Council Chamber or Parakramabahu I

Chirantha Jananath - Google

With a truly regal outfit the council chamber of King Parakramabahu I, lies on a raised-up floor with beautiful stone carvings of elephants, lions and dwarfs around the foundations. To enter the chamber is a stairway with two magnificent balusters on sides, with two strong lions welcoming you at the top.

At the times of the Great King Parakramabahu, this chamber was believed to have a tiled roof on wooden rafters. It is known as the “Raja Sabhawa” in Sinhalese, which means the “Royal Chamber”. The building was called “Raja Vaishya Bhanjana Mandapaya” in ancient times. The views of the building will picture one of the strongest kings and his ministers in your mind.

The two lion sculptures are significant in the chamber, the Colombo Independence square’s lion sculptures have been influenced by them.

During the day the ancient city can get extremely hot, it might help you to plan your visits during the mornings and evenings.