The establishments made in Sri Lanka for the past few years have amplified the value of this beautiful country, attracting more tourists. That being said, we share some important information about the Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond Theater) of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and explain why it is significant to the country.
Located in the heart of Colombo, Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theater, also known as the Lotus Pond Theater is one of the most wonderful establishments in Sri Lanka dedicated to performing arts. Local and foreign artists and producers favor this fully equipped, comfortable, high-end performing center. It takes a significant place among other constructions for its remarkable design.
So, let’s take you on a tour around Nelum Pokuna and guide you with important information about this place.
What Is Nelum Pokuna And Where Is It Located?
The Lotus Pond Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre also known as the Nelum Pokuna to most locals, is one of the major and luxurious performing arts centers in Sri Lanka.
The Sinhala word “Nelum Pokuna” literally translates to “Lotus Pond”. The touching architecture of the building takes explicit impulse from the similarly-named 12th-century lotus pond in Sri Lanka’s ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
Photo Copyright – Ljuba brank, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Nelum Pokuna is located in the heart of Colombo, near the famous Viharamahadevi Park. It will take around 10 minutes to get to the Nelum Pokuna from Fort, while you will have to spend 45 minutes to get here from the Bandaranaike International Airport.
The Significance Of Nelum Pokuna Theater
The building is considered one of the best architectural masterpieces in the country for its unique and captivating design. Thus, it has been appreciated by local and foreign artists ever since it opened up to the public, and now you can find regular shows at this place.
The Nelum Pokuna theater was mainly designed so that the country’s proud and long history of theater and performance could flourish and performers could have a prominent location to exhibit their talents. It was designed under the guidance of Sri Lanka’s former president Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design. It was assembled in Sri Lanka under the direction of professional local architects.
This was opened in 2011 and has a floor area of about 14,000 square meters. The facility has two main theaters: an auditorium accommodating over 1200 people and an open-air amphitheater.
The front few treads to the Nelum Pokuna can also be transformed into an open-air theater on demand. Moreover, the structure features a library, and modern installations that allow for research and educational activities.
The Experience You Can Have And The Facilities You Can Enjoy In Nelum Pokuna Theater
The Nelum Pokuna Theater undoubtedly stands out from the rest of the performing centers of the country. The luxurious feel of the grand entrance is nothing but a warm-up to the plush reality that creates every patron who wishes to be a part of a concert or theatrical presentation. Five floors reach upward from below ground level with three floors committed to the performing arts.
The middle balcony is usually set apart for VIP patrons. All of these are along the acoustical angle which facilitates the proverbial stage fiction to reach every seat in the auditorium. The stage is about 72 feet deep with a proscenium reaching up to 30 feet in height and spread over 53 feet in width. The performance space is well-equipped with lofty stages which can be made to rise above.
The stage also has a versatile orchestra pit that can host a chorus or a symphony. Around 500 lights have hovered on eight lighting battens and one setup can be moved and handled by remote control or even automated systems.
The rehearsal area is encompassed and located on the third floor. This area is furnished with an exercise bar, two separate, comfortable dressing rooms, and attached washrooms. The fully-equipped dressing rooms on the ground floor will ease the activities of the artists, allowing for a carefree performance.
There’s a sophisticated computer-controlled, high-tech mixing table equipped with sound managing systems for musical and other performances that need intensified sounds. You’ll also find a spacious cafeteria on the ground floor for food and refreshment with an efficient catering service. There’s ample parking outside the theater, providing a parking facility for big and small vehicles.
Bookings and Reservations
If you are interested in hosting an event at the Nelum Pokuna Theater or want to know any other updated information, we will leave all the contact details below that might help you.
- General contact numbers: +94 112 669 024
- Email– [email protected]
- Postal address– 110, Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka. Postal code: 00700
Top Attractions Near The Nelum Pokuna Theater
This theater is surrounded by luxury hotels, local attractions, and shopping areas where you can have more amazing experiences within a short period. If you visit The Lotus Pond Theater for sightseeing or wish to hit the place to attend a performance, allocate your day accordingly to explore around as well. Thus, here are some places you can visit around this theater:
- Viharamahadevi Park
- The Lotus Tower
- The Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
- Galle face Green
- Gangaramaya Temple
- The Independence Square
Watch Your Favorite Performance Or Book Yours With The Architectural Masterpiece- Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond Theater) Of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Exquisitely designed Lotus Pond Theater or The Nelum Pokuna Theater is one of the best-performing centers you’ll find in the country. At present, many local and foreign artists are enthusiastic about performing at this theater due to its sumptuous facilities and amenities. So, we hope this episode provided you with an ample guide to this magnificent theater, enlightening you with all the relevant facts and details.
