The Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre is a performing arts centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The theatre opened on 15 December 2011.The theatre is also surrounded by several five star hotels and other commercial establishments, making the venue an ideal location for international gatherings.Design and featuresThe architecture of the building is inspired by the 12th-century Nelum Pokuna in Polonnaruwa. Built by King Parakramabahu the Great, Polonnaruwa's Nelum Pokuna is shaped as a stylised eight-petalled lotus flower.The total estimated cost of the project is LKR 3080 million. Government of the People's Republic of China provided LKR 2430 million out of the total cost of the building.The building spreads over 14,000 square metres of floor area.The theatre is equipped with ultra modern facilities such as an auditorium with 1,288 seats, a library, and training facilities. The building features two permanent theatres—the main auditorium and an open-air theatre—and the ability to convert the front steps into an additional open-air theatre.The 690-square-metre moving stage in the auditorium includes the ability to raise and lower the orchestra pit to and from stage level. There are facilities to conduct educational and research activities. Parking for 500 vehicles, is also available.Building HistoryIn 2005 China expressed willingness to construct a cultural theatre in Colombo, in memory of President Chandrika Kumaratunga's late husband Vijaya Kumaratunga who was a popular actor. The foundation stone was laid to the project by her The National Performing Arts Theatre's construction began in 2006 and took four years to build. The theatre's construction was completed around early 2011 and it was opened in December 2011. It was ceremonially opened by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse and China's Vice President of the Chinese Republican Committee, Sang Chiang.