A Study of Dutch Architectural Features Reflected in the Architectural Constructions in the Matara Area

Abstract

The Dutch or Hollanders can be identified as the main foreign group that influenced Sri Lanka with colonization. The concepts helped by the Dutch went through in Sri Lankan culture in various fields. Here, it is expected to identify how the preceding influence is reflected in the art of Sri Lankan architecture in Matara. Accordingly, it is expected to study how the Dutch spread their power in the coastal areas of Sri Lanka. As well as the way of the influence of the Dutch architectural tradition on local construction. For that, Dutch architecture and constructions have been used problem for this research is to examine what are the special features of the Dutch architecture created through the constructions in the Matara area. In this research have been used field visits, and interviews as primary sources, library references and book studies as secondary sources and journals, newspapers, and lecture notes as tertiary sources to collect data. Thus, by studying how the influence of Dutch architectural art can be identified through the construction of Matara city and how the influence of that architectural art has affected other creations in Matara. It is reflected in the architectural constructions of the Matara area. Then it will be possible how Sri Lankan architecture was inspired by the western architectural tradition.