Capital of Sri Lanka: History, Population, Area and Map

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka. It is situated on the western coast of Sri Lanka. Colombo has a total population of 640,000 and is the largest city in Sri Lanka. It has an area of 37.31 km². It is the financial center of Sri Lanka.

Let’s know more about the Capital of Sri Lanka with its history, population, and tourist places below.

Capital of Sri Lanka – Colombo

Below is an overview of Colombo City.

Attribute	Details
Name	Colombo
Nick Name	Garden City
Founded Year	1517
Population	Approximately 5.6 million (Metro area)
Area	37.31 km² (City area)
Language	Sinhala, Tamil, English
Currency	Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Touristic Place	Galle Face Green, Colombo Lotus Tower

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History Of Colombo

Colombo is one of the modern city of Sri Lanka. But it has ancient cultural and historical significance. Colombo is Sri Lanka’s largest city. It is situated on the western coast. It became the important trade point with the arrival of Portuguese in the 16th century. Each left their mark on the city’s architecture and culture. It was established in late 1517 year.

Colombo became the capital of Sri Lanka after arrival of British in the 19th century. It played a key role in the colonial trade network. Colombo is the island’s commercial and cultural center. Still some buildings of Colombo has ancient colonial-style architecture. Colombo blends its colonial past with modern growth, making it a vibrant city. Colombo is one of the busiest ports in South Asia and a crucial node in regional trade networks.

Cultural Center: Colombo’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its diverse population and vibrant cultural scene. The city is a melting pot of different ethnicities, religions, and languages, contributing to its dynamic cultural landscape.

Educational Hub: Colombo is a center for education and learning in Sri Lanka, hosting several prestigious universities, colleges, and research institutions. These institutions play a vital role in shaping the country’s intellectual capital and fostering innovation and knowledge creation.

Tourist Destination: Colombo attracts tourists from around the world with its mix of historical landmarks, modern attractions, and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore colonial-era architecture, religious sites, bustling markets, and waterfront promenades.

Population of Colombo

Colombo has a total population of 5,648,000 in 2024. It is the largest city of Sri Lanka by population. It is the financial centre of the Sri Lanka and a tourist destination. The urban population of Colmbo city is around 640,000. Colombo’s literacy rate is 91%. The city’s demographic profile includes a mix of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and a variety of other ethnic groups.

Area of Colombo

The total area of Colombo is 37.31 km². It is the biggest city of Srilanka. It is located on the west coast of Srilanka. Sri Lanka is one of the smallest country in Asia. Colombo city has large no of ports which makes it important for trades.

Colombo Map

Following is the map of Colombo City.

Capital of Sri Lanka Map

Tourist places in Colombo

Colombo has different attractive tourstic places.

• Galle Face Green: This ocean-side urban park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s perfect for leisurely strolls, kite flying, and enjoying street food while watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

• Gangaramaya Temple: Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Colombo. It blends Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. The temple complex is a fascinating place, featuring a museum, a library, and an impressive array of Buddhist statues.

• National Museum of Colombo: The largest museum in Sri Lanka, it houses a rich collection of artifacts that narrate the country’s history. Highlights include regal relics, antique furniture, and ancient texts, providing insight into Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

• Viharamahadevi Park: The largest park in Colombo, named after a historic queen, offers a beautiful, tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. With its flowering trees, water features, and playgrounds, it’s a popular spot for families.

• Old Parliament Building: An imposing example of Neo-Baroque architecture, the Old Parliament Building stands majestically by the sea. It now serves administrative functions but remains a popular site for photography due to its grandeur and historical significance.

How to reach Colombo

• International Flights: The primary method for international travelers to reach Colombo is by flying into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). This airport is also known as Colombo International Airport. It located about 30 km north of Colombo. It serves as the international gateway to Sri Lanka for travelers from Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.

• By Train: Colombo is connected to major cities across Sri Lanka via an extensive railway network. Colombo Fort Railway Station is the primary railway station. It offers regular train services to destinations such as Kandy, Galle, and Jaffna. The trains provide comfortable and scenic journeys, allowing travelers to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the island.

• By Bus: Sri Lanka has an extensive intercity bus network, with Colombo serving as a central transportation hub. The city is connected to various towns and cities across the island.

Interesting facts about Colombo

• Literacy rate of Colombo is 90%.

• Colombo is the capital and largest city of Sri Lanka.

• It has a rich history influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial rulers.

• The city is known for its religious diversity, with temples, churches and mosques.

• Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport serves as the main gateway to Sri Lanka.

• Colombo is surrounded by beautiful beaches, such as Mount Lavinia Beach, popular for relaxation and water sports.

• The National Museum of Colombo showcases a rich collection of artifacts, providing insights into Sri Lanka’s history and culture.

Capital of Sri Lanka – FAQs

What is the Capital of Sri Lanka?

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka.

Does Sri Lanka have 2 capitals?

Yes, the legislative capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte and the executive and judicial capital is Colombo.

What is the original name of Colombo?

Kolomtota is the original name of Colombo.

What is the total area of Colombo?

The total area of Colombo is 37.31 km². It is the biggest city of Srilanka.

What is the current population of Colombo?

The current population of Colombo is 5,648,000 in 2024.

What is the literacy rate of Colombo?

The literacy rate of Colombo is 91%.