Colombo - wikipedia Colombo Not to be confused with Columbo. For other uses, see Colombo ( disambiguation ). Colombo කොළඹ கொழும்பு City Metropolis Clockwise from top left : BOC Tower, Colombo Skyline, Colombo Skyline ( Gangaramaya Temple ), Colombo Skyline ( Galle Face ), Old Parliament, Colombo Skyline ( Gangaramaya Temple ), BOC Tower and WTC Twin Tower, Independence Square, WTC Twin Tower Seal Colombo Colombo Show map of Colombo District Show map of Sri Lanka Show all Coordinates : 6 ° 56 ′ 04 '' N 79 ° 50 ′ 34 '' E ﻿ / ﻿ 6.93444 ° N 79.84278 ° E ﻿ / 6.93444 ; 79.84278 Coordinates : 6 ° 56 ′ 04 '' N 79 ° 50 ′ 34 '' E ﻿ / ﻿ 6.93444 ° N 79.84278 ° E ﻿ / 6.93444 ; 79.84278 Country Sri Lanka Province Western Province District Colombo District Government Municipal Council Colombo Municipal Council Headquarters Town Hall Mayor Mohommad Muzammil ( UNP ) Area City 37.31 km ( 14.41 sq mi ) Elevation 1 m ( 3 ft ) Population ( 2011 ) City 752,993 Density 20,182 / km ( 52,270 / sq mi ) Urban 2,323,826 ( Area size 699 sqkm ) Metro 5,648,000 ( Area size 3,684 sqkm ) Time zone SLST ( UTC + 05 : 30 ) Postal code 0xxxx Area code ( s ) 011 Website www.colombo.mc.gov.lk Colombo ( English : / kəˈlʌmboʊ / ; Sinhalese : කොළඹ Kolamba, pronounced ( ˈkəlɐmbɞ ) ; Tamil : கொழும்பு, translit. Koḻumpu ) is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka. According to the Brookings Institution, Colombo metropolitan area has a population of 5.6 million, and 752,993 in the city proper. It is the financial centre of the island and a popular tourist destination. It is located on the west coast of the island and adjacent to the Greater Colombo area which includes Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the legislative capital of Sri Lanka and Dehiwala - Mount Lavinia. Colombo is often referred to as the capital since Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is within the urban area of, and a suburb of, Colombo. It is also the administrative capital of Western Province, Sri Lanka and the district capital of Colombo District. Colombo is a busy and vibrant place with a mixture of modern life and colonial buildings and ruins. It was the legislative capital of Sri Lanka until 1982. Due to its large harbour and its strategic position along the East - West sea trade routes, Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. It was made the capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815, and its status as capital was retained when the nation became independent in 1948. In 1978, when administrative functions were moved to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo was designated as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Like many cities, Colombo 's urban area extends well beyond the boundaries of a single local authority, encompassing other municipal and urban councils such as Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Municipal Council, Dehiwala Mount Lavinia Municipal Council, Kolonnawa Urban Council, Kaduwela Municipal Council and Kotikawatte Mulleriyawa Pradeshiya Sabha. The main city is home to a majority of Sri Lanka 's corporate offices, restaurants and entertainment venues. Famous landmarks in Colombo include Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, Beira Lake, Colombo Racecourse, Planetarium, University of Colombo, Mount Lavinia beach, Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Colombo Lotus Tower ( under construction ) as well as the National Museum. Contents 1 Etymology 2 History 2.1 Portuguese era 2.2 Dutch era 2.3 British era 2.4 After independence 3 Geography 3.1 Climate 4 Attractions 5 Demographics 6 Government and politics 6.1 Local government 6.2 National capital 7 City limits 8 Capital Zone suburbs 9 Outer suburbs 10 Economy 11 Law enforcement and crime 12 Infrastructure 12.1 Harbour 12.2 Transport 12.2. 1 Bus 12.2. 2 Rail 12.2. 3 Roads 12.2. 4 Ferry 12.2. 5 Air 12.3 Landmarks 13 Education 14 Architecture 14.1 Colombo Fort 14.2 Dutch - era buildings 14.3 British - era buildings 15 Culture 15.1 Annual cultural events and fairs 15.2 Performing arts 15.3 Museums and art collections 15.4 Sports 15.5 Media 16 Twin towns -- sister cities 17 Gallery 18 See also 19 Notes and references 20 Further reading Etymology Coat of arms of Colombo from the Dutch Ceylon era, depicting a mango tree. The name `` Colombo '', first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505, is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese name කොලොන් තොට Kolon thota, meaning `` port on the river Kelani ''. Another belief is that the name is derived from the Sinhalese name කොල - අඹ - තොට Kola - amba - thota which means `` Harbour with leafy mango trees ''. The author of the oldest Sinhalese grammar, Sidatsangarava, written in the 13th century wrote about a category of words that exclusively belonged to early Sinhalese. It lists naramba ( to see ) and kolamba ( ford or harbour ) as belonging to an indigenous source. Kolamba may also be the source of the name of the commercial capital Colombo. History As Colombo possesses a natural harbour, it was known to Indian, Greeks, Persians, Romans, Arabs, and Chinese traders over 2,000 years ago. Traveller Ibn Batuta who visited the island in the 14th century, referred to it as Kalanpu. Arabs, whose prime interests were trade, began to settle in Colombo around the 8th century AD mostly because the port helped their business by the way of controlling much of the trade between the Sinhalese kingdoms and the outside world. Their descendants now comprise the local Sri Lankan Moor community. Portuguese era Portuguese explorers led by Dom Lourenço de Almeida first arrived in Sri Lanka in 1505. During their initial visit they made a treaty with the King of Kotte, Parakramabahu VIII ( 1484 -- 1508 ), which enabled them to trade in the island 's crop of cinnamon, which lay along the coastal areas of the island, including in Colombo. As part of the treaty, the Portuguese were given full authority over the coastline in exchange for the promise of guarding the coast against invaders. They were allowed to establish a trading post in Colombo. Within a short time, however, they expelled the Muslim inhabitants of Colombo and began to build a fort in 1517. The Portuguese soon realized that control of Sri Lanka was necessary for protection of their coastal establishments in India and they began to manipulate the rulers of the Kotte kingdom to gain control of the area. After skilfully exploiting rivalries within the royal family, they took control of a large area of the kingdom and the Sinhalese King Mayadunne established a new kingdom at Sitawaka, a domain in the Kotte kingdom. Before long he annexed much of the Kotte kingdom and forced the Portuguese to retreat to Colombo, which was repeatedly besieged by Mayadunne and the later kings of Sitawaka, forcing them to seek reinforcement from their major base in Goa, India. Following the fall of the kingdom in 1593, the Portuguese were able to establish complete control over the coastal area, with Colombo as their capital. This part of Colombo is still known as Fort and houses the presidential palace and the majority of Colombo 's five star hotels. The area immediately outside Fort is known as Pettah ( Sinhala පිට කොටුව piṭa koṭuva, `` outer fort '' ) and is a commercial hub. Dutch era Dutch engraving of Colombo in about 1680 In 1638 the Dutch signed a treaty with King Rajasinha II of Kandy which assured the king assistance in his war against the Portuguese in exchange for a monopoly of the island 's major trade goods. The Portuguese resisted the Dutch and the Kandyans but were gradually defeated in their strongholds beginning in 1639. The Dutch captured Colombo in 1656 after an epic siege, at the end of which a mere 93 Portuguese survivors were given safe conduct out of the fort. Although the Dutch ( e.g., Rijcklof van Goens ) initially restored the captured area back to the Sinhalese kings, they later refused to turn them over and gained control over the island 's richest cinnamon lands including Colombo which then served as the capital of the Dutch maritime provinces under the control of the Dutch East India Company until 1796. British era Colombo street scene in the early 20th century with a tramcar and the old Town Hall in the background Map of Colombo, ca 1914 Although the British captured Colombo in 1796, it remained a British military outpost until the Kandyan Kingdom was ceded to them in 1815 and they made Colombo the capital of their newly created crown colony of British Ceylon. Unlike the Portuguese and Dutch before them, whose primary use of Colombo was as a military fort, the British began constructing houses and other civilian structures around the fort, giving rise to the current City of Colombo. Initially, they placed the administration of the city under a `` Collector '', and John Macdowell of the Madras Service was the first to hold the office. Then, in 1833, the Government Agent of the Western Province was charged with the administration of the city. Centuries of colonial rule had meant a decline of indigenous administration of Colombo, and in 1865 the British conceived a Municipal Council as a means of training the local population in self - governance. The Legislative Council of Ceylon constituted the Colombo Municipal Council in 1865 and the Council met for the first time on the January 16, 1866. At the time, the population of the region was around 80,000. During the time they were in control of the Colombo, the British were responsible for much of the planning of the present city. In some parts of the city tram car tracks and granite flooring laid during the era are still visible today. After Independence The formal ceremony marking the start of self - rule at Independence Square. This era of colonialism ended peacefully in 1948 when Ceylon gained independence from Britain. Due to the tremendous impact this caused on the city 's inhabitants and on the country as a whole, the changes that resulted at the end of the colonial period were drastic. An entire new culture took root. Changes in laws and customs, clothing styles, religions and proper names were a significant result of the colonial era. These cultural changes were followed by the strengthening of the island 's economy. Even today, the influence of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British is clearly visible in Colombo 's architecture, names, clothing, food, language and attitudes. Buildings from all three eras stand as reminders of the turbulent past of Colombo. The city and its people show an interesting mix of European clothing and lifestyles together with local customs. Historically, Colombo referred to the area around the Fort and Pettah Market which is famous for the variety of products available as well as the Khan Clock Tower, a local landmark. At present, it refers to the city limits of the Colombo Municipal Council. More often, the name is used for the Conurbation known as Greater Colombo, which encompasses several Municipal councils including Kotte, Dehiwela and Colombo. Although Colombo lost its status as the capital of Sri Lanka in the 1980s, it continues to be the island 's commercial centre. Despite the official capital of Sri Lanka moving to the adjacent Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte, most countries still maintain their diplomatic missions in Colombo. Geography The Beira Lake at night Colombo 's geography is a mix of land and water. The city has many canals and, in the heart of the city, the 65 - hectare ( 160 - acre ) Beira Lake. The lake is one of the most distinctive landmarks of Colombo, and was used for centuries by colonists to defend the city. It remains a popular attraction, hosting regattas, and theatrical events on its shores. The Northern and North - Eastern border of the city of Colombo is formed by the Kelani River, which meets the sea in a part of the city known as the Modera ( mōdara in Sinhala ) which means river delta. Climate Colombo features a tropical monsoon climate under the Köppen climate classification, falling just short of a tropical rainforest climate. Colombo 's climate is fairly temperate all throughout the year. From March to April the average high temperature is around 31 ° C ( 87.8 ° F ). The only major change in the Colombo weather occurs during the monsoon seasons from May to August and October to January. This is the time of year where heavy rains can be expected. Colombo sees little relative diurnal range of temperature, although this is more marked in the drier winter months, where minimum temperatures average 22 ° C ( 71.6 ° F ). Rainfall in the city averages around 2,500 millimetres ( 98 in ) a year. Climate data for Colombo, Sri Lanka ( 1961 -- 1990, extremes 1961 -- 2012 ) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high ° C ( ° F ) 35.2 ( 95.4 ) 35.6 ( 96.1 ) 36.1 ( 97 ) 35.2 ( 95.4 ) 33.2 ( 91.8 ) 33.5 ( 92.3 ) 32.2 ( 90 ) 32.2 ( 90 ) 32.5 ( 90.5 ) 33.6 ( 92.5 ) 34.0 ( 93.2 ) 35.0 ( 95 ) 36.1 ( 97 ) Average high ° C ( ° F ) 31.0 ( 87.8 ) 31.2 ( 88.2 ) 31.7 ( 89.1 ) 31.8 ( 89.2 ) 31.1 ( 88 ) 30.4 ( 86.7 ) 30.0 ( 86 ) 30.0 ( 86 ) 30.2 ( 86.4 ) 30.0 ( 86 ) 30.2 ( 86.4 ) 30.4 ( 86.7 ) 30.7 ( 87.3 ) Daily mean ° C ( ° F ) 26.6 ( 79.9 ) 26.9 ( 80.4 ) 27.7 ( 81.9 ) 28.2 ( 82.8 ) 28.3 ( 82.9 ) 27.9 ( 82.2 ) 27.6 ( 81.7 ) 27.6 ( 81.7 ) 27.5 ( 81.5 ) 27.0 ( 80.6 ) 26.7 ( 80.1 ) 26.6 ( 79.9 ) 27.4 ( 81.3 ) Average low ° C ( ° F ) 22.3 ( 72.1 ) 22.7 ( 72.9 ) 23.7 ( 74.7 ) 24.6 ( 76.3 ) 25.5 ( 77.9 ) 25.5 ( 77.9 ) 25.1 ( 77.2 ) 25.1 ( 77.2 ) 24.8 ( 76.6 ) 24.0 ( 75.2 ) 23.2 ( 73.8 ) 22.8 ( 73 ) 24.1 ( 75.4 ) Record low ° C ( ° F ) 16.4 ( 61.5 ) 18.8 ( 65.8 ) 17.7 ( 63.9 ) 21.2 ( 70.2 ) 20.5 ( 68.9 ) 21.4 ( 70.5 ) 21.4 ( 70.5 ) 21.6 ( 70.9 ) 21.2 ( 70.2 ) 21.0 ( 69.8 ) 18.6 ( 65.5 ) 18.1 ( 64.6 ) 16.4 ( 61.5 ) Average precipitation mm ( inches ) 58.2 ( 2.291 ) 72.7 ( 2.862 ) 128.0 ( 5.039 ) 245.6 ( 9.669 ) 392.4 ( 15.449 ) 184.9 ( 7.28 ) 121.9 ( 4.799 ) 119.5 ( 4.705 ) 245.4 ( 9.661 ) 365.4 ( 14.386 ) 414.4 ( 16.315 ) 175.3 ( 6.902 ) 2,523.7 ( 99.358 ) Average precipitation days 5 5 9 14 16 16 12 11 15 17 15 10 145 Average relative humidity ( % ) ( at Daytime ) 69 69 71 75 78 79 78 77 78 78 76 73 75 Mean monthly sunshine hours 248.0 246.4 275.9 234.0 201.5 195.0 201.5 201.5 189.0 201.5 210.0 217.0 2,621.3 Source # 1 : NOAA World Meteorological Organization ( precipitation only ) Source # 2 : Deutscher Wetterdienst ( extremes ) Attractions Galle Face Green is located in the heart of the city along the Indian Ocean coast, and is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike. The Galle Face Hotel is a historic landmark on the southern edge of this promenade. Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo. The temple 's architecture demonstrates an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. The Viharamahadevi Park ( formerly Victoria Park ) is an urban park located next to the National Museum of Colombo and the Town Hall. It is the oldest and largest park in Colombo and features a large Buddha statue. As part of the Urban Regeneration Program of the Government of Sri Lanka, many old sites and buildings were revamped to modern public recreational spaces and shopping precincts. These include Independence Memorial Hall Square, Pettah Floating Market and Old Dutch Hospital among others. Demographics The Seema Malakaya of the Gangarama Temple in the Beira Lake in the Slave Island area, is one of many religious structures in Colombo Colombo is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural city. The population of Colombo is a mix of numerous ethnic groups, mainly Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, and Sri Lankan Moor. There are also small communities of people with Chinese, Portuguese Burgher, Dutch Burgher, Malay, and Indian origins living in the city, as well as numerous European expatriates. Colombo is the most populous city in Sri Lanka, with 642,163 people living within the city limits. In 1866 the city had a population of around 80,000. According to the census of 2001 the demographics of urban Colombo by ethnicity is as follows. No Ethnicity Population % Of Total Sinhalese 265,657 41.36 Sri Lankan Tamils 185,672 28.91 Sri Lankan Moors 153,299 23.87 Indian Tamils 13,968 2.17 5 Sri Lankan Malays 11,149 1.73 6 Burghers 5,273 0.82 7 Sri Lankan Chetty 740 0.11 8 Bharatha 471 0.07 9 Other 5,934 0.96 10 Total 642,163 100 Government and Politics Colombo Municipal Council Local government Colombo is a charter city, with a Mayor Council form of government. Colombo 's mayor and the council members are elected through local government elections held once in five years. For the past 50 years the city had been ruled by the United National Party ( UNP ), a right leaning party, whose business friendly policies resonate with the population of Colombo. However the UNP nomination list for the 2006 Municipal elections was rejected, and an Independent Group supported by the UNP won the elections. Uvais Mohamed Imitiyas was subsequently appointed Mayor of Colombo. The city government provides sewer, road management and waste management services, in case of water, electricity and telephone utility services the council liaises with the water supply and drainage board, the Ceylon electricity board and telephone service providers. National capital Colombo was the capital of the Coastal areas controlled by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British from the 1700s to the 1815 when the British gained control of the entire island following the Kandian convention. From then until the 1980s the national capital of the island was Colombo. During the 1980s plans were made to move the administrative capital to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte and thus move all governmental institutions out of Colombo to make way for commercial activities. As a primary step the Parliament was moved to a new complex in Kotte and several ministries and departments were also moved. However the move was never completed. Today many governmental institutions still remain in Colombo. These include the President 's House, Presidential Secretariat, Prime Minister 's House ( Temple Trees ), Prime Minister 's Office, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, important government ministries and departments ; such as Finance ( Treasury ), Defence, Public Administration & Home affairs, Foreign affairs, Justice and the Military headquarters, Naval headquarters ( SLNS Parakrama ), Air Force headquarters ( SLAF Colombo ) and Police national and field force headquarters. City limits Bambalapitiya Area Colombo is divided into 15 numbered areas for the purposes of postal services. Within these areas are the suburbs with their corresponding post office. Map of Colombo showing its administrative districts. Postal number Inner Suburb Colombo 1 Fort Colombo 2 Slave Island, Union Place Colombo 3 Kollupitiya Colombo 4 Bambalapitiya Colombo 5 Havelock Town, Kirulapana Colombo 6 Wellawatte, Pamankada, Colombo 7 Cinnamon Gardens Colombo 8 Borella Colombo 9 Dematagoda Colombo 10 Maradana, Panchikawatte Colombo 11 Pettah Colombo 12 Hultsdorf Colombo 13 Kotahena, Bloemendhal Colombo 14 Grandpass Colombo 15 Mutwal, Modara, Mattakkuliya, Madampitiya Capital Zone suburbs Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Legislature PitaKotte EthulKotte Nawala Nugegoda Rajagiriya Outer suburbs Athurugiriya Battaramulla Batuwatta Boralesgamuwa Dalugama Dehiwala - Mount Lavinia Ekala Godagama Homagama Hokandara Ja - Ela Kadawatha Kaduwela Kalubowila Kandana Kiribathgoda Kolonnawa Koswatte Kotikawatta Kottawa Maharagama Malabe Moratuwa Pannipitiya Peliyagoda Piliyandala Ragama Ratmalana Thalawathugoda Wattala Wickramasinhapura Economy Colombo City is the hub of Sri Lanka 's economic activity The great majority of Sri Lankan corporations have their head offices in Colombo including Aitken Spence, Ceylinco Corporation, Stassen group of companies, John Keells Holdings, Cargills, Hemas Holdings, and Akbar Brothers. Some of the industries include chemicals, textiles, glass, cement, leather goods, furniture, and jewellery. In the city centre is the World Trade Centre. The 40 story Twin Tower complex is the centre of important commercial establishments, in the Fort district, the city 's nerve center. Right outside the Fort area is Pettah which is derived from the Sinhalese word pita which means ' out ' or ' outside '. Arcade Independence Square shopping mall The Colombo Metropolitan area has a GDP of $48 billion or 40 % of the GDP, making it the most important aspect of the Sri Lankan economy. The per capita income of Colombo Metro area stood at US $8623 and purchasing power per capita of $25,117, making it one of the most prosperous regions in South Asia considering Western Province contribute for 50 % of GDP in Sri Lanka. The Colombo Metropolitan ( CM ) area is the most important industrial, commercial and administrative centre in Sri Lanka. A major share of the country 's export - oriented manufacturing takes place in the CM area which is the engine of growth for Sri Lanka. Galle Face Green, where many major events take place, is a favorite location for many. It is in close proximity to many of the major hotels. Formerly, it was the site of the city 's race course, golf course and the cricket field The Western province contributes less than 40 % to the GDP and about 80 % of industrial value additions although it accounts for only 5.7 % of the country 's geographic area and 25 % of the national population. Given its importance as the primary international gateway for Sri Lanka and as the main economic driver of the country, the government of Sri Lanka ( GoSL ) has launched an ambitious program to transform Colombo and its area into a metropolis of international standards. Bottlenecks are preventing the Colombo metropolitan area from realizing its full economic potential. To facilitate the transformation of Colombo, the government has to address these bottlenecks which have for long been obstructing economic and physical urban regeneration. Pettah is more crowded than the Fort area. Pettah 's roads are always packed and pavements are full of small stalls selling items from delicious sharbat to shirts. Main Street consists mostly of clothes shops and the cross roads, which are known as Cross Streets where each of the five streets specializes in a specific business. For example, the First Cross Street is mostly electronic goods shops, the Second cellular phones and fancy goods. Most of these businesses are dominated by Muslim traders. At the end of the Main Street further away from Fort is the Sea Street -- Sri Lanka 's gold market -- dominated by Tamil interests. This mile - long street is full of jewellery shops, including the former head office of SriLankan Airlines. Law enforcement and crime The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka is located in Colombo The Sri Lanka Police the main law enforcement agency of the island liaise with the municipal council, but is under the control of the Ministry of Defence of the central government. Policing in Colombo and its suburbs falls within the Metropolitan Range headed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police ( Metropolitan ), this also includes the Colombo Crime Division. As with most Sri Lankan cities, the magistrate court handles felony crimes, the district court handles civil cases. As in other large cities around the world, Colombo experiences certain levels of street crime and bribery. Indeed, the corruption extends to the very top, US reports show. In addition, in the period from the 1980s to 2009 there have been a number of major terrorist attacks. The LTTE has been linked to most of the bombings and assassinations in the city. Welikada Prison is situated in Colombo and it is one of the largest maximum - security prisons in the country. Infrastructure Typical Street layout in Colombo as of 2016 Colombo has most of the amenities that a modern city has. Compared to other parts of the country, Colombo has the highest degree of infrastructure. Electricity, water and transport to street lamps, phone booths, etc. have a considerably good standard. The majority of the major shopping malls in Sri Lanka are in the city, of which all are wi - fi enabled. Apart from that, many luxurious hotels, clubs and restaurants are in the city. In recent times there 's been an outpour of high rise condominiums, mainly due to the very high land prices. Harbour Container handling at Colombo Port. Colombo Harbour is the largest and one of the busiest ports in Sri Lanka. Colombo was established primarily as a port city during the colonial era, with an artificial harbour that has been expanded over the years. The Sri Lanka Navy maintains a naval base, SLNS Rangalla, within the harbour. The Port of Colombo handled 3.75 million twenty - foot equivalent units in 2008, 10.6 % up on 2007 ( which itself was 9.7 % up on 2006 ), bucking the global economic trend. Of those, 817,000 were local shipments with the rest transshipments. With a capacity of 5.7 million TEUs and a dredged depth of over 15 m ( 49 ft ), ( 2 ) the Colombo Harbour is one of the busiest ports in the world, and ranks among the top 25 ports ( 23rd ). Transport Bus Main article : Colombo Bus Routes Colombo has an extensive public transport system based on buses operated both by private operators and the government owned Sri Lanka Transport Board ( SLTB ). The three primary bus terminals -- Bastian Mawatha, Central, and the Gunasinghapura Bus Terminals -- are in Pettah. Bastian Mawatha handles long distance services whereas Gunasinghapura and Central handle local services. Rail Commuter Rail within the city Main article : Rail transport in Sri Lanka Train transport in the city is limited since most trains are meant for transport to and from the city rather than within it and are often overcrowded. However, the Central Bus Stand and Fort Railway Station function as the island 's primary hub for bus and rail transport respectively. Up until the 1970s the city had tram services, which were discontinued. Other means of transport includes auto rickshaws ( commonly called `` three wheelers '' ) and taxicabs. Three wheelers are entirely operated by individuals and hardly regulated whilst cab services are run by private companies and are metered. Main Line -- Colombo Fort to Veyangoda ; onwards to Kandy, Badulla, Matale, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Kankesanturai. Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Talaimannar ( presently just Madhu Road ). Coastal Line -- Colombo to Panadura ; onwards to Galle and Matara. Puttalam Line -- Colombo to Ja - Ela ; onwards to Negombo and Puttalam. Kelani Valley Line -- Colombo to Avissawella. Roads Post-war development in the Colombo area also involves the construction of numerous expressway grade arterial road routes. The first of these constructed is the Southern Expressway, which goes from Kottawa, a southern suburb of Colombo, to Matara City in the south of the country. Expressways under construction in the Colombo metropolitan area include the Colombo -- Katunayake Expressway which was opened in October 2013 and the Colombo orbital bypass Outer Circular Highway ( Arthur C. Clarke Expressway ) which is due to be opened in 2014. The Colombo - Katunayake Expressway ( E03 ) runs from Peliyagoda, a nourthern suburb of Colombo, to Colombo International Airport and it linked with one of the major commercial hubs and a major tourist destination of the country, the city of Negombo. A1 highway connects Colombo with Kandy. A2 highway connects Colombo with Galle and Matara A3 highway connects Colombo with Negombo and Puttalam A4 highway connects Colombo with Ratnapura and Batticaloa Ferry An international ferry liner, the Scotia Prince, is conducting a ferry service to Tuticorin, India. Ferry services between the two countries have been revived after more than 20 years. Air Ratmalana Airport Ratmalana Airport is the city 's airport, located 15 km ( 9.3 mi ) south of the city centre. It commenced operating in 1935 and was the country 's first international airport until it was replaced by Bandaranaike Airport in 1967. Ratmalana Airport now primarily services domestic flights, aviation training and international corporate flights. Landmarks Colombo Skyline -- 2017 The two World Trade Centre towers used to be the most recognized landmarks of the city. Before they were completed in 1997, the adjacent Bank of Ceylon tower was the tallest structure and the most prominent city landmark. Before the skyscrapers were built it was the Old Parliament Building that stood majestically in the Fort district with the Old Colombo Lighthouse close to it. Another important landmark is the Independence Hall at Independence Square in Cinnamon Gardens. Even before the parliament was built some claim that the Jami Ul - Alfar Mosque was recognized as the landmark of Colombo by sailors approaching the port. The mosque is still one of the most visited tourist sites in Colombo. Another landmark is St. Paul 's Church Milagiriya, one of the oldest churches in Sri Lanka, first built by the Portuguese and re-built by the British in 1848. The Fort district has Cargills & Millers complex that is protected by a special government law from demolition. This is done mainly to preserve the historic beauty of the Fort area. The Galle Face Green is the city 's largest and most elegant promenade. Lined with palm trees and adjacent to the coast, this mile - long stretch in the heart of the city is a constant beehive of activity. The green is especially busy on Fridays and Saturdays. In the evenings it plays host to families and children playing sports and flying kites, lovers embracing under umbrellas and health enthusiasts taking their evening walks. There are numerous small food stalls and a small stretch of beach. The green was recently given a makeover and since then has been even more popular with the local community. The Green frequently hosts international and local concerts and performances, such as the recently concluded World Drum Festival. Cannons that were once mounted on the rampart of the old fort of Colombo laid out for observance and prestige at the Green, giving a colonial touch to the city. The famous colonial styled Galle Face Hotel, known as Asia 's Emerald on the Green since 1864, is adjacent to Galle Face Green. The hotel has played host to distinguished guests including the British Royal Family and other royal guests and celebrities. After a stay at the hotel, Princess Alexandra of Denmark commented that `` the peacefulness and generosity encountered at the Galle Face Hotel can not be matched. '' Also facing Galle Face Green is the Ceylon Inter-Continental Hotel, Sri Lanka 's first five - star hotel. Around the corner from Galle Face are prominent coffee bars, chic bars and boutiques. Education Royal College Colombo, the oldest public school in the city. Education institutions in Colombo have a long history. Colombo has many of the prominent public schools in the country, some of them government - owned and others private. Most of the prominent schools in the city date back to the 1800s when they were established during the British colonial rule, such as the Royal College Colombo established in 1835. Certain urban schools of Sri Lanka have some religious alignment ; this is partly due to the influence of British who established Christian missionary schools. These include the Anglican, Bishop 's College ( 1875 ) ; the Methodist, Wesley College Colombo ( 1874 ) ; the Buddhist, Ananda College ( 1886 ) ; the Muslim, Zahira College ( 1892 ) ; the St. Benedict 's College ( 1985 ), the Catholic, St. Joseph 's College ( 1896 ). The religious alignments do not affect the curriculum of the school except for the demographics of the student population. Colombo has many International Schools that have come up in the recent years. Higher education in the city has a long history, beginning with the establishment of the Colombo Medical School ( 1870 ), the Colombo Law College ( 1875 ), School of Agriculture ( 1884 ) and the Government Technical College ( 1893 ). The first step in the creation of a University in Colombo was taken in 1913 with the establishment of the University College Colombo which prepared students for the external examinations of the University of London. This was followed by the establishment of the University of Ceylon in Colombo. Today the University of Colombo and the University of the Visual & Performing Arts are state universities in the city. The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology has a metropolitan campus in the city centre. There are several private higher education institutions in the city. See also : Education in Sri Lanka Architecture The Murugan Hindu temple in the Slave Island area Colombo has wildly varying architecture that span centuries and depict many styles. Colonial buildings influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch and British exist alongside structures built in Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Indian and Contemporary architectural styles. No other place is this more evident in the Fort area. Here one may find new towering skyscrapers as well as historic buildings dating far back as the 1700s. Colombo Fort The Portuguese were the first colonists to settle in Colombo ; establishing a small trading post, they had laid the foundations for a small fort which in time became the largest colonial fort in the island. The Dutch expanded the fort thus creating a well old fortified harbour. This came into the possession of the British in the late 1700s and by the late 19th century the seeing no threat to the Colombo Harbour, began demolishing the ramparts to make way for the development of the city. Although now there is nothing left of the fortifications, the area which was once the fort is still referred to as Fort. The area outside is Pettah or පිටකොටුව in Sinhalese which means outer fort. The VOC ( Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie ) logo of Dutch East India Company on the gates of Wolvendaal Church Dutch - era buildings There are none of the buildings of the Portuguese era and only a few from the Dutch period. These include the oldest building in the fort area, the former Dutch Hospital, the Dutch House which is now the Colombo Dutch Museum and several churches. The President 's House ( formerly the Queen 's House ) was originally the Dutch governor 's house, and successive British governors made it their office and residence. However, it has undergone much change since the Dutch period. Adjoining the President 's House are the Gordon Gardens, now off limits to the public. British - era buildings Much of the old buildings of the fort area and in other parts of the city date back to the British times, these include governmental, commercial buildings and private houses. Some of the notable government building of British colonial architecture includes ; the old Parliament building which is now the Presidential Secretariat, the Republic Building which houses the Ministry of Foreign affairs, but once housed the Ceylon Legislative council, the General Treasury Building, the old General Post Office an Edwardian style building opposite the President 's House, the Prime Minister 's Office, the Central Telegraph Office, the Mathematics department of the University of Colombo ( formally the Royal College, Colombo ). Notable commercial buildings of the British era include the Galle Face Hotel, Cargills & Millers ' complex, and Grand Oriental Hotel. The historical Cargills & Millers building continues as the headquarters of Cargills ( Ceylon ) PLC The Old Parliament Building near the Galle Face Green, now the Presidential Secretariat The Neoclassical style Colombo National Museum Culture Annual cultural events and fairs Vesak Thorana In Colombo Christmas Celebrations In Colombo Colombo 's most beautiful festival is the celebration of Buddha 's birth, enlightenment and death all falling on the same day. In Sinhala this is known as Vesak. During this festival, much of the city is decorated with lanterns, lights and special displays of light ( known as thoran ). The festival falls in mid May and lasts a week. Many Sri Lankans visit the city to see the lantern competitions and decorations. During this week people distribute, rice, drinks and other food items for free in dunsal which means charity place. These dunsal are popular amongst visitors from the suburbs. Since there is a large number of Muslims in Colombo. Eid Ul Fitr and Eid Ul Adha are two Islamic festivals that are celebrated in Colombo. Many businesses flourish during the eventual countdown for Eid Ul Fitr which is a major Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims after a month - long fasting. Colombo is generally very busy during the eve of the festivals as people do their last minute shopping. Christmas is another major festival. Although Sri Lanka 's Christians make up only just over 7 % of the population, Christmas is one of the island 's biggest festivals. Most streets and commercial buildings light up from the beginning of December and festive sales begin at all shopping centres and department stores. Caroling and nativity plays are frequent sights during the season. The Sinhala and Hindu Aluth Awurudda ' is a cultural event that takes place on 13 and 14 April. This is the celebration of the Sinhala and Hindu new year. The festivities include many events and traditions that display a great deal of Sri Lankan culture. Several old clubs of the city give a glimpse of the British equestrian life style ; these include the Colombo Club, Orient Club, the 80 Club, the Colombo Cricket Club. Performing arts The Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre is a major venue for the performing arts Colombo has several performing arts centers which are popular for their musical and theatrical performances. The most famous performing arts centers are the Lionel Wendt Theatre, the Elphinstone, and Tower Hall, all of which have a very rich history and made for western style productions. The Navarangahala found in the city is the country 's first national theatre designed and build for Asian and local style musical and theatrical productions. The Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre is a world - class theatre that opened in December 2011. Designed in the form of the Lotus Pond in Polonnaruwa, the theatre is a major theatre destination. Museums and art collections The National Museum of Colombo, established on 1 January 1877 during the tenure of the British Colonial Governor Sir William Henry Gregory, is in the Cinnamon Gardens area. The museum houses the crown jewels and throne of the last king of the kingdom of Kandy, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha. There is also the Colombo Dutch Museum detailing the Dutch colonial history of the country. Colombo does not boast a very big art gallery. There is a small collection of random Sri Lankan paintings at the Art Gallery in Green Path ; next to it is the Natural History Museum. Sports One of the most popular sports in Sri Lanka is cricket. The country emerged as champions of the 1996 Cricket World Cup and became runners up in 2007 and 2011. In the ICC World Twenty20 they became runners up in 2009 and 2012 and winners in 2014. The sport is played in parks, playgrounds, beaches and even in the streets. Colombo is the home for two of the country 's most popular international cricket stadiums, Sinhalese Sports Club 's cricket stadium and R. Premadasa Stadium ( named after late president Premadasa ). Colombo has the distinction of being the only city in the world to have four cricket test venues in the past : Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo Cricket Club Ground and Ranasinghe Premadasa Stadium. The Sugathadasa Stadium is an international standard stadium for athletics, swimming and football, also held the South Asian Games in 1991 and 2006. Situated in Colombo the Royal Colombo Golf Club is one of the oldest in Asia. Other sporting clubs in Colombo include Colombo Swimming Club, Colombo Rowing Club and the Yachting Association of Sri Lanka. Rugby is also a popular sport at the club and school level. Colombo has its own local football team Colombo FC and the sport is being developed as a part of the FIFA Goal program. The Colombo Port City is to include a new Formula One track, constructed in the vicinity of the Colombo Harbour. According to Dr. Priyath Wickrama, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, an eight lane F1 track will `` definitely '' be a part of the New Port City. This would host The Sri Lankan Grand Prix. Colombo Marathon is an internationally recognised marathon established in 1998. Media Almost all major media businesses in Sri Lanka operate from Colombo. The state media has its offices in Bullers Road and does carry out regional transmission from there. This includes the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation ( SLBC ), formerly known as Radio Ceylon and the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation. The SLBC is the oldest radio station in South Asia and the second oldest in the world. Many of the private broadcasting companies have their offices and transmission stations in or around Colombo. As with most metro areas, radio bands are highly utilised for radio communications. Some of the prominent radio stations broadcasting in the Colombo area are Sirasa FM, FM Derana, Hiru FM, Shakthi FM, Vettri FM, Sooriyan FM, Kiss FM, Lite FM, Yes FM, Gold FM, Sith FM, Y FM and many more. Television networks operating in the Colombo metro area include the state - owned television broadcasting networks which are broadcast from the Rupavahini Corporation of Sri Lanka, broadcasting television in the official languages Sinhala and Tamil. English language television is also broadcast, more targeted to the demographics of the English speaking Sri Lankans, expatriate communities and tourists. There are as well several private operators. Many of the privately run television stations networks were often based upon operational expansions of pre-existing commercial radio networks and broadcast infrastructure. See also : Television in Sri Lanka Twin towns -- sister cities Country City State / Region Since Nepal Biratnagar Morang District 1874 Russia Saint Petersburg Northwestern Federal District China Shanghai Shanghai Municipality 2003 United Kingdom Leeds West Yorkshire 2008 Mongolia Ulan Bator 2012 Maldives Malé Kaafu Atoll 2013 Maldives Maroshi Shaviyani Atoll 2015 Gallery Colombo 's colonial heritage is visible throughout the city, as in the historical Wolvendaal Church, established by the Dutch in 1749 The Nelum Pokuna Theatre at night British era Legislative Council Building, Colombo fort. Today it houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Town Hall of Colombo at night, it is the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council and the office of the Mayor of Colombo The Edwardian style old General Post Office A Test match between Sri Lanka and England at the SSC Ground, Colombo, March 2001 St. Lucia 's Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo Beira Lake and southern side of the Gangaramaya Temple The Jami Ul - Alfar Mosque is one of the oldest Mosques in Colombo Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour is the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Colombo The statue of Sir Charles Henry de Soysa at De Soysa - Liptons Circus, is the first of a native, in Colombo. The Viharamahadevi Park, ( formerly Victoria Park ) is the oldest and largest park of Colombo Built in 1857, the Old Colombo Lighthouse also known as the Colombo Fort Clock Tower is the oldest clock - tower The BMICH Conference Hall, is the largest such venue See also Colombo Port City Colombo Town Guard Colombo Town Hall Kandy List of East Asian ports List of Mayors of Colombo List of tallest buildings and structures in Sri Lanka National War Memorial, Colombo Place names in Sri Lanka South Asian capitals Yachting Association of Sri Lanka Notes and references Jump up ^ `` Britannica World Data ''. 1 March 2014. Encyclopedia Britannica 2014, pp726. Retrieved 22 March 2015. ^ Jump up to : `` A6 : Population by ethnicity and district according to Divisional Secretary 's Division, 2012 ''. Census of Population & Housing, 2011. Department of Census & Statistics, Sri Lanka. Jump up ^ `` Colombo is the Commercial Capital ''. Official Sri Lanka government website. Archived from the original on 2014 - 12 - 20. Retrieved 2015 - 01 - 07. Jump up ^ Kumarage A, Amal. `` Impacts of Transportation Infrastructure and Services on Urban Poverty and Land Development in Colombo, Sri Lanka '' ( PDF ). 1 November 2007. Global Urban Development Volume 3 Issue 1. Retrieved 8 March 2015. Jump up ^ `` The 10 Traits of Globally Fluent Metro Areas '' ( PDF ). 2013. Brookings Institution. Retrieved 17 March 2015. Jump up ^ `` Colombo : The Heartbeat of Sri Lanka / Metro Colombo Urban Development Project ''. 21 March 2013. The World Bank. Retrieved 17 March 2015. Jump up ^ `` Turning Sri Lanka 's Urban Vision into Policy and Action '' ( PDF ). 2012. UN Habitat, Chapter 1, Page 7. Retrieved 17 March 2015. Jump up ^ Jayewarden+ - e, Mr. `` How Colombo Derived its Name ''. Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 18. ^ Jump up to : `` History of Colombo ''. Archived from the original on 2011 - 12 - 02. Retrieved 2007 - 03 - 21. ^ Jump up to : World Executive Colombo Hotels and City Guide Jump up ^ `` Colombo -- then and now ''. Padma Edirisinghe. The Sunday Observer. 14 February 2004. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Jump up ^ Indrapala 2007, p. 70 Jump up ^ Gair 1998, p. 5 Jump up ^ John, Still ( 1996 ). Index to the Mahawansa : Together with Chronological Table of Wars and Genealogical Trees. AES. p. 85. ISBN 978 - 81 - 206 - 1203 - 7. Jump up ^ Prof. Manawadu, Samitha. `` Cultural Routes Of Sri Lanka As Extensions Of International Itineraries : Identification Of Their Impacts On Tangible & Intangible Heritage pp 3 '' ( PDF ). Retrieved 2007 - 01 - 17. ^ Jump up to : `` European Encroachment and Dominance : The Portuguese ''. Sri Lanka : A Country Study. Retrieved 2006 - 12 - 02. Jump up ^ Ross,, Russell R. ; Savada, Andrea Matles ( 1990 - 08 - 14 ). Sri Lanka : A Country Study. Defence Dept., Army. pp. 360p. ISBN 978 - 0 - 16 - 024055 - 3. ^ Jump up to : `` European Encroachment and Dominance : The Dutch ''. Sri Lanka : A Country study. Retrieved 2006 - 12 - 02. ^ Jump up to : Ross,, Russell R. ; Savada, Andrea Matles ( 1990 - 08 - 14 ). Sri Lanka : A Country Study. Defense Dept., Army. pp. 360p. ISBN 978 - 0 - 16 - 024055 - 3. Jump up ^ `` European Encroachment and Dominance : The British Replace the Dutch ''. Sri Lanka : A Country study. Retrieved 2006 - 12 - 02. ^ Jump up to : Adrian, Wijemanne ( March 1, 1996 ). War and Peace in Post-Colonial Ceylon 1948 -- 1991. Orient Longman. pp. 111p. ISBN 978 - 81 - 250 - 0364 - 9. Jump up ^ `` Administrative Districts of the Colombo Municipal Council ''. Colombo Municipal Council. Archived from the original on 6 January 2013. Retrieved 11 February 2013. Jump up ^ GoAbroad.com, Embassies located in Sri Lanka ^ Jump up to : The lake in the middle of Colombo, Lanka Library Jump up ^ 35th boat race and 31st Regatta : Oarsmen of Royal and S. Thomas ' clash on Beira waters, Daily News, October 10, 2003 Jump up ^ `` Colombo weather ''. Retrieved 2006 - 12 - 02. ^ Jump up to : `` World Weather Information Service -- Colombo ''. World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved November 19, 2016. Jump up ^ `` COLOMBO Climate Normals 1961 -- 1990 ''. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 19, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Klimatafel von Colombo ( Kolamba ) / Sri Lanka ( Ceylon ) '' ( PDF ). Baseline climate means ( 1961 -- 1990 ) from stations all over the world ( in German ). Deutscher Wetterdienst. Retrieved November 19, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Gangaramaya Temple ''. John Keells Hotels Group. Archived from the original on 10 May 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Department of Census and Statistics ''. Archived from the original on June 10, 2007. Retrieved November 22, 2016., Additional source `` The case of Colombo, Sri Lanka '' ( PDF ). Archived from the original on December 26, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2016. The totals are calculated through enumerations made from Colombo Divisional Secretariat and the Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat, which is also part of Colombo Municipal Council. CS1 maint : BOT : original - url status unknown ( link ) Jump up ^ Port of Colombo. World Port Source. Retrieved on 2011 - 10 - 17. Jump up ^ Colombo UNP list rejected, BBC News, February 16, 2006 Jump up ^ Independent group wins CMC, BBC News, May 21, 2006 Jump up ^ Rotational mayors as Colombo gets trishaw driver as her 1st citizen, Sunday Times, May 28, 2006 Jump up ^ `` The Supreme Court Of Sri Lanka ''. Justice Ministry. Archived from the original on November 18, 2011. Retrieved November 22, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Ministries of Sri Lanka Government ''. Government of Sri Lanka. Archived from the original on March 9, 2007. Retrieved November 22, 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` Colombo Economy ''. Retrieved 29 December 2012. Jump up ^ `` Press release 20010712 '' ( PDF ). CBSL. 10 July 2011. Jump up ^ `` Executive Summary The Colombo Metropolitan ( CM ) area '' ( PDF ). Ministry of Defence & Urban Development. Archived from the original ( PDF ) on 10 August 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2012. Jump up ^ `` World Airline Directory. '' Also ranked of the best land in the world of WWNEconomy Flight International. 14 -- 20 March 1990 `` Airlift International '' 57 Jump up ^ Organizational Structure, Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka Jump up ^ The drama behind the arrest of Sepala Eknayake, by Edward Gunawardena Retd. Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police. Island.lk. Retrieved on 2011 - 10 - 17. Jump up ^ ( 1 ) Jump up ^ `` Travel Warning, United States Department of State ''. Archived from the original on September 22, 2006. Retrieved November 22, 2016. Jump up ^ better source needed ) Jane 's Sentinel examines the success of the LTTE in resisting the Sri Lankan forces Archived April 15, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ President orders SB ` s release Archived October 22, 2007, at the Wayback Machine., LankaNewspapers.com, February 16, 2006 Jump up ^ `` Colombo ''. lanka-houses.com. Retrieved 29 December 2012. Jump up ^ `` A Speedy and safe journey to Galle ''. Dailynews.lk. 2011 - 08 - 16. Retrieved 2013 - 01 - 01. Jump up ^ Gamini Gunaratna, Sri Lanka News Paper by LankaPage.com ( LLC ) - Latest Hot News from Sri Lanka ( 2011 - 11 - 07 ). `` Nearly half of the work completed on outer circular highway around Sri Lankan capital ''. Colombopage.com. Retrieved 2013 - 01 - 01. Jump up ^ Tuticorin - Colombo ferry sets sail -- Times Of India. Timesofindia.indiatimes.com ( 2011 - 06 - 14 ). Retrieved on 2011 - 10 - 17. Jump up ^ `` Princess Alexandra 's Visit ''. Archived from the original on April 13, 2007. Retrieved November 22, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Historical Overview of Education in Sri Lanka, The British Period : ( 1796 -- 1948 ) ''. Archived from the original on April 11, 2011. Retrieved November 22, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Harsha, Aturupane ; Paul Glewwe ; Wisniewski Suzanne ( July 2007 ). `` The Impact of School Quality, Socio - Economic Factors and Child Health on Students ' Academic Performance : Evidence from Sri Lankan Primary Schools '' ( PDF ). Colombo : World Bank. Retrieved 2007 - 07 - 27. Jump up ^ Harsha, Aturupane ; Paul Glewwe ; Wisniewski Suzanne ( February 2005 ). Treasures of the Education System in Sri Lanka : Restoring Performance, Expanding Opportunities and Enhancing Prospects ( PDF ). World Bank Report. Colombo : World Bank. ISBN 978 - 955 - 8908 - 14 - 3. Retrieved 2007 - 07 - 27. ^ Jump up to : `` History of the University of Colombo ''. Archived from the original on October 14, 2008. Retrieved November 22, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Colombo Fort. Kermeey.blogspot.com ( 2006 - 02 - 19 ). Retrieved on 2011 - 10 - 17. ^ Jump up to : `` Tintagel, Colombo ''. Reddottours.com. 2010 - 01 - 07. Retrieved 2013 - 01 - 01. Jump up ^ Dutch Colonial Remains. Colonialvoyage.com. Retrieved on 2011 - 10 - 17. ^ Jump up to : Venerable Mahinda. `` Significance of Vesak ''. www.buddhanet.net. Retrieved 2007 - 02 - 19. Jump up ^ `` Nelum Pokuna ''. Daily Mirror. 2011 - 12 - 15. Retrieved 2011 - 12 - 15. Jump up ^ Prins, Stephen. `` A National Treasure ''. Retrieved 2010 - 05 - 17. Jump up ^ `` History of Colombo National Museum ''. Retrieved 2007 - 02 - 02. Jump up ^ `` History of Colombo National Museum ''. Retrieved November 22, 2016. Jump up ^ Ceylon, the Land of Eternal Charm, Ali Foad Toulba ( Asian Educational Services ) p. 237 ISBN 9788120614949 Further reading Find more aboutColomboat Wikipedia 's sister projects Definitions from Wiktionary Media from Wikimedia Commons News from Wikinews Quotations from Wikiquote Texts from Wikisource Textbooks from Wikibooks Travel guide from Wikivoyage Learning resources from Wikiversity The following books contain major components on Colombo : Changing Face of Colombo ( 1501 -- 1972 ) : Covering the Portuguese, Dutch and British Periods, by R.L. Brohier, 1984 ( Lake House, Colombo ) The Port of Colombo 1860 -- 1939, K. Dharmasena, 1980 ( Lake House, Colombo ) Decolonizing Ceylon : Colonialism, Nationalism, and the Politics of Space in Sri Lanka, by Nihal Perera, 1999 ( Oxford University Press ) Colombo History History of Colombo Colombo Fort Portuguese Ceylon Dutch Ceylon British Ceylon Government Colombo Municipal Council Colombo Town Hall Mayor of Colombo Geography Greater Colombo Colombo District Western Province Beira Lake Colombo Harbour Buildings and landmarks Historical President 's House Old Parliament Temple Trees Galle Face Hotel Old Colombo Dutch Hospital Parks and Gardens Galle Face Green Havelock Park Viharamahadevi Park Culture National Museum of Colombo Nelum Pokuna Performing Arts Theatre Colombo Dutch Museum Sports SSC Stadium R. Premadasa Stadium Colombo Cricket Club Royal Colombo Golf Club Colombo Sports Clubs Colombo Racecourse Sugathadasa Stadium Education University of Colombo Royal College Colombo Ceylon Medical College Sri Lanka Law College List of schools in Colombo Suburbs of Colombo Colombo Inner Bambalapitiya Bloemendhal Borella Cinnamon Gardens Dematagoda Fort ( Colombo ) Grandpass Havelock Town Hultsdorf Kirilapone Kollupitiya Kotahena Kohuwala Madampitiya Maligawatta Maradana Mattakkuliya Modara Narahenpita Pamankada Panchikawatte Pettah Slave Island Union Place Welikada Wellawatte Sri J'pura - Kotte Ethul Kotte Nawala Nugegoda Pita Kotte Rajagiriya Welikada Dehiwala - Mount Lavinia Attidiya Dehiwala Kalubowila Kohuwala Mount - Lavinia Nedimala Ratmalana Colombo Outer Battaramulla Homagama Ja - Ela Kadawatha Kaduwela Kandana Kiribathgoda Kolonnawa Koswatte Kottawa Maharagama Malabe Moratuwa Pannipitiya Peliyagoda Piliyandala Ragama Thalawathugoda Wattala Wickramasinhapura Main Article : Colombo Provincial capitals of Sri Lanka Colombo Kandy Galle Jaffna Trincomalee Kurunegala Anuradhapura Badulla Ratnapura Sri Lankan cities with a 50,000 + population 500,000 and more Colombo 200,000 -- 499,999 Dehiwala - Mount Lavinia Moratuwa 50,000 -- 249,999 Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte Negombo Kandy Kalmunai Vavuniya Galle Trincomalee Batticaloa Jaffna Katunayake Dambulla Kolonnawa Anuradhapura Ratnapura Metropolitan cities of Sri Lanka National capitals Colombo ( Commercial ) Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte ( Administrative ) Municipal councils Kandy Anuradhapura Galle Jaffna Ratnapura Badulla Kurunegala Kaduwela Dehiwala - Mount Lavinia Moratuwa Negombo Kalmunai Batticaloa Matara Gampaha Matale Akkaraipattu Bandarawela Nuwara Eliya Dambulla Hambantota Urban councils Trincomalee Ambalangoda Ampara Balangoda Beruwala Boralesgamuwa Chavakachcheri Chilaw Embilipitiya Eravur Gampola Haputale Hatton - Dickoya Hikkaduwa Horana Ja - Ela Kadugannawa Kalutara Kattankudy Katunayake Seeduwa Kegalle Kesbewa Kinniya Kolonnawa Kuliyapitiya Maharagama Mannar Minuwangoda Nawalapitiya Panadura Peliyagoda Point Pedro Puttalam Seethawakapura Talawakelle - Lindula Tangalle Valvettithurai Vavuniya Wattala Wattegama Weligama Note : also a Provincial capital, also a Municipal council VIAF : 138381336 LCCN : n81028138 GND : 4010404 - 7 BNF : cb119527547 ( data ) Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Colombo&oldid=816244163 '' Categories : Suburbs of Colombo Colombo Capitals in Asia Former national capitals Populated places in Western Province, Sri Lanka Portuguese forts Hidden categories : All articles lacking reliable references Articles lacking reliable references from February 2016 CS1 German - language sources ( de ) CS1 maint : BOT : original - url status unknown Webarchive template wayback links All articles with dead external links Articles with dead external links from November 2016 Articles with permanently dead external links Articles containing Sinhalese - language text Articles containing Tamil - language text Coordinates on Wikidata All articles with vague or ambiguous time Vague or ambiguous time from October 2012 Wikipedia articles with VIAF identifiers Wikipedia articles with LCCN identifiers Wikipedia articles with GND identifiers Wikipedia articles with BNF identifiers Talk Contents About Wikipedia Wikiquote Wikivoyage Afrikaans አማርኛ Asturianu Azərbaycanca বাংলা Bân - lâm - gú Беларуская Беларуская ( тарашкевіца ) ‎ Български བོད ་ ཡིག Bosanski Brezhoneg Català Cebuano Čeština ChiShona Cymraeg Dansk Deutsch ދިވެހިބަސް Eesti Ελληνικά Español Esperanto Euskara فارسی Fiji Hindi Français Frysk Gaeilge Gàidhlig Galego ગુજરાતી 한국어 Հայերեն हिन्दी Hrvatski Ido Bahasa Indonesia Interlingue Ирон Italiano עברית ಕನ್ನಡ ქართული Kiswahili Kreyòl ayisyen Кыргызча Latina Latviešu Lëtzebuergesch Lietuvių Lumbaart Magyar मैथिली Македонски Malagasy മലയാളം मराठी مازِرونی Bahasa Melayu Монгол မြန်မာဘာသာ Nederlands नेपाली 日本 語 Norsk Norsk nynorsk Occitan ଓଡ଼ିଆ Oʻzbekcha / ўзбекча ਪੰਜਾਬੀ Papiamentu Piemontèis Polski Português Română Русский संस्कृतम् Scots Sicilianu සිංහල Simple English سنڌي Slovenčina Ślůnski Soomaaliga Српски / srpski Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски Suomi Svenska Tagalog தமிழ் తెలుగు ไทย Тоҷикӣ Türkçe Українська اردو ئۇيغۇرچە / Uyghurche Vèneto Vepsän kel ' Tiếng Việt Winaray 粵語 中文 डोटेली Edit links This page was last edited on 20 December 2017, at 04 : 43. 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Question: colombo is in which state of sri lanka
Answer: Western Province