Day 112, Fri, May 5, 2023 Columbo, Sri Lanka 1:00 to overnight

Day 112, Fri, May 5, 2023  Columbo, Sri Lanka 1:00 to overnight

Panoramic Colombo (CMB-003) May 05, 2023 Port: Colombo 2:45  

Tour Description

• Sit back in air-conditioned comfort and enjoy a panoramic ride through Colombo.
• See landmarks from the British colonial days, including the Old Parliament.
• Gain an understanding of Colombo’s religious tolerance by passing a temple and a mosque.
• View two institutes of higher education—Royal College and the University of Colombo.

Drive in and around Colombo admiring its most famed landmarks, an experience that will leave you with a wonderful overview of Sri Lanka’s largest city. There is no easier, more leisurely way to see the highlights of Colombo, the former capital. The city’s modern side is evident in the many high-rises towering above the Fort, an area named because of its 19th-century British fortress. The Fort is also known for the Old Parliament, built in the Neo-Baroque style during the British reign. The British influence is evident throughout Colombo in the streets named for former British governors and in the luxurious Galle Face Hotel, another landmark from the British colonial period. Later, you will see Gangaramaya Temple and a mosque, giving you a religious perspective of Colombo. Higher education is also held in great esteem, as you will see by driving past the Royal College and the University of Colombo.

Today is a full moon day and a religious holiday, Vesak.  This is a huge event.  There was a lot of preparation today while we were out on our tour.  Many lanterns are hung in front of businesses and along the streets.  There were also canopies along the street with large rotating or stationary lanterns on display under them. Shops are closed and no alcohol is being served in the town this weekend.  

The old town hall is now being used by the fire department.  Road signs are printed in three languages; Sinhalese, Temel and English.  The tea workers were from up country.  These workers tended to be slaves from Mozambique and Madagascar. 

Singe (sewing machines) r is company in Sri Lanka.  They make everything, not just sewing machines.  Tea, spices, tourism and coconuts are important to Sri Lanka.  There is a Lipton Circle in Colombo. 

Getting into college is difficult.  The government owns the colleges.  Students need a great score on tests to get in.  

HELPFUL HINTS Dress in weather-appropriate conservative clothing.  Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Afternoon tour pictures.

                            Blue road sign is written in three languages.

Stupa in the middle of a roundabout.  I learned a stupa is a home for a Buddha, this stupa is also a home for a temple.  

This is an auditorium that China built for Sri Lanka.  

                                These are lanterns in front of a hotel ready for tonights lighting.  

                                                This is a Buddha in a park with lanterns ready for later.  

      A building that reminds me of the capital of the US is across the street from the Buddha in the park.  

                                            This is outside the old Government Building

Independence Memorial Hall commemorates independence on 2/4/1948, above and below.  

 Patterned after Magul Madura (Celebration Hall), the Royal audience hall of the Kingdom of Kandy.

The Lotus Tower paid for by China.  China is buying friends all around the world.  I saw it in 2017/18 and I see it even more now.   

                                                From British colonial days,  the Old Parliament. White ghost like figures are the lanterns for later this evening. 

                                           Independence Memorial Hall 2-4-1948.  Above and below.

                            Statue of Rt Hon don Stephen Senanayake, "The Father of the Nation"

 Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall was a gift from China in honor of the former Prime Minister.  Construction began in 1970 and was completed in 1973.  It is a 40 acre site and a memorial exhibition building was added in the early 2000, also a gift from China.