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Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and has been the island’s First City for more than 2000 years. The city’s colorful history takes us back to the time the Indian Ocean trade routes like the Silk Route were used by seafarers, explorers, and traders from Europe, China, and the Middle East used the Silk Route. Many factors made Colombo a strategic port of call.
First, Colombo had a large harbor. This was very convenient for ships that plied the trade routes. Second, Colombo was situated in a strategic location. The island’s location off the tip of southeastern India meant that all ships between the east and the west had to go past and invariably stopped for trade and restocking. Third, was a trade hub for Ceylon cinnamon, pepper, and gems among other things.
History of Colombo
The history of the city goes way back to when records show the migration of Indo-Aryan people from north India landing here. The Sinhalese who made it their home were industrious and friendly people. The natural harbor was known to Romans, Arabs, Chinese, Muslims, and other Europeans. Some of these people later settled down and became part of the cosmopolitan society that lived in the city.
Portuguese
One of the first Europeans to set foot in Sri Lanka was the Portuguese. Francisco de Almeida came to the island in 1505. He found the country in a chaotic state. Seven small kingdoms existed at the time and found it difficult to defend themselves. The Portuguese built a fort in Colombo in 1517 and with time spread their authority over the coastal belt of Sri Lanka. The Sinhalese made Kandy their capital. There were clashes with the foreign occupiers from time to time. Trade was the only thing the Portuguese were interested in.
Dutch
The King of Sri Lanka in 1638 was King Rajasinha II of Kandy. He was increasingly finding it difficult to fend off the advances of the Portuguese. As a solution, the King signed a treaty with the Dutch to help him oust the Portuguese in exchange for a monopoly of the island’s trade. By the year 1660, the Dutch controlled the outer coastal areas of the island. The Burgher people are a Dutch-Sinhala mix from that era.
British
The British captured Colombo in 1796. In 1815 the Kandyan Kingdom was ceded to the British and Colombo became the capital of the newly formed crown colony of Ceylon. Colombo for the British was primarily a military fort and in time constructed other buildings, houses, and other civilian structures needed for administration.
The City of Colombo flourished during British rule. Roads, Colleges, Administrative buildings, and recreational spaces were established during this time. The administration of the city came under the Colombo Municipal Council which was constituted in 1865. The population of the city at this time was approximately 80,000.
The commercial capital of Sri Lanka
Commerce on the island was concentrated in and around Colombo for obvious reasons. The port played a large role in making Colombo the hub of commerce. Banks, insurance corporations, brokerage houses, and other government institutions had their headquarters in Colombo.
Today, the city still retains its commercial activities while the administrative activities have been shifted to the official capital of Sri Lanka, Sri Jayawardanapura, Kotte located on the outer edge of the Colombo municipal council limits.
Transportation, media, health services, and major hotels are located within the city of Colombo. Buses to all corners of the island, a railway system that covers the entire island, and taxis of all types ensure you can easily reach any place. Major businesses also operate in this city. Even though most manufacturing is done in other parts of the country, the head office of the business is often located in Colombo for ease of administration. International flights are catered to at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Ratmalana Airport serves all local flights. The Port of Colombo has been modified and is counted among the top ports in the world.
Places of interest in Colombo
The current population of the city of Colombo is close to one million. The city is made up of a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society after coming into contact with traders and explorers from all over the world.
The city epitomizes the old-world charm of bygone eras with that of a modern lifestyle somewhat more fast-paced. There are many reminders of the Portuguese, Dutch and British influence in the city. This is mainly reflected in the buildings from those eras still standing firmly amid the bustling city. These buildings are all in use and have been renovated over time without changing their original appearance. The old Parliament building, a handsome edifice located at Galle Face Green, is the Presidential Secretariat today. Likewise, other buildings in use today include the Galle Face Hotel, the mathematics department of the University of Colombo, the old General Post Office building, the Cargills & Millers complex, the Grand Oriental Hotel, the Republic Building that is home to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Treasury Building, the Prime Minister’s Office.
Colombo also has many recreational and educational facilities like the race course buildings, the buildings surrounding Independence Square, and the Royal College buildings which are examples of colonial-era architecture.
Independence Square and Memorial Hall
This is a beautiful, soothing structure made in the Kandyan style made as a tribute to the significant event of Sri Lanka gaining independence from British rule in 1948. The main memorial building is a large hall with pillars set on an elevated platform that is reached a series of steps on two sides. Lion figures guard the building at intervals. The surrounding gardens are creatively laid out and are a popular place for families and fitness enthusiasts, and workout groups. The park area is child friendly and ideal for older people too. Cycling paths are laid out and cycles can be hired. Lots of beautiful trees, old and new, make this an extremely relaxing atmosphere. A little-known fact is that there is an Independence Memorial Museum located below the memorial hall. Many important state functions take place at this venue.
Galle Face Green Promenade
This is an open area reserved for people to relax and get the benefit of fresh air by the sea. Lots of people come here to witness the beautiful sunsets over the Indian Ocean. The green is set amid famous and luxurious hotels of Colombo. There is also a collection of kiosks that sell street food in Sri Lanka. Spicy prawn ‘vadai’, kottu roti hot off the grill, spicy pickled fruit that is a favorite among Sri Lankans, chips of all types, sweets, and cotton candy are some of the popular dishes. The roast chicken comes in various flavors and naans are inviting to say the least. Many families also bring their picnics and enjoy the fresh air till quite late at night. Having a meal looking out at the crashing waves as the sun goes down should not be missed when you visit Colombo.
Gangaramaya Temple and Seemamalakaya
This is one of the main Buddhist temples located within the city of Colombo. Although it was only built in the latter half of the 19th Century it has risen to prominence as it serves as a cultural center for Buddhists in the city. The temple is compact and yet houses all parts of a traditional temple. In addition, the temple has a museum and artifacts from neighboring Asian countries in the region. The eclectic combination of Sri Lankan, Thai, Cambodian, Indian and Chinese architecture is seen here. The temple holds a colorful procession during February called the Navam Perehera. Lots of Buddhist festivals take place at different times such as Vesak, Poson, and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April.
The Seemamalakaya is a meditation center located on the nearby Beira Lake a short walk from the temple. The tranquility of the meditation building is worth a visit to experience firsthand.
Arcade Independence Square
This is a regal old building newly renovated and houses a shopping mall, a state-of-the-art cinema, and restaurants. During colonial rule, this building was a lunatic asylum. The white building is surrounded by manicured lawns and well-kept gardens. Shops selling branded goods and specialty restaurants make this a venue with an international flavor.
Colombo Racecourse
This was the site at which horseracing was thriving with many an event exciting the viewers during the British colonial times. It was built in 1893 and today it stands transformed into Sri Lanka’s first international Rugby Union grounds. The adjacent buildings that served as the grandstand have been converted to retail space housing shops and restaurants.
On every Saturday of the week, ‘the ‘Good Market’ opens at 9 am and is active till 5 pm. This is an innovative project where vendors sell organic products that have been manufactured locally and ethically. Food stalls, wooden products, wicker baskets, handmade lace, clothing, shoes, jewelry, plants, herbs, jams, pickles, honey, and cakes are some of the fares that you can indulge in. This is a venue not to be missed.
Viharamahadevi Park
This is a park located at the center of the city of Colombo opposite the City Hall. There are walking and jogging tracks as well as cycling tracks for fitness activities. This is also the venue for many public events at the open-air theater at the park grounds. Along the road on one side of the park, artists sell their work and another corner of the park is reserved for children with many rides and a little train.
Sivan Kovil in Kochchikade
Sivan Kovil also known as the Gal Kovil (stone temple) is a work of art completely constructed in granite. Inside the temple, you will traverse large blocks of granite laid out perfectly for devotees to pay their respects to a host of Hindu gods placed at intervals around the temple. The stone pillars that hold up the stone ceiling are intricately carved. Once you enter this stone palace, the cool air that is mixed with incense and constant chanting will transport you to a mystic world.
St Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade
Located at the far end of the Pettah-Fort area in Kochchikade, St Anthony’s Church is one of the many catholic churches you find in the city. The outer façade is styled like a cathedral. This place of worship is revered by devotees as a place of miracles. It is frequented by people of all faiths due to this belief.
Red Mosque
Popularly known as the Red Mosque, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque has stood there since 1909. The red and white colored mosque with its distinct architecture is a place of worship for Muslims of Pettah twice a day, every day. Friday is a special day for the devotees and a large crowd gathers here on that day.
Wolvendaal Church
This church was consecrated in the year 1757 as the engraving over the main entrance states. Built by the Dutch in the Doric style, it still functions as a church. A visit to this olden-day monument in Pettah will take you back a few hundred years in time.
Dutch Hospital Precinct
Located at the heart of Fort in Colombo, dwarfed by modern high-rise buildings, this unique shopping precinct functioned as a hospital during the Dutch colonial era of the island. The first recorded history of the building is found in 1681 making it the oldest building in Colombo. The renovated complex is home to shopping, dining, and recreation venues today.
Colombo National Museum
This is an imposing white building founded in 1877. It is the largest museum on the island. This is the place to see it all from ancient artifacts to Sri Lankan fauna and flora. This is located in the fashionable part of the city, Cinnamon Gardens. The large building set among manicured green lawns houses national treasures belonging to many eras.
