The museum is housed in a former Dutch prison, built in 1676, which is the only surviving Dutch period building within the Colombo Port area.[1] The building has been refurbished and renovated to accommodate the artefacts at cost of Rs 25 million,[2] as a result of the concept first presented by the Minister of Ports Development, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction, M. H. M. Ashraff. It was officially opened in August 2003,[2] by the Minister of Shipping, Ports Development, Eastern Development and Muslim Religious Affairs, Rauff Hakeem.[3] Various items of historical significance relating to the ports of the country, it's maritime industry and the ocean around Sri Lanka are on display. Sculptures of King Vijeya and other significant characters are also on display along with model exhibits of ships. There are also art works, and models symbolising the systematic development of the Colombo Port and equipment used in Port operation during various times

In the heart of the busy streets of Pettah, rising proudly out of the bustling crowds of Colombo, the red and white structure of the Jami-ul-Alfar Mosque (colloquially known to locals as the Red Mosque) stands as one of the most popular tourist attractions of the city, as well as being one of the oldest mosques in Colombo. Its clock tower and candy-cane-striped minarets, towering over its surroundings, are visible for miles around and were once used as a landmark by sailors approaching Colombo’s ports. Commissioned to be built in the early 1900s by the local Muslim community, who were in need of a central location for their daily prayers, the construction of the mosque was completed and open to devotees by 1909. The mosque was designed by Habibu Labbe Saibu Lebbe, an unknown architect of the time, in the style of Indo-Saracenic buildings. One of its key features are the “pomegranate-shaped domes”, which are said to be different to the traditional onion-shaped domes of mosques.

The Lotus Tower (Sinhala: නෙළුම් කුළුණ, romanized: Nelum Kuluna; Tamil: தாமரைக் கோபுரம், romanized: Tāmaraik Kōpuram), also known as the Colombo Lotus Tower, stands at a height of 351.5 metres (1,153 feet) in Colombo, Sri Lanka.[1][2] It has become a symbolic landmark for the country.[3] As of 2019, the tower is the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia and the second tallest overall, behind the guy-wire-supported INS Kattabomman antenna tower in India. It ranks as the 11th tallest tower in Asia and the 19th tallest tower in the world. Initially, the tower was proposed to be built in Peliyagoda, but the Government of Sri Lanka later decided to change the location.[4] The lotus-shaped structure serves various purposes, including communication and observation, as well as leisure facilities. The estimated cost of construction was approximately US$113 million.[5]

Also called Captain’s Garden Kovil, this is Colombo´s oldest Hindu Temple. The South-Indian inspired architecture of this temple, as well as the beautiful and bright paintings, and detailed artwork, especially in the ceiling, is impressive. They were building some new structures when we visited, so the temple is still expanding. Temple Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil Colombo Temple Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil Colombo The temple has a lot of statues of many different Hindu gods, but the main god of this temple is Easwaran (Shiva) and Ganesh.

Viharamahadevi Park (Sinhala: විහාරමහාදේවී උද්‍යානය; formerly Victoria Park, Sinhala: වික්ටෝරියා පාක්) is a public park located in Cinnamon Gardens, in Colombo, situated in front of the colonial-era Town Hall in Sri Lanka. It was built by the British colonial administration and is the oldest and largest park of Colombo. The park was originally named "Victoria Park" after Queen Victoria but was renamed after Queen Viharamahadevi, the mother of King Dutugamunu on July 18, 1958.[1]

The Town Hall of Colombo is the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council and the office of the Mayor of Colombo. Built in front of the Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo, Sri Lanka, it is the meeting place for the elected municipal council. In 1921 renowned Scottish town planner, Professor Patrick Geddes, recommended that the Council should construct a large central and dignified municipal building to house the council, a public reception hall, the mayor's office and a public library. The need for the Colombo Public Library was addressed by a philanthropic donation of a building by Dr. W. Arthur Silva in 1925. This building, Sirinivasa, is now the official residence of the mayor.

Gangaramaya Temple (Sinhala: ශ්‍රී ගංගාරාම මහාවිහාරය śrī gangārāma mahāvihāraya, Tamil: ஸ்ரீ கங்காராம மகாவிகாரம் Srī Gaṅgārāma Makāvikāram) is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. Located on the Beira Lake, it was completed in the late 19th century.

Sri Lanka have a large verity of traditional handy crafts and tradition of making handicraft is as old as it’s nation. according to Mahavansa (The great chronicle) when the prince Vijaya from India landed in Sri Lanka in the 6th century BC he met Kuveni spinning cotton. Our ancient kings looked after the craftsmen and encouraged them and it was the main reason for it's development Masks Mask is an ornamental facial decorative wear used in entertainment and dancing. Early man used masks in rituals, Dramas, Cureing of sickness. It is believed that mask provide curative benefits for physiological problems. Use of mask in Sri Lanka as old as Sinhala nation and there are three main verities and used the wood call “Diya Kanduru” ( nux vomica or Blazar) .Reason for using Diya Kanduru is for it’s lightness,Durability,no cracking,no insect attacking and easy to carve.

Ceylon tea, a type of black tea, is renowned for its bold, full, and brisk flavour, and originates from Sri Lanka, where it's a significant part of the country's culture and economy. Here's a more detailed look at Ceylon tea: Origin and Production: Ceylon tea is grown and manufactured entirely in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Tea Board is the legal proprietor of the Lion Logo of Ceylon tea. Tea from Sri Lanka must conform to strict quality standards set by the Sri Lanka Tea Board and be packed in Sri Lanka to qualify as "Ceylon Tea". The tea is exclusively handpicked by expert tea pluckers and is mostly produced through orthodox and artisanal methods. Ceylon tea is the first Ozone Friendly Tea in the world and does not use Methyl-Bromide during packaging and shipping.

Sri Lanka have a large verity of traditional handy crafts and tradition of making handicraft is as old as it’s nation. according to Mahavansa (The great chronicle) when the prince Vijaya from India landed in Sri Lanka in the 6th century BC he met Kuveni spinning cotton. Our ancient kings looked after the craftsmen and encouraged them and it was the main reason for it's development Masks Mask is an ornamental facial decorative wear used in entertainment and dancing. Early man used masks in rituals, Dramas, Cureing of sickness. It is believed that mask provide curative benefits for physiological problems. Use of mask in Sri Lanka as old as Sinhala nation and there are three main verities and used the wood call “Diya Kanduru” ( nux vomica or Blazar) .Reason for using Diya Kanduru is for it’s lightness,Durability,no cracking,no insect attacking and easy to carve.

Colombo Lighthouse is operated and maintained by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. It is located at Galbokka Point south of the Port of Colombo on the waterfront along the marine drive, in Colombo fort.

Overview Photos Reviews About Tours 0:29 0:06 View All Directions Share Save Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 00100 Map of Colombo Fort Old Lighthouse & Clock Tower Closed ⋅ Opens 9 AM Mon Lakpura Old Colombo Lighthouse and Clock Tower The 29-metre-high (95 ft) tower was the tallest structure in Colombo at that time. The original clock was commissioned for £1,200 in 1814 by the then Governor ... About . Old Colombo Lighthouse or Colombo Fort Clock Tower is a clock tower and was a lighthouse in Colombo. The lighthouse is no longer operational, but the tower remains and functions as a clock tower. It is located at the junction of Chatham Street and Janadhipathi Mawatha in Colombo fort. Wikipedia

Historic Cargills building The iconic Cargills building in the centre of Colombo Fort was originally the residence of Captain Pieter Sluysken, the former Dutch military commander of Galle. It was subsequently occupied by the first British Governor of Ceylon, Sir Frederick North, who lived there for a short time before moving to a spacious villa in Hulftsdorp. The building was acquired by Cargills in 1896, while D.S. Cargill was Chairman, Walter Hamilton the Director and William Jenkins was General Manager. Construction of the current building commenced in 1902, it was designed by Edward Skinner, built by Walker Sons and Company and completed in 1906. A foundation stone dated 1684 and a wooden statue of Minerva (Roman goddess of wisdom, arts and trade), both retrieved from the gable end of Sluysken's house, are preserved by the ground floor lift. By 1909 employed "

Galle Face Beach, also known as Galle Face Green, is a popular oceanfront promenade and park in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It's a great spot for relaxation, enjoying street food, and watching sunsets. While not a traditional beach for swimming, it offers a vibrant atmosphere with locals and tourists enjoying various activities like kite flying, people-watching, and strolling along the sea.

Independence Memorial Hall (also known as Independence Commemoration Hall) is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on February 4, 1948. It is located in Independence Square (formerly Torrington Square) in the Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo. It also houses the Independence Memorial Museum. The monument was built at the location where the formal ceremony marking the start of self-rule, with the opening of the first parliament by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester occurred at a special podium February 4, 1948.