Colombo

Why it's the capital

Arab traders settled around its port from about the 8th century, and later the Portuguese and then the Dutch took control. When the whole island passed to the British in 1815, Colombo became its capital.

Fun facts

1. The name may come from an old Sinhala name meaning 'port on the river Kelani', and Portuguese explorers first used it in 1505.
2. Galle Face Green, which runs along the Indian Ocean coast in the heart of the city, draws both tourists and local people.
3. The city has many canals, and Beira Lake, about 65 hectares in size, lies at its centre.