In terms of size and spectacle, Nelum Pokuna is one of the most magnificent modern buildings in Colombo and one of the best landmarks to see in Sri Lanka. The Nelum Pokuna Theater is an incredible and easily recognizable monument overlooking Town Hall and the vast verdant space of the Viharamahadevi Park.  It is a truly modern building, with its intricate and rather interesting design that does indeed resemble a lotus in bloom, inspired by the ancient Lotus Bath of Polonnaruwa. Its floor covers a space of over 14,000 square meters and has an incredible moving stage that takes one from the orchestra to the stage level. Nelum Pokuna was a joint project by both Chinese architects and the Sri Lankan government, begun in 2006 and completed in 2011. It was opened to the public in December of the same year.

Written by Vasika Udurawane for Travel Lanka Compass