Colombo

City Information

Explore city history, fast facts, climate and practical visitor information for Colombo.

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Colombo Residents

The people are a mix of all races – Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Bergher (Dutch and British descendants), all co-exisitng in peace and harmony. Lifestyles may vary from the rich and the famous to those living in shanties. But one thing that is common amongst all is their welcoming and friendly nature. Ask anyone who’s been to Colombo and they’ll tell you that!

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Annual Temperature

January - Max:: 30 ˚C Min: 23 ˚C; February - Max:: 31 ˚C Min: 24 ˚C; March - Max:: 32 ˚C Min: 25 ˚C

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Fast Facts

-Location: South Asia: -Dialling code: +94; -Emergency numbers:: Police: 01124333333 Fire: 01124222222 Ambulance: 0112691111 Tourist Information Helpdesk: 0112421052 Airport Enquiry: 0112252861; -Population: 20,238,000: -Languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English -Time zone: GMT +5:30 -Average January temperatures: 26.5 ˚C -Average July temperatures: 27 ˚C -Annual rainfall: 2540mm to 5080mm in the South West, less than 1250mm in the North West and South East.

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Public Holidays

1 Jan - New Year's Day.

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When to go

Considering rainfall and temperature, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is from November to April.

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Exchange Rates

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Colombo History

Originally known as "Kolon Thota" (port on the river Kelani), it is said that Colombo also got its name via "Kola Amba Thota" which means 'harbor with leafy mango trees' in Sinhala. Colombo at one point was a seaport used by Arab, Moor, Chinese and Persian ships due to its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes and is believed to have been used by traders even 2000 years ago. The conquest of Colombo by the Portuguese was achieved in 1505, but it ended in 1656 when the Dutch invaded and captured the city. With the British exploring and extending its international boundaries, Colombo fell to British hands in 1796 and was made the capital in 1815. Colombo remained the capital following its independence in 1948. However in 1978, Colombo was declared the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, when the administrative and state functions were transferred to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.

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Colombo Today

Colombo is the commercial and financial capital of Sri Lanka, and is located in the Western Province, along the coast. The temperature on average is 27C and can go up to 31C in April-May-June.

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