Negombo City
Negombo, a coastal city in Sri Lanka, offers a vibrant blend of cultural heritage and seaside charm. Known for pristine beaches, the Dutch Canal, and bustling fish markets, it beckons with exciting excursions and serene temples. Experience the allure of Negombo's rich tapestry in every visit.
Dutch Fort Negombo
The Dutch Fort in Negombo is a historic site that offers a fascinating insight into Sri Lanka's colonial past. Built in the late 17th century by the Dutch, the fort is located in the coastal town of Negombo, just a short distance from the bustling Negombo Fish Market. Although much of the original structure has been lost to time, the remains of the fort still stand as a testament to the strategic importance of Negombo during the colonial era.
The fort's construction was part of the Dutch effort to control the valuable cinnamon trade and secure the coastal regions of Sri Lanka. The site was originally a Portuguese fortification, which the Dutch captured and expanded upon. The fort's walls were designed to withstand attacks and provide a stronghold for the Dutch settlers.
Today, visitors to Dutch Fort Negombo can see the remnants of the walls and gates, as well as a few colonial-era buildings that have survived. One of the most notable structures within the fort's premises is the Dutch Reformed Church, which dates back to 1678. This church, with its simple yet elegant architecture, is a significant landmark that reflects the Dutch architectural influence in the region.
The fort area also offers picturesque views of the Negombo Lagoon and the surrounding landscape. It is a popular spot for tourists who are interested in exploring the rich history of the area and understanding the impact of European colonial powers on Sri Lanka.
While the fort itself may not be as imposing as it once was, the site remains a key attraction in Negombo, drawing visitors who are keen to delve into the past and experience the cultural heritage of this coastal town. A visit to Dutch Fort Negombo provides a unique opportunity to connect with Sri Lanka's layered history, from its colonial encounters to its vibrant present.
Gampaha District
Gampaha is an urban city in Sri Lanka and is the capital of the Gampaha District in Western Province, north of Colombo. Gampaha District is separated from Colombo mainly by the Kelani River. Gampaha town is about 4km from Miriswatta on Colombo-Kandy road. Gampaha is surrounded by Yakkala, Miriswatta, Weliweriya Udugampola and Ja-Ela towns.
The name "Gampaha" in Sinhala literally means Five Villages. The five villages are known to be Ihalagama, Pahalagama, Medagama, Pattiyagama and Aluthgama.
Western Province
The Western Province is the most densely populated province of Sri Lanka. It is home to the legislative capital Sri Jayawardenapura as well to Colombo, the nation's administrative and business center. Western Province is divided into 3 main districts called Colombo (642 km²), Gampaha (1,386.6 km²) and Kalutara (1,606 km²) districts. As Sri Lanka's economic hub, all the major local and international corporations have their presence in the city and so do all the major designer and high street retailers, so be ready to indulge in some retail therapy in western province.
Having the highest population in the all the provinces, the almost all the premier educational institutions in the island are located in western province. Universities in the province include the University of Colombo, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Kelaniya, Open University, Sri Lanka, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and University of Moratuwa .Western province has the largest amount of schools in the country, which includes National, Provincial, Private and International schools.