Western Province, Administrative province in southwestern Sri Lanka
Western Province is an administrative division in southwestern Sri Lanka that stretches along the Laccadive Sea and borders North Western Province, Sabaragamuwa Province and Southern Province. The region includes both national capitals and connects coastal strips with densely populated urban areas inland.
British colonial administration created the province in 1833 as part of the Colebrooke-Cameron reforms that divided the island into geographic administrative districts. This reorganization replaced earlier royal territories and established a modern administrative structure that survives today.
The provincial capital blends Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim communities through its architecture, markets, temples and religious celebrations. Visitors experience this diversity while walking through neighborhoods where places of worship from different faiths stand close together and daily street life is shaped by multiple languages.
The province connects to the rest of the country through several main roads and railway lines leading into both capitals. Travelers should note that traffic in urban areas becomes much heavier during morning and late afternoon rush hours.
The province houses both Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the official administrative capital, and Colombo, the commercial center of the country. This dual role means that government offices and international companies share the same small region, making it the political and economic heart of the nation.
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