Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Red and white striped mosque in Pettah, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Jami Ul-Alfar is a mosque in Pettah, Colombo, distinguished by alternating red and white stripes on its exterior walls that rise toward multiple pointed domes and minarets. The structure blends Indo-Saracenic architectural elements with ornamental details and can hold up to 10,000 worshippers.
The mosque was built in 1909 by architect H. L. Saibo Lebbe to serve the growing Muslim population in Colombo. The construction marked a significant moment for establishing Islamic religious spaces in the city.
The mosque serves as a gathering place for the Muslim community in Colombo, where people come together for daily prayers and to mark Islamic celebrations. It functions as a space for religious learning and community events that bring together people of different ages.
The building is located near Colombo Port and is open from sunrise to sunset for visitors. It is best to wear respectful clothing and be mindful of prayer times when exploring the interior.
The mosque's distinctive red and white stripes are visible from ships in the harbor, serving as a notable landmark. This bold color scheme was chosen to make the building recognizable from a distance.
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