Colombo-Srilanka

COLOMBO

In 1803, Robert Percival claimed of Colombo: “There is no part of the
world where so many different languages are spoken, or which contains
such a mixture of nations, manners, and religions.” In 1914, Bella
Woolf declared: “It is the meeting place of the world. It palpitates
with life and with the romance of those who wander the earth.”

What is the key to appreciating Colombo when so many people complain
of the hustle and bustle? Well, for those who like the capital and
revel in the mix of influences, food, activities and religions, there
is a certain satisfaction in

believing yourself one of the few who can see through the surface to
the core. If only people would venture out of this tourist cocoon they
might just discover a little something to love about Colombo!

So, for the uninitiated, it’s time to introduce you to Colombo and her
districts that sprawl down the Galle Road until they peter out into
the suburbs. Starting at the northern tip and working down, we begin
in the Fort. Previously it was the centre of Dutch and Portuguese
domination and you can still view examples of colonial architecture.
However, these days it is the banking and commercial centre of Colombo,
with many areas subject to strict security measures. Sri Lanka’s own
twin towers stand in this area flanked by the five-star Hilton, Ceylon
Continental and Galadari hotels.