The Dutch established three main entrances: Galle Gate, Water Gate, and Delft Gate to the east. Among them, Delft Gate, also known as the East Gate, was the most crucial during Dutch rule. Unlike conventional gates, its inner and outer entrances were not directly aligned but connected via a curved passageway through the rampart—a strategic design to enhance military defense
Cargills Building was built in 1906 and was one of the most state of art buildings at the time. An ancient statue lies in the lobby believed to be of the goddess Minerva brought by the Dutch or the Portuguese. Below the statue lies a foundation stone marked 1684.
A 25-ton block of stone bearing the royal coat of arms of Portugal and the year 1501 carved into it. This historical artefact was discovered in September 1898 on a rock at the base of an old building at the Breakwater, which had served as the headquarters of the Harbor Police in the Fort of Colombo.
President’s House was originally constructed during the Dutch colonial period and dates back to at least the 1780s and first appeared on a Dutch map created in 1785. The first occupant was Johan van Angelbeek, the last Dutch governor of Ceylon, before the falling of Colombo to the British in 1786. He resided there until his death in 1799.
If you have ever visited the Hulftsdorp Court Complex in Colombo, you may have noticed a large ancient stone bowl positioned in the middle of a small pond in the courtyard. It is about 35 inches (89 cm) high and 48 inches (122 cm) in diameter at the rim.
The Borella Kanatte Cemetery is the main cemetery of Colombo. It covers 48 acres and is operated by the Colombo Municipal Council. The cemetery was established in 1866 by the British colonial rulers of that time. It has separate sections for Hindus, Buddhists, Shintos, Roman Catholics, Anglicans and non-denominational Christians.
Jawatta Liveramentu Public Cemetery lies on an old church built by the Portuguese. At one corner of the cemetery, lies the area dedicated to Commonwealth War Graves. The entrance to the cemetery features Memorial Tablets honouring over 300 men who died while serving in Sri Lanka.
Ruins of an ancient well built in the 17th century at the Portuguese church Nossa Senhora do Livramento, The Catholics believed that the water contained miraculous healing powers and was widely used by the faithful.
The origin of the name “Slave Island” is no doubt connected with the slaves who were brought to the island by the Portuguese and Dutch colonial period. Although generally believed to be a slave-holding area, the connection of slaves to this area is not so straightforward.
The Ambalama located in Kurunduwatta. Moratuwa, along with its exact location, has faded into obscurity. Yet, it holds historical significance as it was constructed by the philanthropist Jeronis de Soysa, father of Charles Henry De Soysa, some years prior to 1853. Alongside the Ambalama structure, a parcel of land adorned with diverse trees was generously donated to serve as its surrounding garden.
The IPKF (Indian Peace Keeping Force) Memorial constructed by the Sri Lanka Navy located in Jana Kala Kendraya premises near the parliament complex, commemorates the soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force who lost their lives during Operation Pawan, which was part of the efforts to intervene in the Sri Lankan Civil War. The monument was built in 2008, one year before it decisively defeated the LTTE.
The Kelani Valley War Memorial, erected to commemorate the men from the Kelani Valley who lost their lives in the Great War, was ceremoniously opened by the Government Agent of Western Province on 22nd March 1921. The grey granite obelisk memorial was originally erected at the junction of Yatiyanthota and Rathnapura Roads in Avissawella.
The Cenotaph War Memorial at the Public Library near the Vihara Maha Devi Park in Colombo is considered the main World War Memorial in Sri Lanka. It consists of a cenotaph and a memorial wall around it. The original memorial was commissioned by the War Memorial Committee after the conclusion of World War I in 1920.
At the centre of the Padukka town roundabout lies an old street lamp on a pedestal made of wrought iron painted in silver colour. Every day thousands pass this roundabout without even glancing at this monument at this curious lamp.
George Wall was born on December 22, 1820, in North Shields, Northumberland, England, and relocated to Ceylon in 1846, drawn by its favourable climate. He assumed the role of acting manager at the Ceylon Plantation Company in Kandy. Wall continued his tenure with the company until 1854, at which point he founded his own enterprise, George Wall and Company
Built in 1757 Wolvendaal Church is located in Pettah, a neighbourhood of Colombo. It is one of the most important Dutch Colonial era buildings in Sri Lanka, and is one of the oldest Protestant churches still in use in the country.
The Jubilee Post pillar was installed in 1837 in honour of Queen Victoria who visited the island. This post is approximately 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) high and is fixed to a rectangular base, 52 cm (20 in) by 34 cm (13 in) and 26 cm (10 in) tall. The inscriptions are found on 5 sides of the post which are in English and Sinhalese. A carving of the crown has been at the top of the pillar but this part is currently not found today.
A milestone carved out of stone is found at Dam Street in Colombo 12. This stone is about 2½ feet in height. The top of the pillar is arched and number 1 is carved at the center. No other special characteristics are found on this pillar.
In the main Galle Road, the distance has been measured from the King’s House (the President’s House today). The 7th Mile Post of the Galle Road is found not on the Galle Road, but in front of St. Thomas Collage in Mount Lavinia, near its car park.
The post is made of stone in a triangular prism shape positioned upright. There are carvings on 2 sides. It reads “1 Mile from the King’s House” and the other side reads “This road made AD 1814”. This milepost stands right at the centre of the main entrance of Taj Samudra Hotel today.
