Introduction
Colombo is the capital city of Sri Lanka and a vibrant metropolis with a rich history and culture.
It is divided into 15 sub-areas, each with its own unique character and attractions.
In this colombo areas suburbs list, we will explore Colombo 1 to Colombo 15 and discover top attractions, landmarks, and things to do in each area.
If you want to find out all the postal codes of Sri Lanka then check out this guide.
Colombo Areas List
Colombo 1 Fort (Kotuwa)
Statistics: Population of 6,000; area of 0.67 km2
Description: The central business district and the main port of Colombo; home to many historic landmarks such as the Old Parliament Building, the World Trade Center and the Galle Face Green.
Colombo 1 is a district of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is also known as Fort, because it was the site of a Portuguese fort in the 16th century. Colombo 1 is located at the southern end of Galle Face Green, where the old parliament building and the Beira Lake meet the Indian Ocean. It is a commercial and administrative center with many colonial buildings, monuments, hotels and offices.
- The World Trade Center: A twin-tower complex that houses many businesses and organizations.
- The Old Dutch Hospital: A heritage building that has been converted into a shopping and dining precinct.
- The Colombo Lighthouse: A historical landmark that offers a panoramic view of the city and the sea.
- The Gangaramaya Temple: A Buddhist temple that features a museum, a library and an elephant sanctuary.
Colombo 1 areas
- Fort
- Pettah
- Galle Face
- Kollupitiya (part)
- York Street
- Janadhipathi Mawatha
- Bank of Ceylon Mawatha
- Chatham Street
- Justice Akbar Mawatha
- Lotus Road
- Maliban Street
- Prince Street
- Messenger Street
- Abdul Hameed Street
- Abdul Cafoor Mawatha
- Dam Street
- Main Street
- Olcott Mawatha
- Keyzer Street
- Bristol Street
Colombo 2 Slave Island (Kompanyaweediya)
Statistics: Population of 40,000; area of 1.4 km2
Description: A commercial and residential area with many skyscrapers and hotels; named after the slaves who were brought by the Portuguese and Dutch colonizers.
Colombo 2 is a district of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is also known as Slave Island, because it was used by the Portuguese to keep slaves captured from other parts of the island. Colombo 2 is located near the Beira Lake and the Galle Face Green. It is a mixed residential and commercial area with many apartments, hotels, offices and shops.
- The On320: A luxury apartment complex that offers a view of the Lotus Tower and the Beira Lake2.
- The Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre: A performing arts center that hosts cultural events and shows.
- The Gangarama Seema Malakaya: A Buddhist temple that floats on the Beira Lake and features a collection of statues and relics.
- The Sri Lanka Air Force Museum: A museum that displays aircrafts and memorabilia related to the history of the Sri Lankan air force.
Colombo 2 areas
- Slave Island
- Union Place
- Havelock Town (part)
- Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mawatha
- Sir James Peiris Mawatha
- Deanston Place
- W. A. D. Ramanayake Mawatha
- Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha
- Maitland Crescent
- Dharmapala Mawatha
- Dickman’s Road
- Bauddhaloka Mawatha
- Kynsey Road
- R. G. Senanayake Mawatha
- Rosmead Place
- Vajira Road
- Wijerama Mawatha
Colombo 3 Colpetty (Kollupitiya)
Statistics: Population of 21,000; area of 3.01 km2
Description: A prime residential and shopping area with many malls, cafes and restaurants; also known for its nightlife and entertainment venues.
Colombo 3 is a district of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is also known as Kollupitiya, because it was once a cinnamon or coconut plantation area. Colombo 3 is located along the Galle Road and borders the Indian Ocean. It is a modern and cosmopolitan area with many high-rise buildings, shopping malls, restaurants and hotels.
- The Landmark Building: A commercial complex that houses various businesses and services.
- The Elegance Oasis: A guest house that offers a private room with an open balcony and a water park.
- The Liberty Plaza: A shopping mall that features a cinema, a food court and a variety of stores.
- The St. Andrew’s Scots Kirk: A church that was built by Scottish tea planters in 1842.
Colombo 3 areas
- Kollupitiya (part)
- Bambalapitiya (part)
- Colpetty
- Bagatelle Road
- Galle Road
- Duplication Road
- Alfred House Avenue
- R. A. De Mel Mawatha
- Dharmapala Mawatha
- Gower Street
- Melbourne Avenue
- Marine Drive
- Rosmead Place (part)
- Saranankara Road
- W. A. Silva Mawatha
Colombo 4 (Bambalapitiya)
Statistics: Population of 22,000; area of 1.56 km2 1
Description: A mixed residential and commercial area with many schools, colleges and cinemas; also a popular destination for street food and fashion.
Colombo 4 is a district of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is also known as Bambalapitiya, because it was once a village of fishermen and traders. Colombo 4 is located along the Galle Road and borders the Indian Ocean. It is a lively and vibrant area with many attractions, such as shopping malls, bookshops, restaurants and hotels1.
- The Majestic City: A large shopping mall that offers a variety of stores, a cinema, a food court and an arcade.
- The Visakha Vidyalaya: A prestigious girls’ school that was founded in 1917 by Buddhist activists.
- The Bambalapitiya Railway Station: A railway station that connects Colombo with other parts of the country.
- The St. Peter’s College: A Catholic boys’ school that was established in 1922 by French missionaries.
Colombo 5 areas
- Bambalapitiya (part)
- Havelock Town (part)
- Kollupitiya (part)
- Colpetty (part)
- Bagatalle Road (part)
- Duplication Road (part)
- Galle Road (part)
- Lauries Road
- Ramanathan Road
- De Saram Road
- Galle Face Court
- Sarana Road
Colombo 5 (Narahenpita, Havelock Town, Kirulapona North)
Statistics: Population of 32,000; area of 6.75 km2
Description: A mainly residential area with some government offices and hospitals; also has some parks and sports facilities.
Colombo 5 is a district of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is also known as Narahenpita, Havelock Town and Kirulapona North. Colombo 5 is located inland from the Galle Road and covers a large area with diverse neighborhoods. It is a residential and commercial area with many schools, hospitals, offices and parks.
The Arcade Independence Square: A shopping and entertainment complex that was formerly a colonial-era asylum2.
The Asiri Surgical Hospital: A private hospital that offers various medical services and facilities2.
The Royal College: A public boys’ school that was founded in 1835 by the British colonial government3.
The Viharamahadevi Park: A public park that features a lake, a zoo, a children’s play area and a statue of Queen Victoria.
Colombo 6 areas
- Havelock Town (part)
- Kirulapone (part)
- Narahenpita (part)
- Thimbirigasyaya (part)
- High-Level Road
- Elvitigala Mawatha
- Cotta Road
- Dutugemunu Street
- Castle Street
- Vajira Road (part)
- Park Road
- Isipathana Mawatha
- Sarana Road
- Wijerama Mawatha (part)
- Wijerama Road
Colombo 6 (Wellawatta, Pamankada, Kirulapona South)
Statistics: Population of 81,000; area of 4.3 km2
Description: A densely populated area with many textile and jewellery shops as well as restaurants and apartment complexes; also a hub for the Tamil community in Colombo.
Colombo 6 is a district of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is also known as Wellawatte and Pamankada. Colombo 6 is located along the Galle Road and borders the Indian Ocean. It is a densely populated and multicultural area with many shops, restaurants, hotels and apartments.
- The Savoy Cinema: A popular movie theater that shows both local and international films1.
- The Ramakrishna Mission: A Hindu religious organization that runs a temple, a school and a library.
- The St. Lawrence’s Church: A Catholic church that was built in 1927 by Portuguese missionaries.
- The Wellawatte Beach: A sandy beach that offers a scenic view of the sea and the city skyline.
Colombo 6 areas
- Wellawatta (part)
- Pamankada (part)
- Kirulapone (part)
- Havelock Town (part)
- Thimbirigasyaya (part)
- Dickman’s Road (part)
- Dutugemunu Street (part)
- Station Road
- W.A. Silva Mawatha (part)
- Raja Mawatha
- Quarry Road
- Templers Road
- Nawala Road
Colombo 7 Cinnamon Garden (Kuruwita Uyana)
Statistics: Population of 10,000; area of 7.62 km2
Description: An affluent residential area with many embassies, mansions and parks; also has some cultural and educational institutions such as the National Museum and the University of Colombo.
Colombo 7 is a district of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is also known as Cinnamon Gardens and Rosmead Place. Colombo 7 is located in the heart of the city and hosts many government buildings, diplomatic missions and elite residences. It is a prestigious and affluent area with many cultural attractions, parks and museums.
- The Independence Square: A historical landmark that commemorates the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule in 1948.
- The National Museum: The largest museum in Sri Lanka that showcases the country’s rich heritage and history.
- The Nelum Pokuna Theatre: A modern performing arts center that hosts various events and shows.
- The Viharamahadevi Park: The oldest and largest park in Colombo that features a lake, a zoo and a Buddha statue.
Colombo 7 areas
- Cinnamon Gardens
- Kynsey Road (part)
- Barnes Place
- Flower Road
- Alfred House Gardens
- Cambridge Place
- Gregory’s Road
- Wijerama Road (part)
- Wijerama Mawatha (part)
- Wijerama Lane
- Deanston Place (part)
- Dharmapala Mawatha (part)
- Maha Vidyalaya Mawatha
- Gower Street (part)
- Horton Place
Colombo 8 (Borella)
Statistics: Population of 16,000; area of 3.51 km2
Description: A busy commercial and residential area with many shops, markets and offices; also has some historical and religious sites such as the Kanatte Cemetery and the Gangaramaya Temple.
The Independence Square: A historical landmark that commemorates the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule in 1948. The National Museum: The largest museum in Sri Lanka that showcases the country’s rich heritage and history. The Nelum Pokuna Theatre: A modern performing arts center that hosts various events and shows. The Viharamahadevi Park: The oldest and largest park in Colombo that features a lake, a zoo and a Buddha statue.
- The General Cemetery: A historic cemetery that contains the graves of many prominent figures and war heroes.
- The Royal College: A prestigious boys’ school that was founded in 1835 by the British colonial government.
- The Lady Ridgeway Hospital: The largest children’s hospital in Sri Lanka that provides free health care services.
- The Sugathadasa Stadium: A multi-purpose stadium that hosts various sports and cultural events.
Colombo 8 areas
- Borella
- Dematagoda (part)
- Rajagiriya (part)
- Baseline Road
- Cotta Road (part)
- Cotta Lane
- Cemetery Road
- Castle Lane
- Basnayake Mawatha
- Weerasekara Mawatha
- Gothami Road
- Buthgamuwa Road
Colombo 9: Dematagoda
Statistics: Population of 39,000; area of 2.09 km2
Description: A mainly industrial area with some residential pockets; known for its railway workshops and factories.
Colombo 9 is a district of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is also known as Maradana and Maligawatta. Colombo 9 is located in the north-western part of the city and borders the Kelani River. It is a densely populated and industrial area with many factories, warehouses and slums.
- The Colombo Fort Railway Station: The main railway station in Sri Lanka that connects to many other cities and towns.
- The Gangaramaya Temple: A Buddhist temple that was built in the 19th century and features a museum, a library and an elephant orphanage.
- The Town Hall: The headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council that was built in 1927 in a neo-baroque style.
Colombo 9 areas
- Dematagoda (part)
- Grandpass (part)
- Maradana (part)
- Borupana Road
- Kaluwella
- Prince of Wales Avenue
- Wijerama Mawatha (part)
- Obeysekerapura
- Jayantha Weerasekara Mawatha
Colombo 10 (Maradana)
Statistics: Population of 37,000; area of 1.66 km2
Description: A major transport hub and commercial area with many railway stations, bus terminals and markets; also has some educational and religious institutions such as the Ananda College and the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque.
Colombo 10 is a district of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is also known as Panchikawatte and Maradana. Colombo 10 is located in the western part of the city and is close to the Colombo Harbour. It is a mixed and lively area with many shops, offices, restaurants and religious buildings.
The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque: A red and white striped mosque that was built in 1909 and is a landmark of Colombo.
The Wolvendaal Church: A Dutch Reformed church that was built in 1749 and is the oldest Protestant church in Sri Lanka.
The Good Shepherd Convent: A Catholic girls’ school that was founded in 1869 by French nuns.
The New Kathiresan Kovil: A Hindu temple that was built in 1973 and is dedicated to Lord Murugan.
Colombo 10 areas
- Dematagoda (part)
- Grandpass (part)
- Maradana (part)
- Panchikawatte (part)
- Kotahena (part)
- Prince Street
- Olcott Mawatha
- T.B. Jayah Mawatha
- Maliban Street
- Dehiwela Road
- Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha
Colombo 11 Pettah (Pitakotuwa)
Statistics: Population of about 45,000; area of 0.6 km2
Description: A busy commercial district with many shops, markets and mosques. You can find a wide range of cheap stuff such as clothes, electronics, books, spices and souvenirs.
Colombo 11 is a district of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is also known as Pettah and Kotahena. Colombo 11 is located in the eastern part of the city and is adjacent to the Colombo Harbour. It is a crowded and chaotic area with many narrow streets, markets and old buildings.
- The Khan Clock Tower: A four-sided clock tower that was built in 1923 by an Indian trader and philanthropist.
- The St. Lucia’s Cathedral: A Roman Catholic cathedral that was built in 1887 and is the largest church in Sri Lanka.
- The Sivan Kovil: A Hindu temple that was built in 1890 and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- The Dutch Museum: A museum that was housed in a former residence of the Dutch governor and displays artifacts from the colonial era.
Colombo 11 areas
- Pettah
- Dam Street
- Keyzer Street
- Prince Street
- Maliban Street
- Messenger Street
- Main Street
- Bodhiraja Mawatha
- 5th Cross Street
- 3rd Cross Street
- 2nd Cross Street
- 1st Cross Street
- St. Joseph Street
- Ettamporuwu Road
- Olcott Mawatha
- Sea Street
Colombo 12 Hulftsdorp (Aluthkade)
Statistics: Population of about 33,000; area of 0.4 km2
Description: A historic area with many colonial buildings and courts.
Colombo 12 is a district of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is also known as Hulftsdorp and Keselwatte. Colombo 12 is located in the northern part of the city and is home to many government institutions, courts and law firms. It is a historic and administrative area with many colonial buildings, monuments and statues.
The Supreme Court: The highest court of Sri Lanka that was established in 1801 by the British colonial government.
The Hulftsdorp Hill: A hill that was named after a Dutch general who died in a siege during the Portuguese-Dutch War.
The Colombo National Museum: A branch of the National Museum that focuses on natural history and zoology.
The Vidyodaya Pirivena: A Buddhist educational institution that was founded in 1873 by a monk and scholar.
Colombo 12 areas
- Hulftsdorp
- Aluthkade
- Kompannavidiya
- Messenger Street
- Vauxhall Street
- Bodhiraja Mawatha
- Chatham Street
- Janadhipathi Mawatha
- Sri Sumangala Mawatha
- Layards Broadway
- Ingurukade Junction
- Prince Street
Colombo 13: Bloemendhal (Kotahena & Kochchikade)
Statistics: Population of about 65,000; area of 1.3 km2
Description: A mixed residential and industrial area with many churches and temples.
Colombo 13 is a district of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is also known as Kotahena and Kochchikade. Colombo 13 is located along the western coast of Colombo and borders the port and the sea. It is a densely populated and multicultural area with many churches, temples, schools and shops.
- The St. Lucia’s Cathedral: A Gothic-style Catholic church that was built in 1887 by Dutch missionaries.
- The Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil: A Hindu temple that was built in 1857 by a wealthy merchant family.
- The Aluthkade Court Complex: A judicial complex that houses several courts and offices.
- The Bloemendhal Road: A busy street that connects Colombo 13 with other parts of the city.
- The Kotahena Central College: A public school that was established in 1879 by British educators
Colombo 13 areas
- Kotahena (part)
- Mutwal (part)
- Bloemendhal (part)
- Modera (part)
- Aluthmawatha Road
- Gasworks Street
- Dam Street
- St. Anthony’s Mawatha
- Stanley Thilakaratne Mawatha
- John de Silva Mawatha
- St. James’ Street
Colombo 14 (Grandpass)
Statistics: Population of about 50,000; area of 1.4 km2
Description: A residential and commercial area with many ethnic communities and religious sites.
Colombo 14 is a district of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is also known as Grandpass. Colombo 14 is located along the Kelani River and borders Colombo 13 and Colombo 15. It is a densely populated and industrial area with many factories, warehouses and workshops.
- The Sugathadasa Stadium: A multi-purpose stadium that hosts various sports events and concerts.
- The Grandpass Market: A large market that sells fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and meat.
- The St. Anthony’s Church: A Catholic church that was built in 1903 by Italian missionaries.
- The Grandpass Canal: A waterway that connects Colombo 14 with other parts of the city.
- The Grandpass Police Station: A historic building that was constructed in 1890 by British colonialists
Colombo 14 areas
- Grandpass (part)
- Mutwal (part)
- Modera (part)
- Mattakkuliya (part)
- Prince of Wales Avenue
- Campbell Place
- Madduma Heva Road
- Mutuwal Road
- Meetotamulla Road
Colombo 15 (Mattakkuliya, Modara, Mutwal, Madampitiya)
Statistics: Population of about 85,000; area of 3.6 km2
Description: A coastal area with many fishing villages and ports.
Colombo 15 is a district of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is also known as Mattakkuliya, Modara, Mutwal and Madampitiya. Colombo 15 is located along the northern coast of Colombo and borders Colombo 14 and Colombo 2. It is a densely populated and residential area with many schools, churches and mosques.
- The Crow Island Beach Park: A public park that offers a view of the sea and the port.
- The St. Mary’s Church: A Catholic church that was built in 1905 by Dutch missionaries.
- The Modara Fort: A historic fort that was built in 1598 by Portuguese colonists.
- The Mattakkuliya Bridge: A bridge that connects Colombo 15 with other parts of the city.
- The Mattakkuliya Market: A market that sells fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and meat.
Colombo 15 areas
- Mattakkuliya (part)
- Modera (part)
- Madampitiya (part)
- Enderamulla Road
- Alwis Town Road
- Gunasinghepura Road
- Azeez Mawatha
- Thilakawatte Road
- Wimalasurendra Mawatha
- Maha Nuge Gardens
Conclusion
Colombo is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, shopping, dining or entertainment, you will find it in one of the 15 sub-areas of Colombo.
Explore best of this amazing city and experience the unique blend of old-world charm and modernity that defines Sri Lanka’s capital.
We hope this guide has given you an overview of what to expect and how to enjoy your visit to this amazing city.