Chief architect (Sri Lanka)

The Chief Architect was a position created in 1865 by Governor Hercules Robinson and the Executive Council of Ceylon to design and oversee the construction of public buildings across Ceylon.

Previously the Public Works Department, which was established in 1849 was managed by British engineers.

The chief architect worked within the Public Works Department and the first chief architect was James George Smither. The position was retained following the country's independence in 1948 however it was not until the appointment of Homi Billimoria in 1953, that a Ceylonese architect assumed the role. In 1969 the Public Works Department was abolished and replaced with the Department of Buildings. The department was established as the sole authority and consultancy institution in the construction of government buildings. In 1977 the position of Chief Architect was re-instated, with the appointment of Panini Tennekoon. He was the last recognised Chief Architect, following which the position reverted to Director - Architecture within the department, reporting to the Director General of Buildings.