The Watapuluwa Housing scheme in Kandy was launched in 1958, and heralded a new form of social housing in Sri Lanka. Designed by architect Minnette De Silva (1918–1998), the scheme was notably created with the participation of its users. 

‘88 Acres: The Watapuluwa Housing Scheme by Minnette De Silva’ explores how this sprawling hillside development was ahead of its time in providing affordable accommodation for a diverse ethno-religious community of government public servants in Sri Lanka. Alongside a specially commissioned artists’ film by Irushi Tennekoon (b. 1989), Sumedha Kelegama (b. 1988), and Sumudu Athukorala (b. 1979), ‘88 Acres’ considers De Silva’s influences and the challenges of her design approach.

Programme

  • ‘88 Acres: The Watapuluwa Housing Scheme by Minnette De Silva’ 
    The exhibition is free to attend without registration.
    30 November 2023–7 July 2024
    Ground Floor, Crescat Boulevard, 89, Galle Road, Colombo 03
  • Public Programmes for ‘88 Acres: The Watapuluwa Housing Scheme by Minnette De Silva’ 
    All public programmes, including the material needed for workshops, are free. Registration and more details can be found on the MMCA Sri Lanka website and Eventbrite page.
    30 November 2023–7 July 2024
    Ground Floor, Crescat Boulevard, 89, Galle Road, Colombo 03

About Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka) is an education-led initiative that aims to establish a public museum dedicated to the display, research, collection, and conservation of modern and contemporary art in Sri Lanka for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public, schools and tourists.

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka is based in Sri Lanka. It currently lives and works locally without a fixed location. Over the coming years the museum will inhabit different physical locations on a project-by-project basis.