Which is the Largest City in Sri Lanka? Know About It

Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka and its main financial center. It has a population of around 5.6 million people. Even though it is a modern city, many of its buildings still show influence of Portuguese, Dutch and British Rule. Know more about Colombo in this article.

Akansha Arora Last updated on October 29th, 2025 06:22 pm

Sri Lanka is a beautiful island country in South Asia, known for its rich history, culture and natural beauty. It has many famous cities that plan an important role in its economy and tourism. The largest city in the country is a major center for business, trade and travel. With a mix of modern buildings and historical landmarks, it attracts people from all over the world.

Largest City in Sri Lanka

Colombo is the biggest city in Sri Lanka and the country’s main financial and commercial center. It has a population of about 5.6 million people. Though it is a modern city, many buildings still reflect the styles of Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. Located on the coast, Colombo has been an important trade hub for over 2,000 years.

History of Colombo

Colombo became the capital of Sri Lanka under British rule in 1815. It remained the capital even after Sri Lanka gained the independence in 1948. However, in 1978, the government moved its official functions to another city. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. Despite this, Colombo is still the country’s political, financial and cultural hub.

A Multicultural City

Colombo is home to people from different ethnic backgrounds. The largest group is the Sinhalese, making up 41.36% of the population. Other major groups include Sri Lanka Tamils (28.91%) and Sri Lankan Moors (23.87%). There are also Indian Tamils (2.17%), Sri Lankan Malays (1.73%), Burghers (0.82%) and smaller communities like Sri Lankan Chetty (0.11%) and Bharatha (0.07%).

Business and Economy of Sri Lanka’s Largest City

Colombo is Sri Lanka’s financial hub. Many big companies have their headquarters here. The city has several important industries, including:

Chemical Industry: Produces medicines, paints and fertilizers.
Glass Industry: Makes glass products for buildings and homes.
Cement Industry: Produces materials for construction.
Textile Industry: Manufactures clothes and fabrics.
Leather Industry: Produces leather goods like shoes and bags.

Major Port and Trade Center

Colombo has one of Sri Lanka’s busiest ports, making it an important center for international trade. For centuries, traders from different parts of the world have come to Colombo to buy and sell goods. Today, the city continues to play a key role in Sri Lanka’s economy.