Colombo history

The history of Colombo is the history of its harbour, which has been a magnet for traders and seafarers for millennia. More than 2,000 years ago, ships of Roman, Arab, and Chinese merchants docked here, making the city one of the key nodes on the ancient maritime routes between the East and the West. It was this strategic position that defined its rich and multinational heritage, which can still be felt today.

It is believed that the modern name of the city is derived from the Sinhalese expression Kola-amba-thota, which translates as "harbour with mango trees." When the Portuguese arrived on the island in the 16th century, they adapted this name, and according to one version, it became consonant with the name of Christopher Columbus. Following the Portuguese, control over the lucrative port passed to the Dutch in the 17th century, and then, in 1802, to the British, who made Colombo the capital of their colony, Ceylon.

Each era has left its mark on the city's appearance. Arab traders, who settled here as early as the 8th century, laid the foundations of an influential Muslim community. European colonial powers introduced their architecture, elements of which still adorn the historic city centre, known as the Fort. This melting pot of cultures has formed the unique atmosphere of Colombo, where ancient mansions stand adjacent to modern skyscrapers, and Buddhist temples stand alongside mosques and churches.

The history of Colombo is a kaleidoscope of cultures and eras, reflecting the strategic importance of its harbour throughout the centuries. The city has transformed from a small port settlement into a bustling metropolis and the commercial heart of Sri Lanka.

Key Milestones in the History of Colombo:

• 5th Century AD — The harbour of Colombo is mentioned in the records of Chinese, Arab, and Roman traders as an important point on maritime trade routes.
• 8th Century — Arab merchants establish a permanent settlement here, which becomes the centre of their trading activities on the island.
• 1505 — Portuguese navigators led by Lourenço de Almeida arrive at the harbour and quickly realise its strategic significance.
• 1518 — The Portuguese build a fort, establishing control over the coast and the spice trade, and name the city in honour of Christopher Columbus.
• 1656 — The Dutch East India Company captures Colombo after a long siege, beginning a new colonial era and rebuilding the city.
• 1796 — The city passes under the control of the British Empire, which subsequently expands its influence over the entire island.
• 1815 — Colombo officially becomes the capital of the British colony of Ceylon.
• 1948 — Ceylon gains independence, and Colombo becomes the capital of the new sovereign state.
• 1982 — The administrative capital of Sri Lanka is officially moved to the neighbouring city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, however, Colombo retains its status as the country's commercial and judicial centre.
• Early 21st Century — Following the end of the civil war in 2009, a period of active construction, modernisation, and economic growth begins in the city.

Key Milestones in Colombo's Development

The history of Colombo is a kaleidoscope of cultural, economic, and architectural transformations. From an ancient trading post to a modern metropolis, each stage has left an indelible mark on the look and character of the city. Below are the main milestones that have shaped the Colombo of today.

• Formation of the Colonial Centre (XVI-XIX centuries): With the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch and the British, Colombo began to transform into a fortified administrative and trading centre. Europeans laid the foundation of the modern Fort district, built fortresses, churches, and administrative buildings, many of which define the architectural appearance of the historic part of the city today.
• Status as Capital of British Ceylon (1802): The proclamation of Colombo as the capital of the colony significantly accelerated its development. The British implemented large-scale urban planning projects, creating wide streets, parks such as Viharamahadevi Park, and building key infrastructure facilities, including railways that connected the port with plantations in the interior of the island.
• Port Modernisation (Late XIX - Early XX centuries): Although Colombo's harbour had been used for millennia, it was the British who turned it into one of the largest artificial harbours in the world. The construction of breakwaters and the deepening of the water area allowed for the accommodation of large ocean liners, which secured Colombo's status as a major maritime hub in the region and a key point on trade routes between Asia and Europe.
• Commercial Capital of Independent Sri Lanka (Post-1948): After gaining independence, and even after the transfer of the administrative capital to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte in 1982, Colombo retained and strengthened its status as the unofficial capital. The city remained the country's main financial, industrial, and cultural centre, where the headquarters of the largest companies and banks are concentrated.
• Construction Boom and Urbanisation (Late XX - Early XXI centuries): In recent decades, the city has seen active construction of modern business centres, hotels, and residential complexes. The appearance of iconic buildings, such as the twin towers of the World Trade Center, changed the urban landscape and symbolised economic growth.
• Port City Colombo Project (Early XXI century): This ambitious project to create a new city on reclaimed land next to the historic centre is a crucial milestone in modern development. Port City is conceived as an international financial and business hub with its own special economic zone, designed to attract significant foreign investment and take the city's economy to a new level.

Architectural Appearance: A Dialogue of Eras

The architecture of Colombo represents a unique fusion where the colonial past meets the dynamic present. The urban fabric of the city has been formed over centuries, creating an eclectic landscape: here, austere European forts sit alongside chaotic trading quarters, while masterpieces of "tropical modernism" are reflected in the glass facades of Sri Lanka's new skyscrapers.

European Heritage (XVII–XX Centuries)

The colonial period left a deep imprint on the layout and development of historic districts such as Fort and Pettah. Each power introduced its own architectural canons:

• Dutch Colonial Style (XVII–XVIII centuries): Distinguished by practicality and adaptation to the climate — thick walls, high ceilings, massive doors, and tiled roofs.
  Iconic buildings: The Old Dutch Hospital with its courtyards and colonnades, as well as the Wolvendaal Church — the oldest Protestant church in the city in the shape of a Greek cross.
• British Classicism and Victorian Style (XIX–XX centuries): The era of the British Empire gifted the city monumental administrative buildings combining elements of Neo-Renaissance, Palladianism, and Indo-Saracenic style.
  Iconic buildings: The Colombo National Museum in Italian style, the red and white brick building of the Cargills department store on York Street, and the majestic Old Parliament Building in Neo-Baroque style, facing the ocean.

Modern Architecture and Tropical Modernism

After gaining independence, the city began to seek its own identity, leading to unique architectural solutions and a high-rise boom.

• Tropical Modernism (from the mid-20th century): A style that has become the calling card of the region, associated with the name Geoffrey Bawa. It combines modern forms with traditional materials and open spaces for natural ventilation.
  Iconic buildings: The Seema Malaka temple on Beira Lake and the Parliament building (in the suburb of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte), which demonstrate the harmony of architecture and nature.
• High-Tech and Postmodernism (21st century): Modern Colombo is reaching for the sky. The city's skyline is formed by glass towers symbolising economic growth.
  Iconic buildings: The twin towers of the World Trade Center and the Lotus Tower — the tallest structure in South Asia, which has become the new symbol of the city.

The city of Colombo has been the birthplace or centre of activity for many prominent figures who have made significant contributions to the history, culture, and science not only of Sri Lanka but also of the world. Their legacy continues to live on in the architecture, literature, and public life of the city.

Key Figures Associated with Colombo:

• Ananda Coomaraswamy (1877–1947)

  Philosopher, Art Historian. A native of Colombo, Coomaraswamy was one of the first and most influential scholars of South Asian art and culture. His works helped the West gain a deeper understanding of the philosophy and aesthetics of Sri Lanka and India.

• Anagarika Dharmapala (1864–1933)

  Writer, Public Figure. Born in Colombo, he became a key figure in the movement for the revival of Buddhism on the island. He was one of the pioneers who introduced Buddhist teachings to the West and played an important role in the national independence movement.

• Junius Richard Jayewardene (1906–1996)

  Politician, First Executive President of Sri Lanka. A native of Colombo, Jayewardene was one of the country's leading political figures for decades. He served as Prime Minister and then became the first Executive President, exerting immense influence on the modern history of Sri Lanka.

• Geoffrey Bawa (1919–2003)

  Architect. Although he was not born in Colombo, Bawa had a tremendous influence on the architectural appearance of the city and the entire country. He is the founder of the "Tropical Modernism" style, which harmoniously connects modern architecture with the natural environment. His works defined modern Sri Lankan design.

• Michael Ondaatje (born 1943)

  Writer, Poet. Born in Colombo, this Canadian novelist and poet gained worldwide fame thanks to his novel "The English Patient," which was awarded the Booker Prize. His work often addresses themes of identity and roots connected to Sri Lanka.

• Sirimavo Bandaranaike (1916–2000)

  Politician. Although she was not born in Colombo, her political career was inextricably linked with this city, where she made history as the world's first woman to be elected Prime Minister (in 1960). Her leadership became a significant milestone in world politics.

• Frederick George Donnan (1870–1956)

  Chemist. A native of Colombo, this British scientist and chemist made a significant contribution to physical chemistry. He is best known for his research on membrane equilibrium, named "Donnan equilibrium" in his honour.