Colombo Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / November 11, 2024
Colombo Then
Colombo, the executive and judicial capital of Sri Lanka, holds a rich history reflected in its name.
The name “Colombo” is thought to have been introduced by Portuguese explorers in 1505, likely derived from the Sinhala term Kolon Thota, meaning “port on the river Kelani.”
An alternative origin suggests the name comes from Kola-amba-thota, meaning “harbor with leafy/green mango trees,” aligning with the description of the city by Robert Knox, a British traveler who was held captive in Kandy.
Knox noted that the city was named after a tree known as Ambo, which bore mango-like leaves, though not actual fruit, hence the name “Colambo.”
This name was eventually Latinized to Colombo, potentially in honor of Christopher Columbus.
Additionally, the word kolamba, found in the 13th-century Sinhala grammar Sidatsangarava, refers to a fort or harbor, which might have origins in the language of the indigenous Vedda people.
This word could have been the root of the city’s modern name, emphasizing Colombo’s long-standing importance as a commercial and cultural hub.
Related Article: Dhaka Then and Now
Colombo History
Colombo, the historic and commercial capital of Sri Lanka, has undergone a rich transformation over centuries due to a mix of cultural influences from foreign settlers, traders, and colonial powers.
The city was first recorded in the 14th century by the famous traveler Ibn Battuta, who referred to it as Kalanpu.
Even earlier, Arabs began settling in Colombo around the 8th century, using its strategic port to facilitate trade between the Sinhalese kingdoms and the outside world.
These early settlers are believed to have contributed to the Sri Lankan Moor community, though their ancestry is primarily South Indian.
Related Article: Lahore Then and Now
This diverse cultural heritage laid the groundwork for Colombo’s evolution into a major trading hub.
Portuguese explorers, led by Dom Lourenço de Almeida, arrived in 1505, seeking control over the valuable cinnamon trade.
They initially struck a deal with the King of Kotte, Parakramabahu VIII, which allowed them to trade along the coast and establish a presence in Colombo.
Eventually, the Portuguese expelled the Muslim traders, establishing a fort in 1517 to secure their control.
Related Article: Karachi Then and Now
By manipulating local rivalries, they gradually extended their influence over the Kotte Kingdom, though they faced resistance from King Mayadunne of Sitawaka, who ultimately forced the Portuguese to consolidate in Colombo.
Despite fierce local opposition, the Portuguese established Colombo as their coastal capital, setting the stage for further colonial dominance.
The Dutch replaced the Portuguese after capturing Colombo in 1656, following a prolonged siege that left only 93 Portuguese survivors.
Initially, the Dutch planned to return control to the Sinhalese kings but later maintained their rule over Colombo and key cinnamon-growing regions.
Related Article: Istanbul Then and Now
Under the Dutch East India Company, Colombo became the administrative capital of the maritime provinces, symbolizing their control over the region’s valuable resources until 1796, when British forces captured the city.
The British influence on Colombo was transformative. Unlike their predecessors, who mainly fortified Colombo as a military outpost, the British expanded civilian infrastructure, laying the foundation for modern urban development.
They established a “Collector” to oversee the city’s administration, later creating the Colombo Municipal Council in 1865, which provided the city’s residents with a form of local governance.
Under British rule, the city saw extensive urban planning, evidenced by the remnants of tram tracks and colonial buildings that can still be found today.
Related Article: Riyadh Then and Now
Colombo’s colonial era came to an end in 1948 when Ceylon gained independence from Britain.
The city and the entire country underwent significant cultural changes, adopting new customs, clothing, and even religions as local society adapted to post-colonial life.
Today, the legacy of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influence remains visible in Colombo’s architecture, cuisine, language, and daily life, with historical buildings serving as enduring reminders of the colonial past.
Related Article: Abu Dhabi Then and Now
Initially, Colombo referred specifically to the areas around Fort and Pettah Market, renowned for its market goods and landmarks like the Khan Clock Tower.
Today, it encompasses a larger urban area known as Greater Colombo, which includes municipal councils such as Kotte and Dehiwela.
Though Sri Lanka’s capital moved to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte in the 1980s, Colombo remains the island’s main commercial and diplomatic center, with many foreign embassies and missions choosing to remain in this bustling city.
Related Article: Doha Then and Now
Colombo Geography
Colombo’s geography is characterized by a blend of land and water features that contribute to its unique landscape and charm.
The city is interwoven with numerous canals that reflect its historical significance as a trade and defensive hub.
Among Colombo’s most notable landmarks is the expansive Beira Lake, a 65-hectare (160-acre) water body located at the heart of the city.
This lake, originally used by colonists for defensive purposes, is now a popular tourist attraction.
Related Article: Ahmedabad Then and Now
Beira Lake’s scenic surroundings host various recreational events, including boat regattas and cultural performances, adding to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
The Kelani River borders Colombo to the north and northeast, where it flows into the sea at a part of the city known as Modera, meaning “river delta.”
This river has long influenced the city’s development, serving as a natural boundary and a key transportation route.
The combination of canals, the lake, and the river delta highlights Colombo’s relationship with water, which has historically been central to its defense, trade, and modern-day tourism.
The waterways not only enhance the city’s aesthetics but also connect Colombo’s past with its present, making it a distinctive urban landscape in Sri Lanka.
Related Article: Hyderabad Then and Now
Colombo Now
Colombo is both the executive and judicial capital of Sri Lanka and the island’s most populous city.
With a metropolitan population of approximately 5.6 million and 752,993 residents within the city’s municipal boundaries, Colombo is the financial and commercial heart of the nation.
Located on Sri Lanka’s west coast, Colombo is part of the Greater Colombo area, which includes Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte — the legislative capital — as well as Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia.
Related Article: Bengaluru Then and Now
Though the official legislative functions moved to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, this capital is still considered part of Colombo’s urban landscape, reinforcing Colombo’s status as the nation’s central hub of governance, commerce, and tourism.
The city’s strategic position along the Indian Ocean has historically made it a primary port for trade.
Colombo’s port, one of the largest artificial harbors globally, plays a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s foreign trade.
Related Article: Chennai Then and Now
It has long attracted global interest, as recorded by early travelers like the Chinese monk Faxian, who visited in the 5th century CE and referred to it as Gaolanbu.
Ancient Sinhalese named it Kolamba or Kolon thota, likely meaning “port” or “ferry,” though Portuguese colonists later associated it with kola amba (mango leaves).
This historic connection to maritime trade and its modern infrastructure make Colombo an essential gateway for the island’s imports and exports.
Related Article: Fukuoka Then and Now
With its mix of colonial architecture, historical monuments, and bustling city life, Colombo presents a blend of modern and traditional influences.
This cultural and architectural diversity, along with its administrative roles in both the Western Province and Colombo District, marks it as one of Sri Lanka’s most dynamic urban centers and a major attraction for visitors worldwide.
Related Article: Nagoya Then and Now
FAQs
No, Colombo is not in India. It is the largest city in Sri Lanka, an island nation located southeast of India in the Indian Ocean.
Sri Lanka is the name of the country, while Colombo is its largest city and commercial capital. The name Colombo likely originates from the old Sinhalese word kolamba, meaning “port” or “harbor.”
Colombo is known for its mix of modern and colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and as a key port city. It’s famous for landmarks like the Beira Lake, the bustling Pettah Market, and its role as Sri Lanka’s financial center.
Colombo is a multicultural city with significant Sinhalese, Tamil, and Moor (Muslim) communities. While it is not predominantly Tamil, it has a substantial Tamil population and influences from Tamil culture.