Once known as the British Bungalow, Andiramada now stands in its majesty with a fusion of British colonial architecture and Ceylonese traditional carvings, interiors and artifacts.
As you check out the rare pieces of art, enjoy the hospitality and comfort along with Sri Lankan cuisine freshly prepared from homegrown organics.
ARTiFACTS
Blend of British and Ceylonese Art
The architecture of the Walawwa is a harmonious blend of British and Ceylonese art, showcasing a remarkable fusion. Within the villa, a treasure trove of artifacts narrates stories from a cherished Golden Era marked by an openness to change. Each meticulously chosen and thoughtfully arranged art piece, be it an intricate brass item or a vibrant vintage Sri Lankan batik flag, is a visual delight, deserving of admiration and recognition.
BATIK PAINTINGS
Ena de Silva’s
Legacy
Ena de Silva, the visionary batik artist, embraced art fueled by her love for vibrant hues and disdain for convention. Almost single-handedly reviving batik in Sri Lanka, she mastered the intricate craft through unwavering determination Returning to her Matale roots, she established the Aluwihare Heritage Centre, empowering countless people through carpentry, brass work, and her signature batik.
Collaborating with luminaries like Geoffrey Bawa, her enduring legacy blends contemporary designs with traditional techniques, elevating women and village life through art. Amidst an era when batik was a modest textile industry segment, she transformed it into an art form along side her team.
Flags Collection
Explore a vibrant array of flags adorned with animal, floral, and geometric motifs, crafted for administrative, religious, social, and cultural significance. Reflecting Sri Lanka’s rich heritage, these meticulously recreated batik art pieces, personally hand-printed by Ena de Silva, epitomize a cherished legacy. The design and creation of these flags, a specialized craft, encompassed artistic mastery—simplified graphics blending black and red on white handmade textiles, meticulously layered to tell stories over time.