Sri Lanka, April 28 -- The name Bogambara evokes historical events, but it became best known for the prison by that name. Back in the 19th century, Ehelepola Kumarihami was drowned by royal edict in the Bogambara lake. The prison, constructed after filling in the lake, is now closed, with the Dumbara prison at Pallekeke taking its place. After functioning for 138 years, Bogambara prison was closed on Jan. 01, 2014, and is now open to public view.

The decision to construct a prison at the site of the lake was taken by British colonial authorities in 1832, and the prison was declared open in 1872. The prison was designed to reflect the shape of Queen Victoria's crown.

Prisoners put to work

It was decided to build a prison here because th...