Bevis William Frederick Bawa (1909–1992) was a man of remarkable stature—both physically, standing at an imposing 2 meters tall, and culturally, as a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s art and gardening world. Born into a multicultural family, his father Benjamin Bawa had Muslim and English roots, while his mother was of mixed German, Scottish, and Sinhalese descent.

After volunteering with the Ceylon Light Infantry in his youth, Bevis served as an aide-de-camp to British colonial governors, maintaining a ceremonial military role even after inheriting his family’s wealth following his father’s death in 1923. Though he formally retired from the army in 1950—shortly after Ceylon gained independence—his true passion lay in art and landscape design.

As early as 1929, while managing the Bawa family’s rubber plantation near Bentota, he began transforming part of the estate into Brief Garden, his lush, artistic retreat. Over time, this space evolved into a masterpiece of tropical landscaping, sculpture, and bohemian charm, reflecting his creative vision long before his younger brother Geoffrey Bawa rose to fame as Sri Lanka’s most celebrated architect.

Brief Garden: A Public Art Sanctuary Since 1972

Open to visitors for over five decades, Brief Garden welcomes guests in an unconventional manner—entry is granted after ringing a bell, evoking the charm of a private estate. While visitors freely explore the two-hectare garden at their leisure, a caretaker guides them through the central villa, offering insights into its architectural details and curated artifacts.

Garden Design & Flora

The landscape masterfully blends:

• Italian villa elegance

• English garden aesthetics

• Tropical jungle wildness

Though designed to feel like an untamed “jungle book” environment, most vegetation results from intentional cultivation. The garden thrives with exotic species, including:

• Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata)

• Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior)

• Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)

• Sexy Pink Heliconia (Heliconia chartacea)

• Diverse orchids

Wildlife & Artistry

• Birdlife: The endemic Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot (Loriculus beryllinus) frequents the area.

• Sculptures: A whimsical mix of classical Roman nudes, animal figures, Sri Lankan demon masks, and Chinese pagodas dot the landscape.