Colombo

Colombo is the capital and economic center in Sri Lanka and extends along the western coastline of the island, where office towers and high-rises stand beside colonial structures facing the Indian Ocean. Wide roads cut through residential neighborhoods with tree-lined avenues, while busy markets and small shops fill narrower lanes.

A trading harbor on this coast drew Portuguese, then Dutch, and finally British merchants from the 16th century onward, who built fortifications and established administrative centers. After independence in 1948, the city continued to expand and developed into the economic heart of the country.

Street vendors and small restaurants serve spicy curry alongside rice and hoppers, thin pancakes made from fermented rice batter. Buddhist temples stand beside mosques and Hindu shrines, with worshippers stopping by to pray or leave offerings throughout the day.

Buses and trains link the main neighborhoods, and tuk-tuks are easy to find when you want to cover shorter distances. Walking works well once you reach each area, as distances within individual districts are often manageable on foot.

An old red-brick lighthouse stands in the harbor, no longer active but still visible from the waterfront promenade. In some older neighborhoods, you can still find houses with carved wooden balconies and facades showing Indo-Saracenic style.

Location: Colombo District

Elevation above the sea: 1 m

Part of: Western Province

Address: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Website: http://cmc.lk

GPS coordinates: 6.91667,79.83333

Latest update: December 2, 2025 20:00