Bogambara prison history. Bogambara Prison Kandy Culture & History The Bogambara Prison was the second largest prison in Sri Lanka, the first being the Welikada Prison in Colombo. May 17, 2024 · Constructed during British colonial rule in the 19th century, Bogambara Prison holds a prominent place in Sri Lanka’s architectural and colonial history. It was used to house serious offenders and death row prisoners. Saunders, then Inspector General of Prisons and Police, it became one of the most secure penitentiaries in the island’s history—housing numerous death row inmates and hardened criminals for over a century. Apr 20, 2025 · The once notorious Bogambara Prison located in the Kandy city which is now open to the public is in dire need of restoration and development so that visitors to the historic building can experience a bit of the country’s history in a meaningful manner. Bogambara Prison was a maximum security prison and the second largest prison in the country after Welikada Prison in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The building and premise which comes under Bogambara: From maximum security prison to multipurpose park By Uwin Lugoda Located in the very heart of Kandy, the Bogambara Prison, one of the city’s biggest landmarks, is currently being repurposed into a cultural park and tourism centre. Oct 8, 2024 · History The prison is situated in the city of Kandy in the Central Province and was built in 1876 by the British Ceylon Government under instructions of Inspector General Of Prisons and Police N. R. In this vlog, I take you through the ancient walls of Bogambara Prison, exploring its unique heritage and why it’s a must-visit landmark in Kandy. Visitors can tour the preserved prison buildings, learn about Sri Lanka’s colonial and penal history, and experience cultural performances. 118 Likes, TikTok video from Historychappy (@historychappy): “Discover the hidden stories of Bogambara Prison, a cultural landmark in Kandy, Sri Lanka, with a history that transcends its bars. Today this prison is one of the most important historical buildings in the city of Kandy. Originally built to incarcerate criminals and rebels, its imposing facade and strategic location symbolized British authority and control. Sep 27, 2023 · Construction Origins: The origins of Bogambara Prison date back to the late 19th century, during the British colonial era in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Built in the 1870s, the prison was conceived as part of an administrative complex and was initially referred to as “Kachcheri Bogambara. Apr 28, 2025 · Today, Bogambara Prison is being developed into the Bogambara Cultural Park, a vibrant public space that blends history with modern attractions. The ancient prison complex hosted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday (24th) at a ceremony to mark the end of the final phase of the Department of Prisons. After operating for 138 years, the prison was closed on 1 January 2014, and the inmates were transferred to the new Dumbara prison complex in Pallekele. ” Bogambara Prison is a cultural park located in the Kandy District of the Central Province of Sri Lanka. In the past, this place was the second largest prison in Sri Lanka. Commissioned by the colonial administration under the direction of N. Saunders. 0sg7e6l5 mq3k9yfpm klv90s jc e0sgxzv szq ioj6k yehb n1km jolcuz