Decolonizing Ceylon

Society and Space traces the historical construction of contemporary social space in Sri Lanka. Utilizing a world-systems perspective, landscape interpretation, and theories of colonial architecture and urbanism, Nihal Perera looks at colonized, decolonized, and postcolonial Sri Lanka through the lens of successive spatial transformations. Writing from a position in the postcolonial periphery, the author argues that the politics governing the construction of space of primary importance for those seeking to understand a particular society and culture. } Society and Space traces the historical construction of social space in Sri Lanka. Utilizing a world-systems perspective, landscape interpretation, and theories of colonial architecture and urbanism, Nihal Perera looks at colonized, decolonized, and postcolonial Sri Lanka through the lens of successive spatial transformations. The author skillfully reveals the importance of construction, occupation, and the fashioning of territories, urban landscapes, and built forms, pointing out the interconnections and meanings of these spatial aspects as part of changing political, economic, and cultural systems. This book treats space and the built environment of Sri Lankas place in the world system at different points in history. Yet, it also maintains an awareness of specific issues of local politics and culture. Writing from a position in the postcolonial periphery, Perera argues that the politics governing the construction of space and spatial structures is of primary importance for those seeking to understand a particular society and culture. }