The city of Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Situated on the islands west coast, south of the Kelani River mount, it is the largest and most developed city in Sri Lanka with a population of over 5 million. At the beginning of the colonial rule, the Portuguese who were attracted to the rich Cinnamon cultivations built their fortress in Colombo in 1517 AD surrounding today’s Colombo Fort area. The Dutch who overthrew the Portuguese were controlling Colombo until 1796 AD when the British gained dominance of the coastal areas in Sri Lanka. Under the British Empire, the fortress was demolished and Colombo was made the capital of British Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in 1815 AD to promote their tea, coffee and cinnamon cultivations as the large sea port of Colombo, strategically situated in the east-west marine trade route of the Indian Ocean was well-known for over 2000 years. Today Colombo is a fast growing metropolises in the South Asian region with many infrastructure projects lifting its face to a modern world city. The legacies of colonial Colombo’s left behind in its unique architecture and garden roots are still very much intact along its often shady boulevards amidst the modern constructions. The number of mixed developments housing apartments, malls, offices and hotels are changing Colombo skyline around the Lotus Tower – the 19th tallest tower in the world. As always, Colombo’s vibrant street markets, colonial-era buildings, museums and galleries, restaurants, churches, mosques and temples and the lovely green parks and shady avenue, invites visitors to explore its many wonders. Colombo is the best place to start or finish your Sri Lankan adventure.
