How has Colombo Changed and Developed Over the Years?

Colombo is Sri Lanka’s largest city and the capital of the country. The city has a history that stretches back over 500 years and has seen a great deal of development since then. This article will explore how Colombo has changed and developed over the years and will focus on six key areas: its history, economy, population, infrastructure, culture, and tourism.

History of Colombo

Colombo was founded in 1505 when the Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka. It was the Portuguese who named the city Colombo, after the Biblical town of Colombes. According to legend, the Portuguese envoy to Sri Lanka, Pedro de la Rivas found a rocky cliff by the sea on which he founded the city and named it Colombo in honor of Christopher Columbus.In the 16th and 17th centuries, Colombo was an important trading port and was declared a fortified city by the Dutch in 1656. The Dutch held onto Colombo until 1796 when the British took control of the city. The British made Colombo the capital of the island in 1815 and developed it significantly, with the construction of canals and other infrastructure.

Economy of Colombo

Colombo’s economy has evolved over time with the changing economic trends and expansion of infrastructure. In the past, Colombo’s economy was largely dependent on fishing and agriculture but in recent years these have been overtaken by the service sector. The service sector is now responsible for contributing more than 70% to Colombo’s GDP and is responsible for driving the economic growth of the city. This sector is made up of a mixture of financial services, tourism, IT, BPO services, retail and other industries.

Population of Colombo

The population of Colombo has also seen significant growth over the years. According to a 2018 census report, the population of Colombo stands at about 967,000 people making it one of the most populated cities in South Asia. Colombo is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious city with a diverse population. The most prominently represented communities are the Sinhalese, Burghers, Malays, Burgher Christians, Tamils and Muslims. According to the 2016 census report, 66% of students in Colombo are Sinhalese while 20% are Burgesians and 12% are Tamils.

Infrastructure of Colombo

Colombo has seen significant investments in its infrastructure over the past few decades. The city has efficient public transportation such as metered taxi cabs and buses as well as an efficient road network that connects downtown Colombo to its suburbs and other cities in Sri Lanka. The city also boasts an efficient international airport that is connected to numerous destinations around the world with new routes being opened up all the time. The city is also home to several ports including Colombo harbor that link it to numerous international ports around the world such as Singapore and Dubai.

Culture of Colombo

Colombo is a diverse city with many different cultures represented in its population. The most predominantly represented cultural influence is that of South Asia, particularly India and its various regional cultures. There are also influences from Europe due to its colonial past. Colombo is home to numerous festivals throughout the year such as Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Esala Perahera and Thaipongal that allows people to showcase their culture while having fun at the same time.

Tourism in Colombo

Colombo is one of Sri Lanka’s top tourist destinations with people visiting from all over the world. The city has something for everyone from historic monuments such as the National Museum, Galle Face Green and Pettah Market to luxurious hotels and resorts such as Shangri-La and The Kingsbury Hotel. Besides its cultural and historic attractions, Colombo offers plenty of recreational activities for visitors such as snorkeling, scuba diving, white-water rafting, golfing and deep-sea fishing. Additionally, there are a number of exquisite restaurants and cafes that serve dishes from all parts of Sri Lanka as well as international cuisines.

Conclusion

Since its establishment in 1505 by the Portuguese, Colombo has evolved significantly into a dynamic modern city with a fascinating history and diverse culture. With its efficient transportation networks, tourism infrastructure, vibrant nightlife, international airports and ports as well as access to numerous tourist attractions, it is no wonder why people around the world are flocking to Colombo as one of their top travel destinations. To get more information about Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital city be sure to check out ColomboSriLanka.lk, an online guide on everything you need to know about visiting Colombo!