Colombo is the largest city and former capital of Sri Lanka. It is located on the west coast of the island; adjacent to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte; the capital.

Colombo is a busy and vibrant city with a mixture of modern life and colonial buildings and ruins. It has a city population of 647;100 (2010). Due to its large harbour and its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes; Colombo was known to ancient traders 2;000 years ago. However it was only made the capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815; and its status as capital was retained when the nation became independent in 1948.

In 1978; when administrative functions were moved to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte; Colombo was designated as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Like many cities; Colombo's urban area extends well beyond the boundaries of a single local authority; encompassing other municipal and urban councils. The main city is home to a majority of Sri Lanka's corporate offices; restaurants and entertainment venues. Famous landmarks in Colombo include Galle Face Green; Viharamahadevi Park and the National Museum.