Sunela Jayewardene, widely regarded as Sri Lanka’s leading environmental architect, was born in Colombo into a family that placed immense value on creativity and cultural identity. The daughter of Sri Lanka’s first executive president, J. R. Jayewardene, she grew up surrounded by a world of politics, literature, and architecture. These influences would later shape her deeply interdisciplinary approach to sustainable design. From a young age, Sunela displayed a profound connection to nature. She climbed trees, explored rural landscapes, and questioned how the built environment could harmoniously coexist with the natural world. Her formative years were shaped not only by privilege, but also by a deep curiosity and a commitment to understanding the intersection of tradition, community, and ecology.
Sunela’s path toward environmental architecture was neither straight nor conventional. She studied fine arts and environmental science before finding her true calling in architecture. This was a field where she could merge her artistic sensibilities with ecological responsibility. Educated both locally and internationally, including time spent at the University of Westminster in London, she quickly distinguished herself with a philosophy that challenged prevailing architectural norms in Sri Lanka. At a time when modernist, concrete-heavy structures dominated the urban landscape, Sunela advocated for architecture that respected the island’s ancient traditions, tropical climate, and natural ecosystems.
Her breakthrough moment came when she began designing eco-tourism resorts that blended seamlessly with their surroundings. Projects like the award-winning Jetwing Vil Uyana in Sigiriya set a new standard for sustainable design in the region. The resort combined reclaimed wetlands, natural materials, and passive cooling systems to minimize environmental impact. Her work not only won international recognition but also served as a blueprint for others in the industry looking to build responsibly in fragile environments. These achievements, however, did not come easily. Sri Lanka’s construction industry often resisted her environmentally focused methods, seeing them as impractical or overly idealistic. Budget constraints, logistical hurdles, and the constant tension between development and conservation required not only technical skill but also diplomacy, resilience, and a deep ethical commitment.
What sets Sunela Jayewardene apart is not just her architectural talent but her philosophy of stewardship. She believes that buildings should serve the landscape rather than dominate it. This belief is rooted in her understanding of Sri Lanka’s ecological heritage and cultural memory. Her designs are stories told through clay, timber, and open spaces. Each one is a meditation on impermanence, place, and purpose. In a country facing increasing environmental degradation and urban sprawl, Sunela’s work stands as a reminder of what can be achieved when aesthetics, tradition, and sustainability are brought together with intention.
Today, her legacy continues to inspire a new generation of architects and environmentalists across South Asia. More than just a practitioner, she is a teacher, writer, and advocate. She frequently speaks on the importance of climate-conscious design and the urgent need to reimagine how humans inhabit the planet. Through decades of practice and activism, Sunela Jayewardene has demonstrated that architecture can be both beautiful and responsible. Her work is an instrument of healing in a world that is in desperate need of balance.