New Parliament and the Diyawanna

Sitting afloat in the heart of the administrative capital of the country, surrounded by the Diyawanna Oya is the new parliament complex which houses the Parliament of Sri Lanka; in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte. Designed by the renowned Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa, the man who introduced regional modernism, which is reflected through the architecture of this building that also keeps with the ancient Kandyan styles, it is a unique structure that is beyond extraordinary to the eye.
The complex was commissioned in 1979, by the then prime minister Ranasinghe Premadasa. The parliament complex was opened by the first executive president, J.R. Jayawardene three years later. Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte is the ideal place for the parliament complex to be located since it was the capital of Ceylon from 1411 to 1568 during the Kotte Kingdom.
In order to create land and space for the construction of this complex, much of the Diyawanna Oya was cleaned up therefore the shape and extent of the lake has changed through the years. However its has a rich ecosystem with its wetlands, ponds that are filled with lilies, shrub lands and grasslands which have attracted a number of aquatic birds such as the Spot Billed Pelican, Indian Pond Heron, Purple Heron, large White-throated Kingfisher and the Little Cormorant. There are migrant birds too. The Beddagana wetland has been designated as a wildlife sanctuary and a wetland park has been created for bird enthusiasts to visit and thrill in bird watching.
The highlight of the Diyawanna Oya rests near the Diyatha Uyana, a park built on the banks of the lake where there is immense diversity of aquatic flora with a small tree of white flowers known as South Indian Plum which is a species that is almost extinct but found aplenty here; standing immersed in water enveloped by infinite amounts of marine plants of ferns, lilies and reeds.
One can explore the beauty of the Diyawanna oya by boat which makes for a refreshing escape from the bustling city life and connect with nature. Boat rides are operated by the Sri Lanka Navy, skilled at navigating through the lake getting close to the wildlife. The best time of the year to visit the lake is from March to May.
The Diyath Uyana park has been drawing a lot of people with its beautiful constructed foot paths and jogging tracks among the luscious green gardens and lawns. There is a water fountains that add beauty to the park. It is a place for people of all kinds to gather and enjoy some peace, tranquility and time away from the hustle bustle of the city therefore it is an ideal place for total relaxation and spending quality time with family and friends.