‘Second Volume: The Watapuluwa Housing Scheme by Minnette De Silva’ (2024) is the first research publication by the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka). Focusing on a single project from the groundbreaking practise of architect Minnette De Silva (1918–1998), this book has been created to accompany the Museum’s current exhibition titled ‘88 Acres: The Watapuluwa Housing Scheme by Minnette De Silva’, which is on display until 7 July. ‘Second Volume’ has been edited by Sharmini Pereira and Kaumadi Jayaweera.
A special component in ‘Second Volume’ is the transcript of the animated documentary ‘is this an architectural documentary?’ (2023) by contemporary artists Irushi Tennekoon, Sumedha Kelegama, and Sumudu Athukorala, which is currently on display in ‘88 Acres’.
Priced at LKR 15,000, the book also includes an essay by Pereira on the Watapuluwa Housing Scheme, and measured drawings of De Silva’s house typologies for the scheme, created by architects Kelegama and Athukorala. ‘Second Volume’ also contains a special supplement of De Silva’s seminal essay ‘Experiments in Modern Regional Architecture in Ceylon 1950 to 1960’ (1965–1966), first published by the Ceylon Institute of Architects.
The book has been printed on locally sourced paper to honour De Silva’s vision of sustainability. Designed by Nia Thandapani based in Bangalore, India, and printed by Gunaratne Offset Ltd. in Sri Lanka, ‘Second Volume’ reflects the MMCA Sri Lanka’s dedication to collect, research, conserve, and display modern and contemporary arts including architecture. The book is available for purchase at the MMCA Sri Lanka located on the ground floor of Crescat Boulevard, Colombo 3, and through their website as well as Instagram and Facebook pages.
