Colombo Sri Lanka 4/30/24

June 01, 2024

Colombo Sri Lanka

Colombo is the executive and judicial capital of Sri Lanka and the largest city with a population of 5.6 million. It certainly is much larger and more cosmopolitan than Hambantota, which is definitely more rural.

Our first stop of the day was Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, more commonly known as the Red Mosque. It was commissioned by the Indian Muslim community in 1908 and construction was finished in one year. This was a quick stop for pictures, as it was not open for visitors the day we were there. The building was said to be a beacon for sailors approaching the port of Colombo. It truly stands out in the city and is visible from any area of the city.

We headed to St. Anthony's Shrine which is Roman Catholic and dedicated to St Anthony of Padua. It is designated as a national shrine and a minor basilica. Service was being held while we visited, and members were walking on their knees to the main altar. Interesting that there are two lines to head to the altar, male and female. It is said that part of St Anthony's tongue is in a reliquary in the church. The members of the church are very diversified, Muslims, Sri Lankans, Buddhist worship here.

Lotus Tower is 351.5 m tall tower, and has been called a symbolic landmark of Sri Lanka. This was a photo stop, we did not get to the top of the tower, which was a shame. The views should be quite spectacular, and the day was as clear as could be, unlike some of the other towers we went to.

Gangaramaya Temple, a place of worship and learning center and was involved in Buddhist welfare work including old people's homes, a vocational school and an orphanage. It is a remarkable temple, inside was not what we were expecting at all. It has thousands of Buddha statues, and you can see many of them in the pictures. Very serene and amazingly large. The grounds hold different temples, and the styles of the displays were quite different in each area. You have to take your shoes off when you enter the temple, which happened at many of the temples we visited.

This is one of the outdoor gardens, very serene and restful, one of the areas that had seating for you to reflect and rest, while taking in the beautiful statuary.

These fierce gentlemen guard the staircase to even more Budda statues.

Look at the lower left picture - look at all those buddhas....and that is just one side of them. the other pics show them in the background. Would have liked to have been able to walk out there to see them in their entirety. It truly is amazing to see all of them.

The top left is made of Jade and was one of my favorites. Would have loved to take that one home...

The streets were bustling and full of street vendors, wherever you went. Reminds me of the Caribbean islands and how they hawk their wares.

Viharamahadevi Park that we spent about 30 minutes in. Quiet day in the park, and very little crowds which was nice. You can see the Colombo Town Hall, which houses the Municipal Council and the office of the mayor of Colombo.

Independence Memorial Hall and Museum was built as a commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule. While we were there, the stars of their rugby team were taking photos with the trophy for winning the Asia rugby championship. Snake charmers and vendors, they had it all here...