Colombo

Colombo is the executive and judicial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka, with a metropolitan population of 5.6 million. Located on the west coast at coordinates 6°56′04″N 79°50′34″E, this historic port city serves as the country's commercial capital and financial center. The name 'Colombo' derives from the classical Sinhala 'Kolon thota' meaning 'port on the river Kelani' or 'Kola-amba-thota' (harbor with leafy mango trees). With a documented history spanning over 2,000 years, Colombo was first established as a major port by Arab traders in the 8th century. The city became the colonial capital during Portuguese rule (1517), Dutch control (1656-1796), and British administration (1796-1948) until Sri Lankan independence. While the legislative capital moved to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte in 1978, Colombo remains the de facto capital, housing the President's House, Supreme Court, and major government institutions. The city encompasses 15 postal districts from Fort (Colombo 1) to Mutwal (Colombo 15), featuring diverse neighborhoods including the historic Fort district with colonial architecture, bustling Pettah commercial area, upscale Cinnamon Gardens, and oceanfront areas along the Indian Ocean coastline.