Palinda Kannangara

Sri Lankan Architect Palinda Kannangara (born 1970, Kolonawwa Sri Lanka) has a background in Mathematics and Architecture. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Physical Sciences in the year 1996 with a specialization in Mathematics. His primary calling, however, was elsewhere. He joined the study course conducted by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects in 1994. As a student Palinda trained under Sri Lankan modernist architect Anura Rantavibhushana, who had worked with Geoffrey Bawa for 16 years. On receiving his Charter in 2004, Palinda established independent practice in 2005. The studio is now located in Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka.

Palinda Kannangara Architects is known for an experiential architecture that hinges on simplicity, and connection with the natural environment. The firm’s work has been recognized for contextual sensitivity; crafted material uses and a minimalism reflective of the Sri Lankan ethos. Their portfolio spans the breadth of Sri Lanka, from the dry zone, to the wetlands, to the coast on a diverse palette of projects. The firm has been the recipient of several prestigious national and international awards in its 20 years of practice. Their own Studio at Rajagiriya is one of the winners of the RIBA International Awards for Excellence in Architecture 2018 and they have most recently won the ARCASIA Awards for Architecture 2024 – Gold Medal for the Wellness Retreat at Habarana and RIBA International Award for Excellence 2021 for their project Artist Retreat at Pittugala and the 5th Triennial Geoffrey Bawa Award for Excellence in Architecture 2020/2021 for their project the Frame Holiday Structure at Imaduwa. The firm’s work has been featured in the recent El Croquis monograph 212.