Sri Lanka Colombo City History and Culture Explained

Sri Lanka's Colombo city has a rich history dating back to the 5th century BC, with the first recorded mention of the city being in the Mahavamsa, a Pali chronicle that tells the story of Sri Lanka's ancient history.

The city's strategic location on the west coast made it a prized possession for various empires and dynasties, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British.

Colombo's cultural heritage is a vibrant tapestry of Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian influences, reflecting the city's diverse population.

From ancient Buddhist temples to colonial-era architecture, Colombo's cultural landscape is a fascinating blend of old and new.

Colombo's history dates back to the 8th century AD when Arab traders settled in the area, drawn by the city's natural harbour.

The Arabs controlled the trade through Colombo, but their presence was eventually followed by the Portuguese, who established a trading post in 1505.

The Portuguese set up a fort, expelled the Arabs, and took over the whole island by the 16th century, starting a long war with the Sinhalese.

The Portuguese presence was marked by a long war from 1527 to 1658, and they were eventually replaced by the Dutch, who took over Colombo in 1656.

The British captured Colombo in 1796 and made it the capital of their crown colony of British Ceylon in 1815, marking the beginning of a new era in the city's development.

The British built many of the city's notable landmarks, including the Legislative Council of Ceylon, established in 1833, which was the first representative government on Sri Lanka.

The name "Colombo" has a rich history, and its origins are still debated among historians. The name is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhala name කොලොන් තොට, which means "port on the river Kelani".

One theory suggests that the name is derived from the Sinhala name කොල-අඹ-තොට, which refers to a harbour with leafy/green mango trees. This is supported by Robert Knox's account of the island, where he mentions a tree called "Ambo" that bears leaves but no fruit.

The Sinhala grammar, Sidatsangarava, written in the 13th century, lists kolamba (fort or harbour) as a word that derives from the indigenous Vedda language. This word may also be the source of the name of the commercial capital Colombo.

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Colombo has a rich history that spans over a thousand years, with the first recorded visitors being Arab traders who settled in the area in the 8th century AD.

The Arabs were followed by the Portuguese, who arrived in 1505 and established a trading post in Colombo, which they used to trade in cinnamon. They also built a fort in 1517, which became the largest colonial fort on the island.

The Dutch expanded the fort, creating a well-fortified harbour, and later the British took control of the fort in the late 1700s. They began demolishing the ramparts to make way for the development of the city, which is now known as Fort.

The area outside the fort is known as Pettah, which means "outer fort" in Sinhala. This area is a commercial hub and is still a significant part of the city's infrastructure.

The British captured Colombo in 1796 and made it the capital of their newly created crown colony of British Ceylon in 1815. They began constructing houses and other civilian structures around the fort, giving rise to the current City of Colombo.

The British administration of the city was initially placed under a "Collector", and later, in 1833, the Government Agent of the Western Province was charged with the administration of the city.

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The Dutch Era was a pivotal time in Colombo's history, marked by the arrival of the Dutch East India Company in 1638. They signed a treaty with King Rajasinha II of Kandy, which gave them a monopoly on the island's major trade goods.

The Portuguese were initially resistant, but the Dutch and Kandyans eventually defeated them in their strongholds beginning in 1639. This marked the beginning of the end for Portuguese control in Colombo.

The Dutch captured Colombo in 1656 after a long and epic siege, with only 93 Portuguese survivors being given safe conduct out of the fort. This was a significant turning point in Colombo's history.

The Dutch initially restored the captured area to the Sinhalese kings, but later refused to turn it over and gained control over the island's richest cinnamon lands, including Colombo.

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Colombo's climate is hot and humid throughout the year, with temperatures often reaching 31°C (88.5°F) during the day.

The city experiences a tropical rainforest climate, with heavy rainfall occurring during the monsoon seasons from April to June and September to November. On average, Colombo receives around 2,500 millimeters (98 in) of rainfall annually.

The relative humidity in Colombo is quite high, ranging from 69% to 79% throughout the year, with an average of 75%.

Here's a breakdown of the average temperature and precipitation in Colombo:

The best time to visit Colombo is during the north-east monsoon season, which includes the driest months from December to March.

Colombo's geography is a unique blend of land and water. The city is home to many canals and a large lake.

The Beira Lake is a 65-hectare (160-acre) body of water that is one of the city's most distinctive landmarks. It has been used for centuries to defend the city and now hosts regattas and theatrical events.

The northern and north-eastern border of Colombo is formed by the Kelani River, which meets the sea in the Modera area, also known as the river delta.

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Colombo's climate is hot and humid throughout the year, with average high temperatures ranging from 31.4°C to 32.0°C (88.5°F to 89.6°F).

The city experiences a relatively small range of temperatures between day and night, with minimum temperatures averaging around 23.1°C to 25.3°C (73.6°F to 77.5°F) throughout the year.

Colombo receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon seasons from April to June and September to November, with an average annual rainfall of around 2,500 millimeters (98 in).

The city's humidity levels are relatively high, ranging from 69% to 79% throughout the year, with an average of 75% relative humidity.

Here's a breakdown of Colombo's average precipitation by month:

The best time to visit Colombo is during the north-east monsoon season, from December to March, when the city experiences relatively dry weather.

Colombo Fort Railway Station is a major rail hub in Sri Lanka. It's a significant transportation hub that plays a crucial role in connecting different parts of the country.

Galle Face Green is a must-visit destination in Colombo, located along the Indian Ocean coast and a hotspot for both tourists and locals. It's a great place to enjoy the sunset and the crashing waves, especially in the evenings when it's less crowded.

The Galle Face Hotel, a historic landmark since 1864, is situated adjacent to Galle Face Green and has hosted many famous guests, including the British Royal Family. The hotel's peacefulness and generosity have been praised by visitors like Princess Alexandra of Denmark.

Some other notable landmarks in Colombo include the Lotus Tower, which offers great views of the city, and the Colombo Lighthouse, a historic structure that's now hemmed in by the urban centre. If you're interested in visiting these landmarks, be sure to check their operating hours and prices, such as the Lotus Tower's $20 USD entrance fee for foreigners.

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Colombo is a city that seamlessly blends modernity with rich history, and its attractions and landmarks are a testament to this blend. Galle Face Green is a must-visit destination, located in the heart of the city along the Indian Ocean coast, and is a favorite among tourists and locals alike.

The Galle Face Hotel is a historic landmark on the southern edge of this promenade, and its presence adds to the charm of the area. You can enjoy the crashing of the waves and an undisturbed view of the sunset at Galle Face Green, especially during the evening.

One of the most important temples in Colombo is the Gangaramaya Temple, which showcases an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. This temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and architecture.

The Viharamahadevi Park, formerly known as Victoria Park, is an urban park located next to the National Museum of Colombo and the Town Hall. It features a large Buddha statue and is the oldest and largest park in Colombo.

The Urban Regeneration Program of the Government of Sri Lanka has revamped many old sites and buildings into modern public recreational spaces and shopping precincts. Some of these include Independence Memorial Hall Square, Pettah Floating Market, and the Old Dutch Hospital, among others.

Here's a list of some of the main attractions and landmarks in Colombo:

Colombo is a city that seamlessly blends ancient and modern architecture, making it a fascinating place to explore. The Galle Face Hotel, a colonial-era landmark, has been hosting guests since 1864 and has played host to royalty and celebrities.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Colombo is the Lotus Tower, located on the east side of Beira Lake. This distinctive telecommunications tower offers stunning views of the city and changes colors in a mesmerizing display at night. Admission costs $20 for foreigners and Rs 500 for Sri Lankans.

The Colombo Lighthouse, situated on Chaithya Road, has been a prominent landmark for centuries. Although it's now surrounded by urban development, it still offers a glimpse into the city's rich history. The lighthouse is open daily from 9AM to 6PM.

The Galle Face Green is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The area is home to the historic Galle Face Hotel, which has hosted royalty and celebrities over the years. The hotel's peaceful atmosphere and generous hospitality have been praised by visitors, including Princess Alexandra of Denmark.

The city's skyline is dominated by modern skyscrapers, but it's also home to historic buildings that date back to the 1700s. The Fort area is a treasure trove of colonial-era architecture, with buildings influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. The area is a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage.

Here's a list of some of the notable landmarks in Colombo:

Colombo Harbour is the largest and busiest port in Sri Lanka, established as a port city during the colonial era with an artificial harbour that's been expanded over the years.

The harbour is home to a naval base, SLNS Rangalla, maintained by the Sri Lanka Navy.

It handled 3.75 million twenty-foot equivalent units in 2008, a 10.6% increase from the previous year.

With a capacity of 5.7 million TEUs, Colombo Harbour is one of the busiest ports in the world, ranking 23rd among the top 25 ports globally.

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The harbour's dredged depth of over 15 m (49 ft) allows for large ships to navigate through it with ease.

Colombo is part of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, a significant trade route that spans from the Chinese coast to the Upper Adriatic region with rail connections to Central and Eastern Europe.

Colombo is a melting pot of cultures, with a population that's 36.9% Sinhalese, 29.6% Sri Lankan Tamils, and 29% Sri Lankan Moors.

The city is also home to smaller communities of people with Chinese, Portuguese Burgher, Dutch Burgher, Malay, and Indian origins, as well as numerous European expatriates. This diversity is reflected in the city's rich cultural heritage.

Here's a breakdown of the population demographics in Colombo:

The city government is a mayor-council government, with the mayor and council members elected through local government elections held once every five years.

Colombo's population is a diverse mix of ethnic groups, with the Sinhalese being the largest group at 36.9%, followed by Sri Lankan Tamils at 29.6%.

The city is home to a significant number of Sri Lankan Moors, making up 29% of the population. Indian Tamils also have a smaller presence, accounting for 2.2% of the city's residents.

The population of Colombo is a multi-ethnic mix, with various communities of people with Chinese, Portuguese Burgher, Dutch Burgher, Malay, and Indian origins living in the city.

Here's a breakdown of the population demographics in Colombo:

Colombo operates under a charter city system with a mayor-council government. The city holds local government elections every five years.

The mayor and council members are elected through these elections. The United National Party (UNP) has dominated the city's government for the past 50 years, with its business-friendly policies resonating with the population.

However, in the 2006 Municipal elections, the UNP's nomination list was rejected, and an Independent Group supported by the UNP won instead. Uvais Mohamed Imitiyas was appointed Mayor of Colombo as a result.

The city government provides essential services like sewer, road, and waste management to its residents. These services are crucial for maintaining a clean and safe living environment.

The council works with external agencies to provide other vital services like water, electricity, and telephone utilities. This includes liaising with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), and telephone service providers.

Colombo was the national capital of Sri Lanka from the 1700s until the 1980s. The city was under the control of various European powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, before the British gained control of the entire island in 1815.

The British moved the administrative capital to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte in the 1980s, but the move was never fully completed. Many governmental institutions, including the Parliament, were relocated to Kotte, but some remained in Colombo.

Colombo still houses many important governmental institutions, including the President's House, Presidential Secretariat, and Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is home to a diverse range of diplomatic missions from around the world. In Colombo alone, you can find embassies and high commissions from over a dozen countries.

The Australian High Commission is located at 21, Gregory's Rd, Colombo 7, and can be reached by phone at +94 11 246-3200. Canada's Canadian High Commission is nearby at 33A, 5th Lane, Colpetty, Colombo -03, with a phone number of +94 11 522-6232.

The Chinese Embassy is situated at 381/A Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, and can be contacted at +94 11 268-8610. France's French Embassy is located at 89, Rosmead Place, Colombo 7, with a phone number of +94 11 2639400.

India's High Commission of India is found at 36-38, Galle Road, Colombo 3, and has multiple phone numbers: +94 11 2327587, +94 11 2422788, and +94 11 2421605. It's worth noting that tourist visas for India can be obtained at this location, and the cost of a six-month visa depends on your nationality.

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If you're looking for an alternative to Colombo, you can also obtain an Indian visa in Kandy at the Assistant High Commission of India.

Here's a list of some of the diplomatic missions in Colombo:

Colombo's economy is a significant driver of Sri Lanka's growth, with the Colombo Metropolitan area accounting for 40% of the country's GDP and boasting a per capita income of $8623.

The city is home to numerous industries, including chemicals, textiles, glass, cement, leather goods, furniture, and jewellery, with many major corporations having their head offices in Colombo.

The Western province contributes significantly to the country's industrial value additions, despite accounting for only 5.7% of Sri Lanka's geographic area and 25% of the national population.

Pettah is a bustling area with crowded roads and pavements lined with small stalls selling everything from food to clothing, while the Fort area is the city's nerve centre, home to the 40-story Twin Tower complex and many important commercial establishments.

Colombo has a high standard of infrastructure, with good electricity, water, and transport systems, as well as many luxurious hotels, clubs, and restaurants, and an increasing number of high-rise condominiums due to high land prices.

The Colombo Metropolitan area is a powerhouse of the Sri Lankan economy, accounting for 40% of the country's GDP (PPP) and a staggering $122 billion. This is a significant chunk of the country's economic activity, making it the most important aspect of the Sri Lankan economy.

Colombo's per capita income is a whopping $8623, and purchasing power per capita is a staggering $25,117, making it one of the most prosperous regions in South Asia. This is a testament to the area's economic strength.

The Western province contributes less than 40% to the GDP, but accounts for about 80% of industrial value additions, despite making up only 5.7% of the country's geographic area and 25% of the national population. This highlights the province's economic importance.

The government of Sri Lanka has launched an ambitious program to transform Colombo and its area into a metropolis of international standards. This is a much-needed effort to address the bottlenecks that are preventing the Colombo metropolitan area from realizing its full economic potential.

Colombo has the highest degree of infrastructure in the country, with modern amenities like electricity, water, and transport at a good standard. This is evident in the city's luxurious hotels, clubs, and restaurants.

Many high-rise condominiums have been built in the city, mainly due to high land prices. This development is a result of post-war growth in the Colombo area.

The city has a well-connected road network, with expressway grade arterial road routes constructed in recent times. The Southern Expressway is one of the first expressways built, connecting Colombo to Matara City in the south.

Here are some of the major highways connected to Colombo:

The Colombo-Katunayake Expressway (E03) runs from Peliyagoda to Colombo International Airport and is linked to the city of Negombo, a major tourist destination.

Colombo has two international airports: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and Ratmalana Airport (RML).

Bandaranaike International Airport is Sri Lanka's primary international airport, located on the coast north of Colombo. It has ATMs, mobile network providers, and travel agencies in the welcome hall.

Direct flights are available from major centres in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast and East Asia, and Australia, as well as from many cities throughout the subcontinent. To get to the CMB airport from Colombo, you can take a taxi or bus.

Ratmalana Airport, on the other hand, has flights from domestic locations such as Hambantota-Mattala, Jaffna, and Trincomalee. It has limited international flights that tend to be corporate jet operations and charters.

Here are the details of both airports:

Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, boasts a thriving food scene that showcases the country's rich culinary heritage. The city is home to a variety of restaurants that serve a range of cuisines.

One of the popular spots is the Lighthouse Galley, known for its seafood dishes. I've had the chance to try their grilled fish, and it was absolutely delicious.

Another notable restaurant is Tea Avenue, which specializes in Sri Lankan and international tea blends. If you're a tea enthusiast, this is definitely a place to visit.

For those looking for a more casual dining experience, Barracuda Sea Food & Grill is a great option. Their seafood platters are a hit among locals and tourists alike.

VOC Cafe is another popular spot, offering a range of international dishes in a cozy atmosphere. It's a great place to grab a bite to eat while exploring the city.

Here are some of the top restaurants in Colombo:

Shopping Centres play a significant role in the urban landscape of Colombo, offering a wide range of shopping and entertainment options.

Crescat Boulevard, Liberty Plaza, Arcade Independence Square, and Majestic City Shopping Centre are some of the notable shopping centres in the city.

These shopping centres are major hubs for retail and commercial activity, attracting locals and tourists alike.

Crescat Boulevard, for instance, is a popular destination for both shopping and dining.

Liberty Plaza is another prominent shopping centre in the city, known for its wide range of products and services.

The Arcade Independence Square is a historic shopping centre that has been revamped to cater to modern tastes.

Majestic City Shopping Centre is a popular destination for those looking for a one-stop shopping experience.

Here are some of the notable shopping centres in Colombo:

Colombo has a rich educational history, with many prominent public schools dating back to the 1800s. Some of these schools have a religious alignment, such as the Buddhist Ananda College established in 1886.

The city's higher education institutions have a long history, with the Colombo Medical School established in 1870 and the University of Colombo being a state university in the city. The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology also has a metropolitan campus in the city centre.

Colombo's cultural events and festivals are a reflection of its diverse heritage. The city celebrates Vesak, a major festival in mid-May, with lantern competitions and decorations.

Colombo has a rich history of education dating back to the 1800s when the British colonial rule established many prominent public schools in the city. The Royal College Colombo, for example, was established in 1835.

Many of the prominent schools in Colombo have a religious alignment, such as the Anglican Bishop's College (1875) and the Buddhist Ananda College (1886). These schools were established during the British colonial rule.

The city is also home to several international schools that have been established in recent years. The demographics of the student population in these schools reflect their religious alignments.

The University of Ceylon was established in Colombo, and today the city is home to two state universities: the University of Colombo and the University of the Visual & Performing Arts.

Colombo's most popular festival is the celebration of Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death all falling on the same day, known as Vesak.

This festival falls in mid-May and lasts a week, with the city decorated with lanterns, lights, and special displays of light.

Many Sri Lankans visit the city to see the lantern competitions and decorations, and people distribute food items for free in charity places, known as dunsal.

Eid Ul Fitr and Eid Ul Adha are two Islamic festivals celebrated in Colombo, with many businesses flourishing during the eventual countdown for Eid Ul Fitr.

Christmas is another major festival in Colombo, with most streets and commercial buildings lighting up from the beginning of December.

The Sinhalese and Hindu Aluth Awurudda' is a cultural event that takes place on 13 and 14 April, celebrating the Sinhalese and Hindu new year.

Several old clubs in the city give a glimpse of the British equestrian lifestyle, including the Colombo Club, Orient Club, the 80 Club, and the Colombo Cricket Club.

Colombo has several performing arts centres, including the Lionel Wendt Theatre, the Elphinstone, and Tower Hall, which are popular for their musical and theatrical performances.

The Navarangahala found in the city is the country's first national theatre designed and built for Asian and local style musical and theatrical productions.

In Sri Lanka, media plays a significant role in shaping the country's culture and education system. The state media has its offices in Bullers Road, Colombo.

The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, also known as Radio Ceylon, is the oldest radio station in South Asia and the second oldest in the world. It's broadcast from Bullers Road.

Many private broadcasting companies have their offices and transmission stations in or around Colombo, with radio bands highly utilised for radio communications.

Getting around Colombo city is relatively easy, with a range of transportation options available.

Taxis are a popular choice, offering a safer and more comfortable ride than tuk-tuks. They're available with air-conditioning and start from Rs 40 per kilometre.

Tuk-tuks are another option, but be sure to look for ones with a "Metered Taxi" name board to avoid any confusion.

Uber is also available in Colombo, with options for smaller cars like Go and Zip, as well as UberX.

Colombo has a local ride-sharing app called Pick Me, which allows you to order everything from a tuk-tuk to a van.

If you prefer to drive yourself, you can hire a car with or without a driver from many companies based in Colombo.

Alternatively, you can use public transport, with four commuter train lines available, but only one of them, the Coastal Line, is likely to be useful for travellers.

Commuter trains are unbelievably cheap, but can be crowded during peak hour and slower than intercity trains.

Mount Lavinia is a great place to experience Colombo's nightlife, just 20 minutes away from the city. The beach is bustling with activity, and you'll find a variety of restaurants serving food to suit every budget.

You can grab a drink and some decent food at Jo Jo's, a quiet little place with a homey feel. Buba, on the other side of the Mount Lavinia Hotel, is also popular.

Mount Lavinia is known for being gay-friendly, and it hosts Colombo's Gay Pride week in June. You might even spot the rainbow flag flying on some bars along the beach.

After a night out, try Hotel de Pilawoos along the Galle Road in Kollupitiya for a late-night snack. Their chicken roti and iced Milo are a must-try.

Colombo is the island's capital, situated in the western province of Sri Lanka. It's a diverse and vibrant city that's the administrative and economic center of the country.

Colombo is home to around a million people and is one of the busiest ports in South Asia. It's a hub of activity with a rich history.

The city has a unique blend of historical monuments, colonial architecture, beaches, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife. You can see the influence of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonization in the buildings surrounding the city.

The New Parliament is situated at Sri Jayawardenapura, just outside of Colombo, while the Old Parliament on Galle Road is now the Presidential Secretariat. This is a great example of the city's complex history and politics.

The Galle Face Green promenade is a 5-hectare ribbon strip of land between Galle Road and the Indian Ocean. It's the largest open space in Colombo and offers stunning views of the ocean.

Colombo is also a city of diverse cultures, with many temples, mosques, and churches catering to its rich and vibrant population.

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