Field Visit to Polonnaruwa Highlights Ancient Urban and Regional Planning Practices

The Department of Estate Management and Valuation organized a field visit for third-year undergraduate students of the B.Sc. (Honours) in Real Estate Management and Valuation degree programme, under the EMV 3373 – Urban and Regional Planning I course, to the historic city of Polonnaruwa.

This academic visit provided students with a valuable opportunity to explore the historical significance and planning structure of one of Sri Lanka’s ancient urban centers. Through guided observations, students examined the well-organized city planning strategies, advanced irrigation and water management systems, and technological innovations that contributed to the economic efficiency and sustainability of the ancient kingdom.

By visiting key archaeological and urban heritage sites, students gained deeper insights into the integration of infrastructure, land use planning, and nature-based solutions within a historical context. The experience highlighted the relevance of traditional planning principles in addressing contemporary urban challenges.

Such field-based learning initiatives continue to enhance students’ understanding of urban and regional planning by connecting theoretical knowledge with historical practice, while fostering an appreciation for sustainable and context-sensitive development approaches.