Colombo Shopping & Sightseeing

Gangaramaya is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo,started by the famous scholar monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera in the late 19th Century.After the Venerable Sri Sumangala ,his chief pupil Devundara Sri Jinaratana Nayake Thera took on the administration of the temple.It was he who laid the foundation to convert the little temple to an institute of international reckoning.The next chief incumbent was the Ven.Devundara Vacissara Thera,the teacher of the Ven.Galboda Gnanissara,who worked to make the Gangaramaya what it is today: much more than a temple in the conventional term,but a place of worship,a seat of learning and cultural centre.

Independence Memorial Hall(also Independence Commemoration Hall) is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese elected legislature on February 4,1948. It is located in Independence Square(formerly Torrington Square) in the Cinnamon Gardens,Colombo.It also houses the Independence Memorial Museum.The monument was built at the location where the formal ceremony marking the start of self-rule,with the opening of the first parliament by the HRH Prince Henry,Duke of Gloucester occurred at a special podium February 4,1948.Located at the head of the monument is the statue of the first prime minister of the country Rt.Hon.Don Stephen Senanayake "The Father of the Nation".Most of the annual National Independence Day celebrations have been held here.

The Colombo Museum as it was called at the beginning was established on 1st January 1877.It founder was Sir William Henry Gregory,the British Governor of Ceylon(Sri Lanka)at the time.The Royal Asiatic Society (CB) was instrumental in bringing to the notice o Gregory on his appointment as Governor in 1872 the need for a public museum with much difficulty the approval of the legislative council was obtained within a year. The extension of the number of branch museums has now increased to nine and in addition a school science programme and a mobile museum service are also in operation.

Do you know Sri Lanka is famous for rich gems? Here is the opportunity to shop your heart captured Gems and Jewelleries for cheap rates which are approved by the Gem Bureau of Sri Lanka(No hidden bussiness 100% satisfied)

Construction of the Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque commenced in 1908 and the building was completed in 1909.The mosque was commissioned by the local Indian Muslim community,based in Pettah,to fulfill their required five-tims-daily prayer and Jummah on Fridays.The mosque's designer and builder was Habibu Labbe Saibu Labbe (an unqualified architect),and was based on details/images of Indo-Saracenic structures provided by South Indian traders,who commissioned him.It is a hybrid style of architecture,that draws elements from native Indo-Isamic and Indian architecture,and combines it with the Gothic revival and Neo-classical styles.Originally it had the capacity for 1,500 worshippers although at the time only around 500 were attending prayers.it is a distinctive red and white candy-striped two storey building,with a clock tower,and is reminiscent of the Jamek Mosque in Kualalumpur,Malaysia(constructed in 1910).

Laksala (Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board),the only state owned gift and souvenir boutique that offers the widest range of Sri Lankan handicrafts,tea gems and other products at reasonable prices,at conveniently located island wide stopovers.Pioneers since 1964,the handicrafts emporium is linked to more than 10,000 leading master crafts mans and entrepreneurs who operate at their own rural and cottage industries,island wide.Witness the enthralling blend of meticulously handcrafted creations,specially sorted and packed tea and spices and a special collection of traditionally mined and cut gems or vast array of patiently handmade jewellery.

Easily reachable,just behind the fort railway station,You will find the Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil, or simply the "Hindu Temple".This is the oldest and largest Hindu temple in Colombo and is dedicated to the Gods Shiva and Ganesh.A visit is a must and is included in most Colombo tours.Its monumental towers, very elaborated,with hundreds of colourful ornaments will delight your eyes and memories.Enjoy!