COLOMBO
It is the business and commercial centre and the new capital is Sri Jayawardhanapura Kotte, which is only a few miles away. The remains of the buildings during the period and the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule are found in every area of the city. None of the Portuguese & Dutch fortifications are found today but some of their buildings and churches could be seen in the Fort & Pettah areas. Witness Fort, the former British administrative centre and military garrison, Sea Street - the old smith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area where there is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, the Kaymans Gate with the Belfry at the original gate to enter the Fort, the Dutch Church of Wolfendhaal dating back to 1749, Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, Davatagaha Mosque. Also get some time out to visit the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall) and take a view of the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square.