The largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka is Colombo which is located in the western province adjacent to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (the capital city of Sri Lanka). Colombo is a vibrant city with a mixture of modern life, colonial buildings and ruins.
Due to its very large harbor and its position along the East-West sea trade routes Colombo was very popular among ancient traders 2000 years ago.
Colombo houses a majority of the Sri Lanka's corporate offices, restaurants and entertainment venues. Famous land marks in Colombo include the National Museum, World Trade Center, Vihara Maha Devi Park and the Galle Face Green.
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 "Harbor with leafy mango trees". However, it is also possible that the Portuguese named the city after Christopher Columbus.
Katunayaka airport to Colombo distance 32.4km.
PROVINCE: WESTERN PROVINCE
DISTRICT: COLOMBO DISTRICT
POPULAR FOR: CAPITAL OF SRI LANKA, GALLE FACE, COMMERCIAL CITY
WEATHER: 30 °C
TYPE: COMMERCIAL
POPULATION: 647,100
AREA: 37
