He writes that "On the West, the City of Columbo, so-called from a Tree the Natives call Ambo, (which bears the Mango-fruit) growing in that place; but this never bear fruit, but only leaves, which in their Language is kola and thence they called the Tree Colambo: which the Christians in honour of Christopher Columbus turned to Columbo."

It was popularly believed that their descendants comprised the local Sri Lankan Moor community, but their genetics are predominantly South Indian.

[17] As part of the treaty, the Portuguese were given full authority over the coastline in exchange for the promise of guarding the coast against invaders.

[19] The Dutch captured Colombo in 1656 after an epic siege, at the end of which a mere 93 Portuguese survivors were given safe conduct out of the fort.

Centuries of colonial rule had meant a decline of indigenous administration of Colombo and in 1865 the British conceived a Municipal Council as a means of training the local population in self-governance.

In some parts of the city, tram car tracks and granite flooring laid during the era are still visible today.

[22] Due to the tremendous impact this caused on the city's inhabitants and on the country as a whole, the changes that resulted at the end of the colonial period were drastic.

Changes in laws and customs, clothing styles, religions and proper names were a significant result of the colonial era.

Even today, the influence of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British is visible in Colombo's architecture, names, clothing, food, language and attitudes.

[22] Historically, Colombo referred to the area around the Fort and Pettah Market which is known for the variety of products available as well as the Khan Clock Tower, a local landmark.

[28] Galle Face Green is located in the heart of the city along the Indian Ocean coast and is a destination for tourists and residents alike.

As part of the Urban Regeneration Program of the Government of Sri Lanka, many old sites and buildings were revamped into modern public recreational spaces and shopping precincts.

[45] The Colombo Metropolitan (CM) area is the most important industrial, commercial and administrative centre in Sri Lanka.

A major share of the country's export-oriented manufacturing takes place in the CM area, which is the engine of growth for Sri Lanka.

The Western province contributes less than 40% to the GDP and about 80% of industrial value additions although it accounts for only 5.7% of the country's geographic area and 25% of the national population.

To facilitate the transformation of Colombo, the government has to address these bottlenecks which have for long been obstructing economic and physical urban regeneration.

Pettah's roads are always packed and pavements are full of small stalls selling items from delicious sharbat to shirts.

[47] The Sri Lanka Police, the main law enforcement agency of the island, liaise with the municipal council but is under the control of the Ministry of Defence of the central government.

Colombo was established primarily as a port city during the colonial era, with an artificial harbour that has been expanded over the years.

[55] Colombo is part of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road that runs from the Chinese coast to the Upper Adriatic region with its rail connections to Central and Eastern Europe.

Three-wheelers are entirely operated by individuals and hardly regulated whilst cab services are run by private companies and are metered.

Post-war development in the Colombo area also involves the construction of numerous expressway grade arterial road routes.

[67] The secular schools D. S. Senanayake College (1967) and Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya (1973) have been established in the post independence era.

Colonial buildings influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch and British exist alongside structures built in Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Indian and Contemporary architectural styles.

During this week people distribute, rice, drinks and other food items for free in dunsal which means charity place.

Many businesses flourish during the eventual countdown for Eid Ul Fitr which is a major Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims after a month-long fasting.

The Navarangahala found in the city is the country's first national theatre designed and built for Asian and local style musical and theatrical productions.

The National Museum of Colombo, established on 1 January 1877 during the tenure of the British Colonial Governor Sir William Henry Gregory, is in the Cinnamon Gardens area.

[76] The museum houses the crown jewels and throne of the last king of the kingdom of Kandy, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha.

There is a small collection of random Sri Lankan paintings at the Art Gallery in Green Path; next to it is the Natural History Museum.