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COLOMBO
Colombo, the Commercial Capital of Sri Lanka with a population
of a little over 04 million, boasts perfect co-ordination and
co-existence of past and present, with the remarkable remnants
of Dutch and English rule of the 18th & 19th combined with
the present luxurious comforts. Speedy sports cars and latest
automobiles have occupied the streets once ruled by human driven-rickshaws
and tram cars. High-rise buildings stand side by side the monumental
houses reflecting the bygone era. All religions mingle in unity
with Buddhist Temples, Churches, Hindu Kovils and Mosques
being built in close vicinity to each other. Nearly every visitor
to Sri Lanka begins or ends his tour to Sri Lanka from Colombo,
as the Bandaranaike International Airport is situated just 40
Kilometres away from Colombo and the harbour at the very heart
of Colombo. The bustling port of Colombo is ranked no. 01 in
South Asia and no. 26 in the World. The city premises may appear
to be ridiculously small for its overflowing population of 04
million, yet there are 15 divisions within the city limits,
named as Colombo 01, Colombo 02 etc. Many restaurants serve
Local and International food and beverages. Shopping malls offer
a range of fashionable clothing and street bazaars are found
widely spread within the Colombo city limits.
The World Trade Center
The World Trade Centre-Twin Towers, situated at the Echelon
Square premises of Fort, is the most important business venue
for entrepreneurs and businessmen, as it shelters the Stock
Market & Stock Exchange. This institution of two mighty
towers with 34 levels in each, houses the Board Of Investments
(BOI), Sun FM - one of the most popular radio stations playing
International music, Deli Market - a spacious restaurant serving
delicious International food and desserts, fruit juices and
International alcoholic beverages and several other offices
are located here, such as the Sri Lankan Airlines Head Quarters.
Pettah
Within the city of Colombo several buildings of historical
and tourist value can be found. The Grand Mosque - Jumma Musjid,
the old Woivendaal Church built in the year 1749, Cathedral
of St. Lude are a few establishments with immense historical
value. One of the most colourful events that take place during
the month of July is the grand pageant at Kadiresan Kovil,which
pays worship to God Skanda.
Town Hall
As we continue on our site seeing tour of the day our next
eye-catching place will be the New Town Hall or the City Father's
Office. The foundation stone for this Impressive building
was laid in 1924 end the buildng was completed in 1928, this
is situated almost in the center of the city and the construction
of this structure was undertaken by Mr. J. Edwards of the
Ralph Brooklyn Co of Singapore. At that time this was considered
the best of its kind in the East.
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