Sunday Times 2
An expression of freedom in post-war Lanka
Post-war Sri Lanka inspired a tapestry of development, framed into a comprehensive blueprint which has been consistently and meticulously crafted to create stunning new landmarks.
Glowing glory: Arcade-Independence Square stands majestically, endorsing the Govt’s policy that a beautiful city is the right of every citizen
The inspiration for these iconic creations stemmed from the desire to create “Expressions of Freedom”, which would present a tangible real-life experience to the multitude of people residing and visiting Colombo. Spreading out from the commercial capital, this philosophy of modern city planning and development will embrace the entirety of Sri Lanka, transforming a once ‘island nation’ into one of the most pulsating and dynamic countries in Asia.
As a tropical country blessed with comfortable weather and inviting lush green surroundings, Sri Lanka inherently offers wonderful spaces for good living. The city development plan envisioned under the astute leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who has articulated the same in the Mahinda Chinthanaya, and ably implemented under the stewardship of Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, attempts to weave in the main different “green spaces” within cities, to uplift the standard of city dwelling.
The beautification and development of Colombo and its surroundings began immediately after the end of the war. The Sri Lanka Armed 
Forces contributed in their numbers and tremendous skill under the direction of the professionals of the Urban Development Authority, and rallied together to systematically refurbish the city’s dilapidated structures. The landmark historical buildings hitherto neglected or run down, were strategically identified and targeted for rebuilding and reconstruction under specialised supervision, to retain the character of “colonial Colombo”. Today, the Dutch Hospital, Water’s Edge, Race Course, Gafoor Building, Pettah Floating Market, Gold Market and Nuwara Eliya’s Gregory Park, to name a few, have already undergone a magnificent facelift and they stand in testimony to this amazing feat of transformation.
It is noteworthy to mention that the country’s rebuilding initiative is most successful because of the manner and pace a t which change is taking place. For a nation which has been slow to change in the past, this fast-tracked development is a dream come true. Most importantly, as this change is taking place ever so rapidly, every Sri Lankan living in the country or overseas cannot be but simply amazed at the truth that finally the moment for our motherland to take its proud place in the region and the world has dawned.
Arcade-Independence Square is by far one of the most important refurbishment and development projects undertaken by the Ministry of Defence and the Urban Development Authority.
Once the project was identified, converting the old Auditor General’s Building into one of the grandest and trendiest shopping and entertainment arcades in the Asian region became the focal point of the team. Brigadier Senarath Nivunhalla of the Sri Lanka Army and Captain Hiran Balasuriya of the Sri Lanka Navy were entrusted with the task of demolishing the former buildings and reconstructing this 85,000 square foot national monument within just 2 years. A team of young and enterprising architects were sent to Paris to gain international exposure to heritage buildings and the beautification of a well-planned city. Many global locations and cityscapes were studied in meticulous details to painstakingly create a masterpiece etched with the glory of a nation with a proud heritage.
The location is the most outstanding attribute of Arcade-Independence Square. Historically significant and strategically located facing one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent landmarks, Independence Square, this location holds great value in terms of the actual positioning in the city and its beautiful surroundings. It is this space, which has formed the bedrock of the Arcade’s eye-catching presence.
“Large expanses of green on the ground. Fluffy white clouds dancing upon the blue green skies. A statuesque white stucco building standing sentinel against a new tomorrow”. Poetry in architecture creating the impression that a beautiful city and a beautiful life are the rights of every citizen of Sri Lanka.
An interesting collection of nooks, crannies and corners adorn the Arcade. From the street lamp to the paved cobblestone and the myriad little wooden adornments decorate the building. Special water features with a glass deck and the like hold the visitor spellbound, especially at night when the lights make the entire arena come alive. The landscaped garden with posies of many hues have been planned and created, to add a touch of charm, order and glamour to the exterior. From every little orifice that one would peek out from within the building, a stunning picture garden view will emerge. The intention of the planners was to create a complete experience of the entire arena. From a bird’s eye view, one would most certainly feel that a ‘picture postcard’ ambience is greeting them and inviting them to enjoy the pleasure of beautiful surroundings. The centerpiece adorning Arcade’s atrium is the sculpture of a pride of lions. This is unique. Masterfully crafted in granite, this sculpture stands symbolic of
Sri Lanka’s inherent strength, courage and grace.
The design and ambience of the complex as a whole pays tribute to its history, as the prophetic words of Governor Gregory in 1875 stated in his memoirs say, “The building will be a credit to the Colony. This building, whether the exact present plan be adhered to or modified, will be from its structural merits and the decorative character of the grounds attached to it, one of the future ornaments of this city”.
Arcade-Independence Square has been created to fulfil a unique requirement. That is to create “one space” where entertainment, shopping, leisure and dining can all be offered to please the requirements of an entire family. The portfolio of brands that are present at the Arcade become a crowd puller, for they are the most coveted global brands available. Furthermore, the many different restaurants, theatres and the entertainment opportunities laid out create a wonderful hang-out for the people
Creating green cities and open spaces for the use of all people living in a city has been the noble desire of the President. The Arcade – Independence Square has been created and constructed to deliver this promise.