo-Baroque landmark in Colombo Fort that served as Ceylon’s legislature from 1930 to 1983. Architect Austin Woodeson designed the building for the Public Works Department of Ceylon. The main contractor Walker Sons and Company completed construction at a cost of Rs 450,000. Governor Sir Herbert Stanley inaugurated the building on 29 January 1930. Today it houses the Presidential Secretariat, and the public cannot enter due to security restrictions. Visitors view the exterior and the bronze statues of four statesmen in the front garden. The building sits adjacent to the General Treasury Building and near Galle Face Green. The Colombo Fort Railway Station lies a short walk away. The statues honor D.S. Senanayake, Dudley Senanayake, General Sir John Kotalawela, and Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan. Christmas decorations and lights transform the facade during December. The Old Parliament Building remains a free, photograph-worthy stop on any Colombo Fort walking tour.
The Architect Behind Old Parliament Building
Austin Woodeson and the Public Works Department
Austin Woodeson is the chief architect of the Public Works Department of Ceylon who designed the Old Parliament Building. The Public Works Department of Ceylon operated as the colonial authority responsible for major government construction. Woodeson submitted an initial estimate of Rs 400,000 for the project. The Public Works Advisory Board later revised that figure to Rs 450,000. The same department employed Woodeson to design other colonial-era structures across Ceylon. The Old Parliament Building reflects Woodeson’s command of Neo-Baroque proportions and detailing.
The Public Works Department of Ceylon functioned as a central node in the colonial construction network. That department also supervised the General Treasury Building next door. The General Treasury Building sits adjacent to the Old Parliament Building in Colombo Fort. Both buildings share the same architectural lineage and administrative purpose. Woodeson’s design for the Old Parliament Building features grand columns and intricate stone carvings that define the Neo-Baroque style. The building faces the sea and commands a prominent position on Galle Face.
Walker Sons and Company as Main Contractor
Walker Sons and Company is the construction firm that built the Old Parliament Building. The firm operated as a major contractor during the British colonial period in Ceylon. Walker Sons and Company completed the building in 1930 under the supervision of the Public Works Department. The contractor worked alongside Austin Woodeson to realize the Neo-Baroque design. The building cost Rs 450,000 to construct, a significant sum for the colonial administration.
Walker Sons and Company also constructed other notable buildings in Colombo Fort during the same era. The firm’s portfolio connected the Old Parliament Building to a wider network of colonial infrastructure. The General Treasury Building and the Old Parliament Building share more than proximity. They share a construction lineage through the same contractor network. The Colombo Fort Railway Station, located a short walk away, opened in 1877 under different contractors. That station now serves as the main transport hub for visitors reaching the Old Parliament Building.
What You Can Actually See at Old Parliament Building
Exterior Architecture and Galle Face Views
The Old Parliament Building is a Neo-Baroque structure that visitors can view from the street and the Galle Face Green promenade. The Presidential Secretariat occupies the building today, and security restrictions prevent public entry. Visitors admire the grand columns and intricate stone carvings from outside the perimeter. The building faces the Indian Ocean and sits adjacent to the General Treasury Building. Christmas decorations and festive lights adorn the facade during December, drawing local families to the area.
The best viewing angle is from Galle Face Green, the ocean-side park that stretches along the Colombo coast. Galle Face Green connects to the Old Parliament Building through a short pedestrian path. The park also links to One Galle Face Mall, a modern shopping complex that sits near the building. From the Green, you can photograph the full facade with the ocean behind you. The Old Parliament Building’s position on reclaimed land at the northern end of Galle Face gives it an unobstructed sea frontage that few Colombo landmarks share.
The Bronze Statues in the Front Garden
The front garden of the Old Parliament Building hosts four bronze statues of eminent Sri Lankan statesmen. These statues honor D.S. Senanayake, Dudley Senanayake, General Sir John Kotalawela, and Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan. D.S. Senanayake served as the first Prime Minister of Ceylon. Dudley Senanayake served as the second Prime Minister. General Sir John Kotalawela served as the third Prime Minister. Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan served as Attorney General and became the first native elected member of a Legislative Council in the British Empire.
The statues stand as Depth 2 entities in the building’s entity stack. Each statesman connects to the Old Parliament Building through a historical relationship. D.S. Senanayake also connects to the independence movement that ended British rule in 1948. The Old Parliament Building housed the legislature during that transition. Dudley Senanayake and General Sir John Kotalawela continued the parliamentary tradition inside the same chamber. Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan’s legal career predates the building itself, linking the statue to an earlier era of Ceylon’s legislative history.
Old Parliament Building Location and Access
Walking from Colombo Fort Railway Station
The Old Parliament Building sits in the Colombo Fort area, about 1.3 kilometers from Colombo Fort Railway Station. The walk takes approximately 15 minutes at a medium pace. Visitors exit the station and head toward Galle Face Green, following the coastline southward. The building appears on the right side, facing the sea. Tuk-tuks and taxis also cover the distance in about one minute for a fare of roughly LKR 300 to 600.
Colombo Fort Railway Station operates as the main rail hub for visitors arriving from Kandy, Galle, and other destinations. Sri Lanka Railways runs frequent services to the station. The station connects to the Old Parliament Building through a straightforward walking route along Galle Road. PickMe and Kangaroo Cabs both serve the Fort area for visitors who prefer a vehicle. The Old Parliament Building’s proximity to the station makes it an easy addition to any Colombo arrival day.
Nearby Landmarks That Share the Fort District
The Old Parliament Building shares the Colombo Fort district with several other historic landmarks. The President’s House sits in close proximity to the Old Parliament Building. The General Treasury Building stands immediately adjacent. The Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, one of the oldest buildings in Colombo Fort, lies a short walk away. The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, also known as the Red Mosque, stands nearby with its distinctive red and white facade. Galle Face Green connects all these landmarks through a walkable waterfront corridor.
The Dutch Hospital dates back to the Dutch colonial era and now houses shops and restaurants. The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque serves as one of the oldest mosques in Colombo. The Old Parliament Building sits at the center of this cluster, linking the British colonial era to the Dutch and Portuguese periods that preceded it. A single walking tour can cover all these sites in two to three hours. The Old Parliament Building’s statues and facade provide the historical anchor for that route.
Tours That Include Old Parliament Building
Private Guided City Tours
Private guided city tours of Colombo typically include the Old Parliament Building as a drive-past or photo stop. Viator lists a Best of Colombo Private Guided City Tour that covers the building along with Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square. The tour lasts three to four hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Prices start from around $48 per person. The Old Parliament Building appears as a pass-by stop on the itinerary due to security restrictions on entry.
These tours connect the Old Parliament Building to a wider network of Colombo landmarks. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, and the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct all feature on the same routes. The tours provide air-conditioned vehicles and English-speaking guides. Travelers who want context on the Old Parliament Building’s role in Sri Lankan history benefit from the guide’s commentary. The building’s exterior and statues remain the primary points of interest during the stop.
Tuk-Tuk Sightseeing Routes
Tuk-tuk sightseeing tours offer a flexible way to reach the Old Parliament Building and nearby attractions. GetYourGuide lists a Colombo City Sightseeing Tour by Tuk-Tuk with hotel pickup that includes the Old Parliament Building. The tour also covers the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Independence Square, and local street food stops. Tuk-tuk tours navigate Colombo’s busy streets more easily than larger vehicles. The Old Parliament Building’s location on Galle Face makes it a natural waypoint on any tuk-tuk route.
These tours suit travelers who want a local transport experience alongside their sightseeing. The tuk-tuk driver typically provides basic commentary and stops for photographs. The Old Parliament Building’s statues and ocean-facing facade offer strong photo opportunities. The route often continues to Galle Face Green for a walk along the promenade. Travelers should confirm whether the tour includes a stop or only a drive-past at the Old Parliament Building.
Practical Tips for Visiting Old Parliament Building
Best Time to Photograph the Facade
The late afternoon light provides the best conditions for photographing the Old Parliament Building’s facade. The sun sets over the Indian Ocean behind the photographer, illuminating the Neo-Baroque columns and stone carvings. Early morning also offers soft light before the heat builds. December evenings bring Christmas decorations and festive lights that transform the building’s appearance. Weekday mornings see fewer visitors on Galle Face Green.
The Old Parliament Building faces west toward the sea, which means afternoon and evening light hits the facade directly. Photographers should position themselves on Galle Face Green or along the Galle Face promenade. The bronze statues in the front garden also photograph well in low-angle light. The General Treasury Building next door provides an architectural frame for wider shots. Visitors should avoid midday when harsh overhead light flattens the building’s details.
What to Bring and What to Expect
Visitors to the Old Parliament Building should bring water, a hat, and sunscreen for the walk along Galle Face Green. The area offers limited shade during the middle of the day. Comfortable shoes suit the uneven pavement and grass of the promenade. The Old Parliament Building grounds remain off-limits to the public, so plan for an exterior visit only. A camera or phone with a good zoom helps capture architectural details from the street.
The Colombo Fort area gets hot and humid throughout the year. December and January bring slightly cooler and drier conditions. May through September sees southwest monsoon rains that can interrupt outdoor walking. The Old Parliament Building’s exterior viewing requires no ticket purchase and no advance booking. Visitors can combine the stop with a walk to the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct for refreshments. The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, a short walk inland, offers another architectural contrast worth photographing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go inside the Old Parliament Building?
No, the public cannot enter the Old Parliament Building because the Presidential Secretariat occupies the premises. Security restrictions prevent general admission. Visitors view the exterior and the bronze statues in the front garden from the street. The Presidential Secretariat houses the Office of the President, which requires tight security. The building opened to the public only during rare state events and ceremonial occasions.
What is the Old Parliament Building used for today?
The Old Parliament Building houses the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka today. The building became the Presidential Secretariat after Parliament moved to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte in 1983. The Secretariat manages the administrative functions of the President’s Office. State events, including the acceptance of letters of credence from ambassadors, take place in the former Council Chamber. The building remains an active government facility rather than a museum.
Who are the statues in front of Old Parliament Building?
The four bronze statues honor D.S. Senanayake, Dudley Senanayake, General Sir John Kotalawela, and Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan. D.S. Senanayake served as the first Prime Minister of Ceylon. Dudley Senanayake served as the second Prime Minister. General Sir John Kotalawela served as the third Prime Minister. Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan served as Attorney General and became the first native elected member of a Legislative Council in the British Empire.
How far is Old Parliament Building from Galle Face Green?
The Old Parliament Building sits directly adjacent to Galle Face Green, making the distance negligible. Visitors walk from the Green to the building’s perimeter in under one minute. Galle Face Green stretches along the Colombo coast and connects to the Old Parliament Building through a pedestrian path. One Galle Face Mall and the Galle Face Hotel both sit nearby. The proximity makes combining a Green visit with the building photo stop effortless.
Is there an entrance fee for Old Parliament Building?
No entrance fee applies because visitors cannot enter the Old Parliament Building. The Presidential Secretariat occupies the building, and security restricts public access. Viewing the exterior and statues from the street or Galle Face Green costs nothing. Paid city tours include the building as a drive-past or photo stop within their overall price. Travelers pay only for transport if they visit independently by tuk-tuk or taxi.
What is the architectural style of Old Parliament Building?
The Old Parliament Building features Neo-Baroque architecture, a style that combines classical grandeur with ornate detailing. Architect Austin Woodeson designed the building for the Public Works Department of Ceylon. The Neo-Baroque style manifests in grand columns, intricate stone carvings, and symmetrical proportions. Walker Sons and Company completed construction in 1930. The building’s design reflects British colonial architectural preferences of the early twentieth century while adapting to Colombo’s tropical climate.
When did Parliament move out of Old Parliament Building?
Parliament moved out of the Old Parliament Building in 1983 when the new complex opened at Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. The building had housed the island’s legislature for 53 years, from 1930 to 1983. The State Council of Ceylon first occupied the building in 1931. The House of Representatives formed there in 1947. The National State Assembly convened until 1977. The Parliament of Sri Lanka continued until the move to Kotte. The Presidential Secretariat took over the building immediately after.
The Old Parliament Building rewards visitors who take the time to look closely at its facade and understand its layers. The building connects Austin Woodeson to Walker Sons and Company, the Public Works Department to the General Treasury Building, and four statesmen to the legislative history of Ceylon. A walk from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Galle Face Green puts you at the center of that network. The statues, the columns, and the ocean view make the Old Parliament Building more than a drive-past on a city tour. It remains a free, accessible, and photograph-worthy anchor for any Colombo Fort itinerary. Whether you arrive by tuk-tuk, on foot, or as part of a guided tour, the Old Parliament Building tells the story of how Ceylon became Sri Lanka.