An excursion was organised by the Literacy Association of Gateway College, Rajagiriya. Our journey began with a train ride to Kalutara, from where the Gateway College bus picked us for the drive to our destination, the Richmond Castle, the Majestic Edwardian mansion which was the home of late Mudliyar Don Arthur De Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena.
The mansion Richmond Castle was the location of the film ‘Sarigama’, the Sinhala version of ‘The Sound of Music’.
The Mudliyar wanted it to be impressive and attractive like the Buckingham Palace. So, he imported tiles and other accessories from different countries. However, today, the once a marvellous endearing building is now acquired by the public Trusty after the Mudliyar died aged 57.
Neja Jayasundara,
Year 6 C,
Gateway College,
Rajagiriya.