Sri Lanka is one of the few countries in the world to have two cities as capitals. The capitals are Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte and Colombo. The first one is called the administrative capital, while the second one is known as commercial capital of Sri Lanka.
Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte a.k.a. as administrative capital because government offices and buildings are situated in it.
On the other hand, Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka as it holds the one of the largest artificial harbors and is also principal port of the Indian Ocean. Further, most of the international trade is being done through this capital.
The purpose of declaring two capitals of Sri Lanka is to effectively manage the administrative work and also addressing the following issues:
- Increase in population
- Rapid urbanization
- Infrastructure issues
- Environmental issues
Location of Capital of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s commercial and administrative capitals are located in the western region. The former one is nine meter and latter one is twenty-seven meter above the sea level. Both capitals’ boundaries touch each other.
Population of Sri Jayewardenepura & Colombo
There is major difference in population of these two capitals. Colombo population is almost almost above seven hundred and fifty thousand whereas Sri Jayewardenepura population stands near the two hundred thousand. Colombo has seen population growth every year due to its port and tourism.
Demographics of Sri Jayewardenepura & Colombo
Colombo is well divers city, providing residence to many ethnic communities. The largest ethnic community is Sinhalese. In term of religion Islam and Buddhism are top of the list. Sri Jayewardenepura is mostly occupied by Sinhalese. This is not much diverse to Colombo.
Sri Jayewardenepura & Colombo Attractions
Both of these capitals are very rich in attracting international tours. It is not easy to maintain list for their attractions. Few of them are listed down
– Sri Jayewardenepura (Administrative Capital of Sri Lanka)
- Diyatha Uyana
- Beddagana Wetland Park
- Diyawanna Lake
- Sri Lankan Parliament Building
– Colombo (Commercial Capital of Sri Lanka)
- Gangaramaya Temple
- Galle Face Green
- National Museum of Colombo
- Old Parliament Building
- Viharamahadevi Park
- Dutch Period Museum
- Pettah Floating Market
General Information for Travelers
Colombo information is below
- Weather: 28 C
- Internet Speed: 7 Mbps
- Safety: Good
- Racial Tolerance: Good
- Freedom of Speech: Okay
- Traffic Safety: Okay
- Cost of Living for Local/Expat: Affordable 1,005 $ /m
The general information for other capital of Sri Lanka will be shared soon.
More Read:
- Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
- Best Hotels to Stay in Sri Lanka
- 10 Things To Do in Colombo
Author: Humza Liaquat