Commonwealth WAR Cemetery
About This Museum
People don't come here for grand exhibits or famous art; they come to pay their respects. You'll find yourself walking among rows of pristine, white headstones, each one marking the final resting place of a Commonwealth soldier from World War II. The silence is profound, broken only by the rustle of palm trees in the coastal breeze. It’s a deeply moving and humbling experience that connects you directly to a pivotal chapter in Sri Lanka's history.
Collection Highlights
The main 'exhibits' are the stories told by the headstones themselves—inscriptions revealing names, regiments, and ages of soldiers from Britain, India, and East Africa. A central memorial cross stands as a powerful focal point amidst the sea of markers.
Visitor Information
It's located just off Nilaveli Road in Trincomalee, so it's quite accessible if you're exploring the east coast. There's no admission fee; it's a place for quiet reflection at any time.
Architecture & Building
The cemetery follows the classic, sober design of Commonwealth War Graves Commission sites: immaculately kept lawns with orderly rows of uniform headstones, creating a landscape of serene and solemn symmetry.
Contact & Location
Address: Commonwealth War Cemetery, Haloluwa, Warathenna, Kandy, Kandy District, Central Province, Sri Lanka
Website: Visit Website
