BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION moves for a new place

On 16 June 2008 the British High Commission will move its offices to a new building at No 389 Baudhaloka Mawatha, Colombo.7. The new building is a unique blend of
modern British architecture and Sri Lankan design influences.
The British High Commissioner, Dr Peter Hayes said:
"The building provides a landmark contemporary space which will be a superb new home
for the High Commission. The building – which fuses British and Sri Lanka architectural features – is a clear demonstration of the strong links between Sri Lanka and the UK".
The new High Commission was designed by Richard Murphy Architects and inspired by
the work of the late Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. His influence can be seen in the building’s roofscape, its patterns of sun and shade and the integration of internal spaces with the external landscape. The building is a single storey structure designed around a series of courtyards with offices looking onto water features and plants.
The building has a number of features designed to make the new High Commission more
energy efficient in line with the UK’s broader objective on climate change. A dramatic glass rooflight running along the ridge allows light to be reflected from the concrete vaulted ceilings, reducing the need for electric lighting during the day. When opened, it creates a thermal chimney inducing cooling airflow and so reducing the need for air conditioning.
The new building has a wheelchair-access ramp which ensures our services are easily
accessible to all.
Contact numbers for the new office: Telephone 2689689 Fax: 2689699