Colombo

Colombo is the commercial capital and largest metropolitan city of Sri Lanka, situated along the western coastline facing the Indian Ocean. It plays a vital role as the country’s main center for trade, finance, transportation, and administration. Although Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the official legislative capital, Colombo remains the heart of Sri Lanka’s economic and social activity.

Historically, Colombo has been an important port city for over 2,000 years. It attracted Arab traders as early as the 8th century and later came under Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule, each leaving a lasting influence on the city’s architecture, culture, and infrastructure. Many colonial-era buildings, churches, forts, and administrative structures can still be seen today, especially in areas such as Fort and Pettah.