"[2] The two story[3] building was constructed using bricks and mortar[1] though the exterior walls were decorated with chunam which was made from the lime of burnt oyster shells and was described as appearing like 'marble'.
"The Governor's house at Aripo, on the western coast of Ceylon is situated two miles north of the scene of the pearl fishery.
But the house, although of splendid appearance, is of small dimensions; the internal accommodations not entirely corresponding with the grandeur and elegance of the outward structure" "There are four small bedrooms on the ground floor, one at each corner; a spacious flight of stairs occupies the center; and two well proportioned rooms above extend from east to west of the building, ornamented on each side by graceful colonnades."
At one end of it a winding staircase is cut off, leading up to the terraced roof, from which there is a most extensive prospect of the level country in three directions.
[3] There are also unsubstantiated claims that the Portuguese built the Doric and it was used to protect Dona Catherina of Kandy circa 1580.