Colombo

Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and with a population of 647,100, it is the largest city in this country.  Located on the west coast of the island, it is adjacent to the administrative capital, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.  Colombo is a busy and vibrant city with a mixture of modern life, colonial buildings and ruins.  Being the former administrative capital of Sri Lanka, it is home to the majority of the country's corporate offices and offers a huge variety of restaurants and entertainment.  Famous landmarks include the Galle Face Green, the Viharamahadevi Park, as well as the National Museum.

The name "Colombo", first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505, is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese name Kolon thota, meaning "port on the river Kelani".  It has also been suggested that the name may be derived from the Sinhalese name Kola-amba-thota which means "Harbour with leafy mango trees".

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. However it was only 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.