Description
Hidden in the busy Pettah Market lies the old town hall building of then Ceylon hidden by the hawker stalls. Built in 1873, the mastermind behind this wonderful creation was British architect J. G. Smither who himself designed the furniture to match the woodwork of the building. The unique feature of this painstakingly designed furniture is the backrest of the chairs which resembled the design of wooden arches in each window.
The Town Hall was the first civic building at the time to be opened in Colombo. Its architecture has the overall features of a Neo-Gothic building with its predominance of pointed arches and cast iron columns. The building was used as the municipal headquarters from 1873-1924 until in 1925 it was moved to new premises.Along with the Town Hall Building, the Edinburgh Hall was built alongside it and was opened at the same time. The Edinburgh Market too was designed as an extension to the main building and the same architectural features with its open plan and identical cast iron details could be seen. This hall was used for stage plays and dramas.
