Town Hall, Colombo

{{Short description|Headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}

{{EngvarB|date=August 2016}}

{{Infobox building

| name = Colombo Town Hall

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| image = Colombo Municipal Council.JPG

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| map_type = Sri Lanka Colombo Greater

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| map_caption = Location in greater Colombo

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| architectural_style = Neoclassical

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| client = Colombo Municipal Council

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| location_town = Colombo

| location_country = Sri Lanka

| coordinates = {{coord|6|54|57.06|N|79|51|49.63|E|type:city_region:LK|display=inline,title}}

| start_date = 24 May 1924

| completion_date = 9 August 1928

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| height = {{convert|51.3|m|ft|abbr=on}}

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| main_contractor = A. A. Gammon and Co

| architect = S. J. Edwards

| architecture_firm = Ralph Booty & Co Ltd

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}}

The Town Hall of Colombo ({{langx|si|කොළඹ නගර ශාලාව}}, {{langx|ta|நகர மண்டபம், கொழும்பு}}) is the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council and the office of the mayor of Colombo. Built in front of the Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo, Sri Lanka, it is the meeting place for the elected municipal council.

In 1921 renowned Scottish town planner Professor Patrick Geddes recommended that the Council should construct a large central and dignified municipal building to house the council, a public reception hall, the mayor's office and a public library. The need for the Colombo Public Library was addressed by a philanthropic donation of a building by Dr. W. Arthur Silva in 1925.{{cite news|url=http://www.nation.lk/2008/12/21/newsfe1.htm|title=Centenary commemoration of a philanthropist|newspaper=The Nation|date=21 December 2008|access-date=5 January 2015}} This building, Sirinivasa, is now the official residence of the mayor.

In 1922 the Colombo Municipal Council held an international architectural design competition and in November that year of the 32 plans submitted, the winning design was drawn by S. J. Edwards, of the architectural firm Ralph Booty & Co.{{cite news|title=Colombo's Public Offices|newspaper=The Straits Times|date= 6 March 1923|page=10}} In awarding the prize the Government Architect of the Ceylon Public Works Department, Austin Woodeson, wrote:

{{quotation |"The buildings are admirably laid out on the site; the outbuildings are well secluded, but very accessible. The main building stands out prominently and would command pleasing views from all angles. The connecting roads are well laid out. The details and plans are excellently drawn, and illustrate in an artistic manner a most striking and effective design." "The connecting roads are well laid out. On the ground floor the corridors are straightforward, direct and well lighted. The general disposition of the departments and rooms is excellent and most convenient for access, circulation and inter-communicable both for the public and staff. On the upper floors, the offices are admirably arranged. The Council chamber is a magnificent apartment with ample accommodation for the public provided in an elevated gallery." "This provision gains many favourable points for this design. The elevations are very dignified and refined. The perspective view shows a very impressive group of buildings crowned by a dome and tower of fine proportions. The details and plans are excellently drawn, and illustrate in an artistic manner a most striking and effective design."{{cite news|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/041017/funday/2.html|title=The imposing 'white house' in the City|first=Sathya|last=Gaveshaka|newspaper=The SundayTimes|access-date=18 August 2016}}}}

The foundation stone for the town hall was laid on 24 May 1924, by the Mayor of Colombo, Thomas Reid, CCS.{{cite news|url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/singfreepressb19240602.2.23.aspx|title=Colombo's New Town Hall|newspaper=The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser|date= 2 June 1924|page=6|access-date=17 August 2016}} The construction of the building was undertaken by A. A. Gammon & Co{{cite news|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/070527/FunDay/heritage.html|title=The imposing Town Hall|first=Sathya|last=Gaveshaka|newspaper=The SundayTimes|date=20 May 2007|access-date=18 August 2016}} and four years later on 9 August 1928 it was formally opened by the Governor Sir Herbert Stanley KCMG.{{cite news|url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/singfreepressb19280825-1.2.113.aspx|title=Colombo's New Town Hall|newspaper=The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser|date= 25 August 1928|page= 13|access-date=17 August 2016}} The cost of the new town hall was met largely by revenue generated by the Council, without taking out any loans from the central government and as a result, for years Municipal finances were depleted.