Colombo is both Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and the largest city. There is a great history of the city, especially with regard to foreign invasions, yet is now known for its high-end lifestyle and convenience than for its legacy.
During the 16th century, when Portuguese invaded Sri Lanka, Colombo was one of the main targets due to its abundance of cinnamon. Cinnamon is what initially attracted the invaders to the country. Current Fort in Colombo is a Portuguese construction where from they sat and protected the coastline against invaders. As Dutch defeated the Portuguese in a remarkable siege, Colombo fell under the power of the Dutch, who continued the cinnamon trade. However, it is the English who laid the foundation for the residential area that has become Colombo. Galle Face Green, for example, was established by Sir Henry Ward as a place for horse racing which doubled as a golf course. Neither of these activities is alive in Galle Face Green today. Instead, it serves as a favourite place to watch the sunset for the Colombo locals, as well as a front lawn for a number of popular hotels including the upcoming Shangri – La One Galle Face.
Although Colombo was not the place of royalty in history, it is very much the heart of the country today. President’s House, the Prime Minister’s House, as well as Treasury and other important government services are based in Colombo. In addition, this is the place to be for the Sri Lankan high-class elite, a trend that is facilitated by the construction of numerous apartments in Colombo. Thus, whatever the history maybe, Colombo has transformed from the neglected scullery maid to the life of the party. It is unlikely that the clock will strike midnight any time in the foreseeable future.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.