What is "kandawala"

Kandawala was the home of General Sir John Lionel Kotelawala CH KBE LLD (4 April 1897 - 2 October 1980) was a Sri Lankan politician, most notable for serving as Prime Minister of Ceylon from 1953 to 1956. The house is located in a estate that includes a lake known as Kandawala lake.

During World War II, the house was used as the station headquarters and officers mess for the RAF based at the Ratmalana Airport.

After his death in accordance to Sir John's last-will, Kandawala was handed over to the Sri Lankan military to be turned into a Defence Academy. In 1985 the Sri Lankan Government established General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy at Kandawala named after him, it was renamed General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in 2007.