Colombo
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2008-07-17T06:07:12Z
Netmonger
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not mostly but all attacks were carried out by LTTE bastards..
{{otheruses}}
{{Infobox Settlement
|official_name = Colombo
|image_skyline = Wtccolombo.jpg
|image_caption = The skyline of the Fort area. The twin towers of the [[Worldwide world trade center|World Trade Center]] building are in the background, with the [[Bank of Ceylon]] tower to their left and the Presidential Secretariat in the foreground.
|image_flag =
|image_seal = CMCLogo.jpg
|image_map = Colombo Map.jpg
|map_caption = Map of Colombo showing its administrative districts.
|pushpin_map = Sri Lanka
|subdivision_type = District
|subdivision_name = [[Colombo District]]
|leader_title = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name = [[Uvais Mohamed Imitiyas]] ([[Independent (politician)|Independent]])
|Deputy leader_title = [[Deputy Mayor]]
|Deputy leader_name = [[S. Rajendran]] ([[Independent Group]])
|area_magnitude =
|area_total_km2 = 37.31
|area_total_sq_mi = 14.4
|area_land_km2 =
|area_land_sq_mi =
|area_water_km2 =
|area_water_sq_mi =
|population_as_of = 2001<ref name="census">[http://www.citypopulation.de/SriLanka.html Census July 17, 2001 (via citypopulation.de)]</ref>
|population_total = 642,163
|population_metro = 2,234,000
|population_density_km2 = 17211 <!--Don't include commas!-->
|timezone = [[Time zone#UTC .2B 6.2C F|Sri Lanka Standard Time Zone]]
|utc_offset = +5:30
|timezone_DST =
|utc_offset_DST = +6
|latd=6 |latm=54 |lats=0 |latNS=N |longd=79 |longm=50 |longs=0 |longEW=E
|website = [http://www.cmc.lk/ www.cmc.lk]
|footnotes =
}}
'''Colombo''' ([[Sinhala language|Sinhala]]: [[Image:Colombo sinhala.jpg|40px]], {{pronounced|ˈkoləmbə}}; [[Tamil language|Tamil]]: கொழும்பு) is the largest city and commercial capital of [[Sri Lanka]]. Located on the west coast of the island and adjacent to [[Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte]], the administrative capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a busy and vibrant city with a mixture of modern life and colonial buildings and ruins<ref name="rweb1">{{cite web |last=Jayewardene |first=Mr. |title=How Colombo Derived its Name |url=http://www.rootsweb.com/~lkawgw/colombo.html |format= |doi= |accessdate=2007-01-18}}</ref> and a city population of over 600,000.<ref name="census"/>
The name "Colombo", first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505, is believed to be derived from the classical [[Sinhala language|Sinhalese]] name ''Kolon thota'', meaning "port on the river [[Kelani River|Kelani]]".<ref name="so1">{{cite news |url=http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2004/02/15/fea15.html |title=Colombo - then and now |work=Padma Edirisinghe |publisher=The Sunday Observer |date=[[14 February]], [[2004]]}}</ref> 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".<ref name="we1">''World Executive'' [http://www.worldexecutive.com/cityguides/colombo Colombo Hotels and City Guide]</ref>
Due to its large [[Harbor|harbour]] and its strategic position along the [[East-West]] sea [[trade route]]s, 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,<ref name="HoC">{{cite web |last= |first= |title=History of Colombo |url=http://www.cmc.lk/History.asp |format= |doi= |accessdate=2007-03-21}}</ref> and its status as capital was retained when the nation became [[Sri Lanka Independence Struggle|independent]] in 1948. In 1978, when administrative functions were moved to [[Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte]], Colombo was designated as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.
Like many cities, Colombo's urban area extends well beyond the boundaries of a single local authority, encompassing other [[Mayor-council government|Municipal]] and Urban Councils. The main city is home to a majority of the Sri Lanka's corporate offices, restaurants and entertainment venues.<ref name="we1"/> Famous landmarks in Colombo include the [[Galle Face Green]], the [[Viharamahadevi Park]] as well as the National Museum.
== History ==
As Colombo possesses a natural harbour, it was known to [[Roman Empire|Roman]]s, [[Arab]]s, and [[China|Chinese]] traders over 2,000 years ago. Traveller [[Ibn Batuta]] who visited the island in the 14th century, referred to it as ''Kalanpu''.<ref> {{cite book
| last = John
| first = Still
| authorlink = John Still
| title = Index to the Mahawansa:Together with Chronological Table of Wars and Genealogical Trees
| publisher = [[AES]]
| date = 1996
| pages = 85
| id = ISBN 81-206-1203-5}}</ref> Arabian [[Muslims]] whose prime interests were trade, began to settle in Colombo around the 8th century CE mostly because the port helped their business and controlled much of the trade between the [[Sinhalese people|Sinhalese]] kingdoms and the outside world. They now comprise the local [[Sri Lankan Moors|Sri Lankan Moor]] community. <ref name="HoC"/><ref> {{cite web
| last =Prof. Manawadu
| first = Samitha
| title = Cultural Routes Of Sri Lanka As Extensions Of International Itineraries : Identification Of Their Impacts On Tangible & Intangible Heritage pp 3
| url = http://www.international.icomos.org/xian2005/papers/4-30.pdf
| format = pdf
| doi =
| accessdate =2007-01-17 }}</ref>
=== The Portuguese Era ===
[[Portugal|Portuguese]] explorers led by Don [[Lourenço de Almeida]] first arrived in Sri Lanka in 1505. During their initial visit they made a treaty with the King of Kotte Parakramabahu VIII (1484-1508) enabling them to trade in the islands' crop of cinnamon, which lay along the coastal areas of the island, including in Colombo.<ref name="cs1"/> As part of the treaty, the Portuguese were given full authority over the coast line in exchange for the promise of guarding the coast against invaders. They were also allowed to establish a [[trading post]] in Colombo.<ref name="cs1"/> Within a short time, however, they then expelled the Muslim inhabitants of Colombo and began to build a [[fort]] there in 1517.
[[Image:Wolvendhal1749.jpg|left|thumb|Colombo's colonial heritage is visible throughout the city, as in the historical ''Wolvendaal'' church, established by the Dutch in 1749]]
The Portuguese soon realized that control of Sri Lanka was necessary for protection of their coastal establishments in India and they began to manipulate the rulers of the Kotte Kingdom in order to gain control of the area. After skilfully exploiting rivalries within the Royal Family, they took control of a large area of the Kingdom and the Sinhalese King Mayadunne established a new Kingdom at Sitawaka, a domain in the Kotte kingdom.<ref name="cs1"/> Before long he annexed much of the Kotte kingdom and forced the Portuguese to retreat to Colombo, which was repeatedly besieged by Mayadunne and the later Kings of Sitawaka, forcing them to seek reinforcement from their major base in [[Goa]], India. However, following the fall of the Kingdom in 1593, the Portuguese were able to establish [[Complete Control|complete control]] over the entire coastal area, with Colombo as their capital.<ref name="cs1">
{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/sri-lanka/8.htm |title=European Encroachment and Dominance:The Portuguese |accessdate=2006-12-02 |format=html |work=Sri Lanka: A Country Study}}</ref><ref name="cs2">
{{cite book
| last =Ross,
| first = Russell R.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =Savada, Andrea Matles
| title = Sri Lanka: A Country Study
| publisher = Defence Dept., Army
| date = 08/14/90
| location =
| pages = 360p
| isbn = 0-16-024055-7 }}</ref>
[[Image:Voclogo.jpg|right|thumb|The VOC (Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie) logo of [[Dutch East India Company]] on the gates of ''Wolvendaal'' church]]
This part of Colombo is still known as ''Fort'' and houses the presidential palace and the majority of Colombo's [[Star (classification)|five star]] hotels. The area immediately outside Fort is known as Pettah (Sinhala ''piṭa koṭuva'', "outer fort") and is a commercial hub.
=== The Dutch Era ===
[[Image:Colombo - Old Parliament.jpg|thumb|The [[Neo-baroque]] style Old Parliament Building, which is now the [[Presidential Secretariat]]]]
In 1638 the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] signed a treaty with King Rajasinha II of Kandy which assured the king assistance in his war against the Portuguese in exchange for a monopoly of the island's major trade goods. The Portuguese resisted the Dutch and the Kandyans, but were gradually defeated in their strongholds beginning in 1639.<ref name="cs4"/> They captured Colombo in 1656 after an epic siege, at the end of which a mere 93 Portuguese survivors were given [[Safe-conduct|safe conduct]] out of the fort. Although the Dutch initially restored the captured area back to the Sinhalese Kings, they later refused to turn them over and gained control over the island's richest cinnamon lands including Colombo which then served as the capital of the Dutch maritime provinces under the control of the [[Dutch East India Company]] until 1796.<ref name="cs4">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/sri-lanka/9.htm |title=European Encroachment and Dominance:The Dutch |accessdate=2006-12-02 |format=html |work=Sri Lanka: A Country study}}</ref><ref name="cs3">
{{cite book
| last =Ross,
| first = Russell R.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =Savada, Andrea Matles
| title = Sri Lanka: A Country Study
| publisher = Defense Dept., Army
| date = 08/14/90
| location =
| pages = 360p
| isbn = 0-16-024055-7 }}</ref>
=== The British era===
Although the [[United Kingdom|British]] captured Colombo in 1796, it remained a [[British Armed Forces|British military]] outpost until the Kandyan Kingdom was ceded to them in 1815 and they made Colombo the capital of their newly created [[British overseas territories|crown colony]] of [[Ceylon]]. Unlike the Portuguese and Dutch before them, whose primary use of Colombo was as a military fort, the British began constructing houses and other civilian structures around the fort, giving rise to the current City of Colombo.<ref name="HoC"/>
Initially, they placed the administration of the city under a "Collector", and John Macdowell of the [[Madras Presidency|Madras]] Service was the first to hold the office. Then, in 1833, the [[Government Agent]] of the Western Province was charged with the administration of the city. Centuries of [[Colonialism|colonial rule]] had meant a decline of indigenous administration of Colombo, and in 1865 the British conceived a Municipal Council as a means of training the local population in [[self-governance]]. The [[Legislative Council of Ceylon]] constituted the Colombo Municipal Council in 1865 and the Council met for the first time on the January 16, 1866. At the time, the population of the region was around 80,000.<ref name="HoC"/>
During the time they were in control of the Colombo, the British were responsible for much of the planning of the present city. In some parts of the city [[tram]] car tracks and granite flooring laid during the era are still visible today.<ref name="CS">
{{cite book
| last =Ross,
| first = Russell R.
| authorlink =
| coauthors =Savada, Andrea Matles
| title = Sri Lanka: A Country Study
| publisher = Defense Dept., Army
| date = 08/14/90
| location =
| pages = 360p
| isbn = 0-16-024055-7 }}</ref><ref name="cs5">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/sri-lanka/11.htm |title=European Encroachment and Dominance:The British Replace the Dutch |accessdate=2006-12-02 |format=html |work=Sri Lanka: A Country study}}</ref>
=== Post Independence===
This era of colonialism ended peacefully in 1948 when Ceylon gained independence from Britain.<ref name="PostI">
{{cite book | last =Adrian | first = Wijemanne | title = War and Peace in Post-Colonial Ceylon 1948-1991 | publisher = Orient Longman | date = 03/1/96 | pages = 111p | isbn = 8125003649 }}</ref> Due to the tremendous impact this caused on the city's inhabitants and on the country as a whole, the changes that resulted at the end of the colonial period were drastic. An entire new culture took root. Changes in laws and customs, clothing styles, religions and [[proper names]] were a significant result of the colonial era.<ref name="PostI"/> These cultural changes were followed by the strengthening of the island's economy. Even today, the influence of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British is clearly visible in Colombo’s architecture, names, clothing, food, language and attitudes. Buildings from all three eras stand in their glory as reminders of the turbulent past of Colombo. The city and its people show an interesting mix of European clothing and lifestyles together with local customs.<ref name="PostI"/> Colombo is by far more modern than most cities in neighbouring countries and continues to be a blossoming metropolis of the East.
Historically, Colombo referred to the area around the ''[[Fort]]'' and ''[[Pettah Market]]'' which is famous for the variety of products available as well as the [[Khan Clock Tower]], a local landmark. At present, it refers to the city limits of the [[Colombo Municipal Council]]. More often, the name is used for the [[Conurbation]] known as [[Greater Colombo]], which encompasses several [[Municipal council]]s including [[Kotte]], Dehiwela and Colombo.
Although Colombo lost its status as the capital of Sri Lanka in the 1980s, it continues to be the island's commercial centre. Despite the official capital of Sri Lanka moving to the adjacent Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte, most countries still maintain their [[diplomatic mission]]s in Colombo.<ref name="emb1">''GoAbroad.com'', [http://www.embassiesabroad.com/embassies-in/SriLanka Embassies located in Sri Lanka]</ref>
== Geography and climate ==
[[Image:Viharamahadevi.jpg|thumb|The [[Viharamahadevi Park]], shown with its famous Buddha statue and fountains and with the Colombo town hall in view, is an example of the abundance of greenery in Colombo]]
Colombo's geography is a mix of land and water. The city has many canals and, in the heart of the city, the 65 hectare [[Beira Lake]].<ref name='limc'>[http://www.lankalibrary.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=1799 The lake in the middle of Colombo], ''Lanka Library''</ref> The lake is one of the most distinctive landmarks of Colombo, and was used for centuries by colonists to defend the city.<ref name='limc'/> It remains a popular attraction, hosting [[regattas]],<ref>''[http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/10/25/spo03.html 35th boat race and 31st Regatta: Oarsmen of Royal and S. Thomas' clash on Beira waters], ''Daily News'', October 10, 2003</ref> and [[theater|theatrical events]] on its shores. The Northern and North-Eastern border of the city of Colombo is formed by the [[Kelani River]], which meets the sea in a part of the city known as the Modera (''mōdara'' in Sinhala) which means [[river delta]].
Colombo’s climate is fairly temperate all throughout the year. From March to April the temperature averages around 31 degrees Celsius (88 [[Fahrenheit|degrees Fahrenheit]]) maximum.<ref> {{cite web |url=http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/CEXX0001?from=_bottomnav_business |title=Colombo weather |accessdate=2006-12-02 |format= |work= }}</ref> The only major change in the Colombo weather occurs during the [[monsoon]] seasons from May to August and October to January. This is the time of year where heavy rains can be expected. Colombo sees little relative diurnal range of temperature, although this is more marked in the drier winter months, where minimum temperatures average 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit). Rainfall in the city averages around 2,400 mm a year.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=076434&refer=/ Weatherbase]</ref>
<center>
{| class="wikitable"
! style="background: #99CCCC; color: #000080" height="17" | Month
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Jan
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Feb
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Mar
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Apr
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | May
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Jun
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Jul
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Aug
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Sep
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Oct
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Nov
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Dec
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Year
|-
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Avg Temp °C<br>(°F)
| style="background: #FFFF00; color:#000080;" | 27<br>(81)
| style="background: #FFFF00; color:#000080;" | 27<br>(82)
| style="background: #FFCC00; color:#000080;" | 28<br>(83)
| style="background: #FF9900; color:#000080;" | 28<br>(84)
| style="background: #FF9900; color:#000080;" | 28<br>(84)
| style="background: #FFCC00; color:#000080;" | 28<br>(83)
| style="background: #FFCC00; color:#000080;" | 28<br>(83)
| style="background: #FFCC00; color:#000080;" | 28<br>(83)
| style="background: #FFCC00; color:#000080;" | 28<br>(83)
| style="background: #FFFF00; color:#000080;" | 27<br>(82)
| style="background: #FFFF00; color:#000080;" | 27<br>(81)
| style="background: #FFFF00; color:#000080;" | 27<br>(81)
| style="background: #FFFF00; color:#000080;" | 27<br>(82)
|-
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Precipitation [[Centimetre|cm]]
| style="background: #99CCFF;" | 8
| style="background: #99CCFF;" | 6
| style="background: #8DC0F9;" | 11
| style="background: #4180ED;" | 25
| style="background: #004AE2;" | 33
| style="background: #4180ED;" | 19
| style="background: #8DC0F9;" | 12
| style="background: #99CCFF;" | 9
| style="background: #4180ED;" | 15
| style="background: #004AE2;" | 35
| style="background: #004AE2;" | 30
| style="background: #4180ED;" | 15
| style="background: #004AE2;" | 223
|}
</center>
== Demographics ==
[[Image:InsideSeema.jpg|thumb|The ''Seema Malakaya'' Temple in the ''Beira'' Lake in the ''Slave Island'' area, is one of many religious structures in Colombo]]
[[Image:Colombo - Lake.jpg|thumb|The Beira Lake, the Seema Malakaya temple and the gallery island can be seen in lake]]
[[Image:Colombo Gallery Island.jpg|thumb|Gallery Island, in middle of Beira lake]]
Colombo is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural city. The population of Colombo is a mix of numerous ethnic groups, mainly [[Sinhala people|Sinhalese]], [[Sri Lankan Moors|Moors]] and [[Sri Lanka Tamils|Tamils]]. There are also small communities of people with [[China|Chinese]], [[Portugal|Portuguese]], [[Netherlands|Dutch]], [[Sri Lankan Malays|Malay]] and [[India]]n origins living in the city, as well as numerous [[Europe]]an [[expatriates]]. Colombo is the most populated city in Sri Lanka, with 642,163 people living within the city limits.<ref name='cen01'/> According to the census of 2001 the demographics of urban Colombo by ethnicity is as follows.<ref name='cen01'>''Department of Census and Statistics'', [http://www.statistics.gov.lk/census2001/population/ds_div/colombo_c.htm Census 2001], Additional source [http://www.ucl.ac.uk/dpu-projects/Global_Report/pdfs/Columbo.pdf]. The totals are calculated through enumerations made from Colombo Divisional Secretariat and the Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat, which is also part of Colombo Municipal Council</ref>
<center>
{| class="wikitable sortable sortable"
|+
|-
!No!!Ethnicity!!Population!!% Of Total
|-
|1||[[Sinhalese people|Sinhalese]]||265,657||41.36
|-
|2||[[Sri Lankan Tamils|Tamils]]||185,672||28.91
|-
|3||[[Sri Lankan Moors|Moors]]||153,299||23.87
|-
|4||[[Indian Tamils of Sri Lanka|Indian Tamils]]||13,968||2.17
|-
|5||[[Sri Lankan Malays|Malays]]||11,149||1.73
|-
|6||[[Burgher people|Burghers]]||5,273||0.82
|-
|7||[[Sri Lankan Chetty]]||740||0.11
|-
|8||[[Bharatha]]||471||0.07
|-
|9||Other||5,934||0.96
|-
|10||Total||'''642,163'''||'''100'''
|-
|}
</center>
== Government and politics ==
===Local Government===
[[Image:TownhallColombo.jpg|thumb|The Colombo City Town Hall in Cinnamon Gardens houses the mayor's office and most other municipal offices]]
Colombo is a [[charter city]], with a [[Mayor-council government|Mayor Council]] form of government. Colombo's mayor and the council members are elected through local government elections held once in five years. For the past 50 years the city had been ruled by the [[United National Party]] (UNP), a [[Right-wing politics|right]] leaning party, whose business friendly policies resonate with the population of Colombo. However the UNP nomination list for the 2006 Municipal elections was rejected,<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2006/02/060216_colombo.shtml Colombo UNP list rejected], ''BBC News'', February 16, 2006</ref> and an Independent Group supported by the UNP won the elections.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/sinhala/news/story/2006/05/060521_cmc_election.shtml Independent group wins CMC], ''BBC News'', May 21, 2006</ref> [[Uvais Mohamed Imitiyas]] was subsequently appointed Mayor of Colombo.<ref>[http://www.sundaytimes.lk/060528/index.html Rotational mayors as Colombo gets trishaw driver as her 1st citizen], ''Sunday Times'', May 28, 2006</ref>
The city government provides sewer, road management and waste management services, in case of water, electricity and telephone utility services the council liaises with the water supply and drainage board, the Ceylon electricity board and telephone service providers.
;Official Vision and mission
'''Vision:'''
{{cquote|Colombo being a model city in Asia, a caring organization looking after interests of citizens and users with an efficient quality service for creation of safe, healthy and wealthy life.<ref name="VM">{{cite web
| last =Colombo Municipal
| first = Council
| title = Mission & Vision
| url = http://www.cmc.lk/vision_mission.asp
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate =2007-01-18 }} </ref>}}
'''Mission'''
{{cquote|Organization achieving excellence in providing citizen centered services to the public / customer, optimizing the use of available resources through a competent, motivated and dedicated team.<ref name="VM"/>}}
===National capital===
[[Image:Supreme Court Colombo.jpg|thumb|The uniquely stylized building of the [[Supreme Court of Sri Lanka]] is located in Colombo]]
Colombo was the capital of the coastal areas controlled by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British from the 1700s to the 1815 when the British gained control of the entire island following the Kandian convention. Since then till the 1980's the national capital of the island was Colombo. During the 1980's plans were made to move the administrative capital to Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte and thus move all governmental institutions out of Colombo to make way for commercial activities. As a primary setp the [[Parliament of Sri Lanka|Parliament]] was moved to a new complex in Kotte and several ministries and departments were also moved. However the move was never completed. Today many governmental institutions still remain in Colombo. These include the [[President's House, Colombo|President's House]], [[Presidential Secretariat]], [[Prime Minister's House (Colombo)|Prime Minister's House]] (Temple Trees), [[Prime Minister's Office (Colombo)|Prime Minister's Office]], the [[Supreme Court of Sri Lanka]], [[Central Bank of Sri Lanka]], important government ministries and departments; such as Finance (Treasury), [[Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka)|Defence]], Home affairs, [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Sri Lanka)|Foreign affairs]], Public Administration, Justice and the [[Army Headquarters (Sri Lanka)|Military headquarters]], Naval headquarters (SLNS Ranagala), Air Force headquarters (SLAF Colombo) and [[Sri Lanka Police|Police]] national and field force headquarters.<ref>[http://www.justiceministry.gov.lk/courts%20of%20Law/THE%20SUPREME%20COURT%20OF%20SRI%20LANKA.htm The Supreme Court Of Sri Lanka], ''Justice Ministry''</ref><ref>[http://www.gov.lk/public/groups.asp?xi=91&groupname=Ministries+of+Sri+Lanka+Government Ministries of Sri Lanka Government], ''Government of Sri Lanka''</ref>
== Economy ==
[[Image:Colombo - Galle Face.jpg|thumb|Colombo is the hub of Sri Lanka's economic activity, with many major events taking place around the Galle Face Green]]
The great majority of Sri Lankan corporations have their head offices in Colombo. Some of the industries include chemicals, textiles, glass, cement, leather goods, furniture, and jewelry. In the city center is located South Asia's second [[List of tallest buildings and structures in the world|tallest building]] - The World Trade Center. The 40 story [[Twin Tower]] complex is the centre of important commercial establishments, situated in the Fort district, the city's nerve center. Right outside the ''Fort'' area is ''Pettah'' which is derived from the Sinhalese word ''pita'' which means ''out'' or ''outside'' as it is outside the ''Fort''.
Pettah is more crowded than the fort area. It's a place you can buy almost anything you want, Pettah's roads are always packed and [[Sidewalk|pavements]] are full of small stalls selling from delicious [[Sharbat]] to [[Shirt]]s. Main Street consists mostly of clothes shops and the cross roads, which are literally known as Cross Streets where each of the five streets specializes in a specific business. For example the first cross street mostly comprises [[electronics|electronic]] goods shops, the second [[cellular phones]] and fancy goods. Most of these businesses in Pettah are dominated by Muslim traders. At the end of the main street further away from Fort is the Sea Street, Sri Lanka's Gold market. This mile-long street is full of jewellery shops.
The Colombo Metropolitan Region (CMR) encompasses the country's administrative capital Kotte and Colombo. Found within the borders of the CMR is 80% of the country’s industrialization and over 60% of all vehicles plying Sri Lankan roads.
==Law enforcement & Crime ==
The [[Sri Lanka Police]] the main law enforcement agency of the island liaise with the municipal council, but is under the control of the [[Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka)|Ministry of Defence]] of the central government.<ref>[http://www.defence.lk/main_abt.asp?fname=orgstr Organizational Structure], ''Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka''</ref> As with most Sri Lankan cities, the magistrate court and the district court handles felony crimes — the Municipal Council deals with parking tickets, traffic infractions, and misdemeanors.
As in other large cities around the world, Colombo experiences cretin levels of [[street crime]] and [[bribery]]. In addition, in since the 1980's there has been a notable increase major terrorist attacks, all carried out by the [[LTTE]]. [[Welikada Prison]] is situated in Colombo and it is the one of the largest maximum security Prisons in the country<ref>[http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2006/2/5627.html President orders SB`s release], ''LankaNewspapers.com'', February 16, 2006</ref>.
==Infrastructure==
[[Image:Jami-Ul-Alfar.jpg|thumb|The Jami Ul Alfar mosque in the Pettah area, one of the oldest mosques in Colombo]]
Colombo has most of the amneties that a modern city has. The majority of the major shopping malls in Sri Lanka are located in the city, of which all are [[wi-fi]] enabled. In recent times there's been an outpour of [[High-rise|high rise]] condominiums in the city, mainly due to the very high land prices.
===Landmarks===
The two World Trade Center towers use to be the most recognized landmarks of the city. Before these towers were completed in 1997, the adjacent [[Bank of Ceylon]] tower was the tallest structure and the most prominent landmark of the city. Before the skyscrapers were built it was the Old Parliament Building that stood majestically in the Fort district.
Even before the parliament was built some claim that the ''Jami Ul Alfar'' mosque was recognized as the landmark of Colombo by [[sailors]] approaching the [[port]]. The [[mosque]] is still one of the most visited tourist sites in Colombo.
The Fort district also has the famous ''Cargills & Millers'' complex that is protected by a special government law from demolition. This is done mainly to preserve the historic beauty of the Fort area.
The Galle Face Green is the city's largest and most elegant [[promenade]]. Lined with [[palm trees]] and adjacent to the coast, this [[mile]]-long stretch in the heart of the city is a constant beehive of activity. The green is especially busy on Fridays and Saturdays. In the evenings it plays host to families and children playing sports and [[Kite flying|flying kite]]s, lovers embracing under umbrellas and health enthusiasts taking their daily evening walks. There are numerous small food stalls and a small stretch of beach to get wet. The green was recently given a make over and since then has been even more popular with the local community. The Green also frequently hosts numerous international and local concerts and performances, such as the recently concluded World Drum Festival.
[[Cannon]]s that were once mounted on the rampart of the old fort of Colombo laid out for observance and prestige at the Green, giving a colonial touch to the city. The famous colonial styled [[Galle Face Hotel]], known as Asia's Emerald on the Green since 1864, is also adjacent to Galle Face Green. The Hotel has played host to distinguished guests including the [[British Royal Family]] and other [[royal family|Royal]] Guests and Celebrities. Apparently after having stayed at the hotel, [[Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg|Princess Alexandra]] of [[Denmark]] had commented that "the peacefulness and generosity encountered at the Galle Face Hotel cannot be matched".<ref name="Galleface"> {{cite web
| last =Galle Face
| first = Hotel
| title = [[Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg|Princess Alexandra]]'s Visit
| url = http://www.gallefacehotel.com/html_classic/the_hotel.htm
| format = html
| doi =
| accessdate =2007-02-23 }}</ref> Around the corner from Galle Face are prominent [[coffee]] bars, chic bars and boutiques.
==Transport==
[[Image:Colombo 02.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Street of Colombo]]
Colombo has an extensive public transport system based on [[bus]]es, The bus service is operated both by private and government own Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB). Train transport within the city is limited since most trains are meant for transport to and from the city rather than within the city and are often overcrowded. However the ''Central Bus Stand'' and ''Fort Railway Station'' functions as the islands primary hub for bus and rail transport respectively. Up until the 1970's the city had a [[tram]]s service, which was discontinued. Other means of transport includes [[auto rickshaws]] (commonly called "three wheelers" in Sri Lanka) and [[taxicab]]s. Three wheelers are entirely operated by individuals and hardly regulated whilst cab services are run by private companies and are metered.
Construction of the Colombo Metro Rail, a [[Rapid transit|Mass Rapid Transit]] [[Rail transport|railway system]], similar to that of other advanced Asian cities has begun, this is to control the excessive traffic in the city. The project is carried out by NEB Rapid Infrastructure Projects Pvt.Ltd. an Indian and Singaporean collaboration.<ref name="MRT"> {{cite web
| last = Lanka Business Online
| first =
| title =Light Rail
| url = http://www.lbo.lk/fullstory.php?newsID=319334597
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate =2007-03-21 }} </ref>
<ref name="MRT2"> {{cite web
| last = Lanka Business Online
| first =
| title =Light Rail Study Group
| url = http://www.lbo.lk/fullstory.php?newsID=65106384
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate =2007-03-21 }} </ref>
[[Bandaranaike International Airport]] serves the city for all International flights while the [[Ratmalana Airport]] serves all local flights.
== Education ==
Colombo is home to some of the island's top schools and universities. Education in Sri Lanka is free and 13 years of schooling is compulsory for all children. Amongst the prominent schools in the city are, [[Royal College, Colombo|Royal College]], one of the oldest educational institutions of Sri Lanka and [[Ananda College]], [[Zahira College]], [[Colombo Hindu College]], [[Visakha Vidyalaya]]. Most schools in the city have some religious alignment, for example some of these schools are known to be Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu or Muslim shcools. The religious alignment doesnt effect the curricula offered in these schools, except for the demography of the students. For example Ananda College is a buddhist school with majority of the students coming from [[Sinhala]] [[buddhist]] families. Most schools in the city are managed by the provincial council, while the prominent schools that fall under the national schools scheme are managed by the central government.
==Architecture==
Colombo has wildly varying architecture, spanning centuries, however both the old and new coexists side by side. Now other place is this more evident in the heart of the city the ''Fort'' area. Here one may find new towering skyscrapers as well as historic buildings dating far back as the 1700's.
===Colombo Fort===
The Portuguese were the first colonist to settle in Colombo, establishing a small trading post they had laid the foundations for a small fort which in time became the largest colonial fort in the island. The Dutch expanded the fort thus creating a well old fortified harbour. This came in to the possession of the British in the late 1700's and by the late 19th century the seeing no threat to the Colombo harbor, began demolishing the ramparts to make way for the development of the city. Although now there is nothing left of the fortifications the area which was once the fort is still refereed to as ''Fort'' and the area out side the fort; ''Pettah'' or ''pita-koutuwa'' in Sinhalese which means outer fort.
===Dutch era buildings===
There are none of the buildings of the Portuguese era and only a little from the Dutch times. These include the oldest building in the fort area, the ''Dutch Hospital''; the ''Dutch House'' which is now the [[Colombo Dutch Museum]] and several churches. The [[President's House, Colombo|President's House]] (formal the Queen's House) add original been the Dutch governors house and successive British Governors made it their office and residence, however it has under gone much change since the Dutch period. Adjoining the President's House is the ''Gordon Gardens'', now off-limits to the public.
===British era buildings===
[[Image:RC 001.JPG|thumb|The [[English_architecture#Victorian_architecture|Victorian]] style main building of [[Royal College, Colombo|Royal College]] is an example of architecture of the British era.]]
Much of the old buildings of the fort area and in other parts of the city date back to the British times, these include governmental, commercial buildings and private houses. Some of the notable government building of British colonial architecture includes; the old Parliament building which is now the [[Presidential Secretariat]], the Republic Building which houses the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Sri Lanka)|Foreign affairs]], but once house the Ceylon Legislative council, the Treasury building, the old [[General Post Office, Colomob|General Post Office]] an Edwardian style building opposite the President's House, the [[Prime Minister's Office (Colombo)|Prime Minister's Office]], the Mathematics department of the [[University of Colombo]] (formally the [[Royal College, Colombo]]). Notable commercial buildings of the British era include, the [[Galle Face Hotel]], ''Cargills & Millers'' complex, Grand Oriental Hotel. Several old clubs of the city gives a glimpse of the British esquitarian life style, these include the Orient Club, the 80's Club, the Colombo Cricket Club.
== Culture ==
=== Annual cultural events and fairs ===
[[Image:Vesak Lanterns.JPG|thumb|[[Vesak]] Lanterns, A type of pooja (offering) known as ''Aloka pooja'' (offering of light). Followed by the buddhists]]
Colombo's most beautiful festival is the celebration of [[Gautama Buddha|Lord Buddha]]'s Birth, Enlightenment and Death all falling on the same day.<ref name="vesak">
{{cite web
| last = Venerable Mahinda
| title = Significance of Vesak
| work =
| publisher =www.buddhanet.net
| date =
| url = http://www.buddhanet.net/vesak.htm
| format =html
| doi =
| accessdate = 2007-02-19}}
</ref>In Sinhala this is known as ''[[Vesak]]''.
<ref name="vesak">
{{cite web
| last = Venerable Mahinda
| title = Significance of Vesak
| work =
| publisher =www.buddhanet.net
| date =
| url = http://www.buddhanet.net/vesak.htm
| format =html
| doi =
| accessdate = 2007-02-19}}
</ref>
During this festival, much of the city is decorated with lanterns, lights and special displays of light(known as ''Thoran''). The festival falls in mid May and lasts a week when many Sri Lankans visit the city to see the lantern competitions and decorations. During this week people distribute, rice, drinks and various other food items for free in places what is known as ''Dunsal'' which means charity place. These ''Dunsals'' are popular amongst visitors from the suburbs.
Christmas is another major festival in the city. Although Sri Lanka's Christians make up only just over 7% of the population, Christmas is one of the island's biggest festivals. Most streets and commercial buildings light up from the beginning of December and festive sales begin at all shopping centres and department stores. Caroling and nativity plays are also frequent sights during the season.
=== Performing arts ===
Colombo has several [[performing arts]] centers which are popular for their musical and theatrical performances. The most famous performing arts centers are the Lionel Wendt Theater, the Elphinstone and the Tower Hall, all of which have a very rich history and made for western style productions. The [[Navarangahala]] also found in the city is the country's first [[national theatre]] designed and build for Asiatic and local style musical and theatrical productions.
=== Museums and art collections ===
The [[Colombo National Museum|National Museum of Colombo]], was established on 1st of January ,1877 during the tenure of the British Colonial Governor [[Sir]] [[William Henry Gregory]] is situated in cinnamon gardens area.<ref name="Mus">{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| title = History of Colombo National Museum
| url =http://www.craftrevival.org/detailsMuseums.asp?CountryName=SRI%20LANKA&MuseumCode=002246
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate =2007-02-02 }} </ref>The museum houses the [[crown jewels]] and throne of the last king of the Kingdom of Kandy, [[Sri Vikrama Rajasinha]].<ref name="Mus">{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| title = History of Colombo National Museum
| url =http://www.craftrevival.org/SouthAsia/detailsMuseums.asp?CountryName=SRI%20LANKA&MuseumCode=002246
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate =2007-02-02 }} </ref>. There is also the [[Colombo Dutch Museum]] detailing the Dutch colonial history of the country. Colombo does not boast a very big art gallery. There is only a small collection of Sri Lankan masterpieces at the Art Gallery in Green Path.
[[Image:Templecolombo0784.JPG|thumb|The [[Murugan]] [[Hindu]] temple in slave island district]]
=== Sports ===
Undoubtedly the most popular sport in Sri Lanka is [[cricket]]. The country emerged as champions of the 1996 [[Cricket World Cup]] and became runners up in 2007. The sport is played in parks, playgrounds, beaches and even in the streets of the city. Colombo is also the home for two of the country's [[International structure of cricket|international cricket]] stadiums, [[Sinhalese Sports Club]]'s [[Cricket Stadium|cricket stadium]] and [[R. Premadasa Stadium]] (named after late president [[Premadasa]]). [[Rugby Union|Rugby]] is also a popular sport at the club and school level. Colombo has the distinction of being the only city in the world to have 4 cricket Test venues in the past: [[P. Saravanamuttu Stadium]], [[Sinhalese Sports Club Ground]], [[Colombo Cricket Club Ground]] and [[Ranasinghe Premadasa Stadium]]. The [[Sugathadasa Stadium]] situated in the city, is an international standard stadium for [[Sport|athletics]], [[swimming]] and [[football (soccer)|football]], also held the [[South Asian Games]] in 1991 and 2006.
=== Media ===
Almost all major media businesses in Sri Lanka operate from Colombo. The state media has its offices in Bullers Road. The [[Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation]], formerly known as [[Radio Ceylon]], is also situated in Colombo. The SLBC is the oldest radio station in [[South Asia]].
=== Fashion ===
The city is a popular fashion center in [[Southeast Asia|South East Asia]] today. The industry has evolved to meet modern standards and conducts regular shows to showcase local talent.<ref name="Fashion in Sri Lanka">{{cite web
| last =
| title = Fashion in Sri Lanka
| work =
| publisher = Smart Lanka Fashion Page
| date =
| url = http://www.smartlanka.net/
| format =html
| doi =
| accessdate = 2007-09-07}}</ref>
==Sister cities==
This is a list of all sister cities to Colombo.
*{{flagicon|Russia}} [[Saint Petersburg]], [[Russia]] (since 1997)
== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}
== See also ==
{{sisterlinks}}
*[[Place names in Sri Lanka]]
*[[Fashion Industry of Sri Lanka]]
*[[Colombo Town Guard]]
*[[South Asian capitals]]
== External links ==
*[http://www.lankamediatalk.com Lanka Media Information]
*[http://www.cmc.lk/History.asp ''Colombo Municipal Council'', History of the City]
*[http://www.liccavi-earth.com/Liccavi/Search.aspx Searchable map of Colombo and Sri Lanka]
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{{Sri Lankan cities}}
{{Provincial capitals of Sri Lanka}}
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[[Category:Colombo| ]]
[[Category:Former national capitals]]
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