Modern buildings, twin towers, and magnificent hotels compose much of the skyline in and around Colombo. In the recent past apartments in Colombo have joined the fleet posing quite a challenge to the already eye-catching structures. Fort or Colombo 01 has been a hub of activity for many decades, the Colombo Port, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the President’s House and now Shangri – La One Galle Face all reside in the same neighbourhood; needless to say, all of them possess envied addresses of the country.
On weekdays during business hours the area of Fort is abuzz with activity; vendors push their carts half way across the streets adding to the congestion, buses toot their horns ever so loudly to make way for themselves, luxurious cars and jeeps hasten to carry business executives for important meetings, all the buildings are alit, people pour in and out of them, trains keep coming and going while ships set sail from the port and pedestrians rush around. As the day ends and everyone returns to their homes is when it suddenly strikes you that all of this action takes place in quite a charming city where the architecture of the old buildings is exquisite and well-preserved while the modern day edifices complement them wonderfully and the crash of waves at Galle Face is rhythmic and the reason for the strong gusts of wind felt throughout the day.
The Galle Face Green was and continues to be one of the most loved places to relax in the evening while observing the setting sun. There is a promenade built out into the sea for people to enjoy the resounding claps of the waves and there are plenty of ice cream and snack vendors. It is customary for students, lovers, work colleagues and families to stroll around Galle Face, crunch into crispy wadeis and candy floss.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
