The most famous of Sri Lankan architects and one of Asia's most revered architects; pioneered tropical modernism and constructed houses, hotels, schools, clubs, offices, and government buildings throughout his career.
He attended Royal College, Colombo, then St. Catharine's College, Cambridge, where he was an English and Law student. He then read law in London at Middle Temple before becoming a Barrister in 1944.
He designed the Sri Lankan Parliament Building; his work could also be found in India, Indonesia, Mauritius, Japan, Pakistan, Fiji, Egypt, and Singapore.
He was born to upscale lawyer B.W. Bawa and was descended from Muslim and English heritage. His older brother, Bevis Bawa, also became a prominent landscaper.
He hailed from the same country as singer M.I.A.