Colombo Fort Clock Tower.

The Colombo Fort Clock Tower doesn’t look it, but it is – in many ways – the heart of the city.


This spot is roughly 


kilometer zero


 for the country.


 The distance of all the roads to and from Colombo (like the A1) is measured from the nearby President’s House.       


It is also right next to the Central Bank, which you can see at left in the picture above. In 1996, the Central Bank was the site of a terrorist attack which killed 91 people, injured 1,400 and caused tourism to plummet 40%. The clock tower was also damaged and basically stopped ticking. After this the heart of Colombo became a high security zone. 


Then, on 


January 22nd 2015, the road was re-opened, about 6 years after the end of the war. Earlier you could see the tower from Chatham Street, but it wasn’t fully public. Now it finally is, and we took the chance to revisit Janadhipathi Mawatha and take some photos.


The Location


This is the center of Colombo, but the road has been closed for much of living memory. Janadhipathi Mawatha is actually only a few hundred meters long, but the length of roads has been calculated from the President’s House here since the Kandy Road (A1) was built.


The clock tower itself began service as a lighthouse in 1829 and a clock was installed in 1860. The clock mechanism itself was built by the English clockmakers Dent, who also built Big Ben. As buildings came up around the point, the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1952. If you look you can see that it still has what looks like a beacon on top. The tower and mechanism was severely damaged in the bomb blast but is in working order now.


Stuff Around


Visiting the clock tower will actually only take a minute. There isn’t anything to do there and you can’t climb it. You may want to refresh yourself in the neighborhood.


Chatham Street has the lovely


Dilmah T-Lounge


and the quirky


Pagoda Tea Rooms


, where Duran Duran filmed a music video. There is also the


Economic History Museum


(we call it the Money Museum) right on the corner. This is an odd museum where you can find giant 10 Rupee coins and other somewhat kitschy curiosities. 

For more conventional dining and shopping, the highly happening Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct nearby. On your way there, a random place worth checking out is the

jail cell of the last King of Sri Lanka

. It’s in an insurance building parking lot at the opposite end of Janadhipathi Mw. This was the spot where the last king was held before he was deported to India.

The nearby

Kingsbury Hotel

is also a nice place to chill, they have a rooftop bar and a good buffet. 

Conclusion

The Colombo Fort Clock tower is not especially tall or particularly noteworthy, but it means a lot to us. In many ways, after the Central Bank bombing, the heart of the city was closed – both literally and metaphorically. That’s why it makes us very happy that this spot is fully accessible again. We know it’s not much to look at, but there’s a lot of meaning there if you stop to think.


If you want to see how the place looked now and then, use the sliding image below. The ‘before’ photo is from The Archives. We’re not sure we got the angle right, but it looks OK.



Old




Now



Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Mad Dogs Bodega, Banyan

Highlights Kamu

Budget-friendly Iftar spots 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, In our previous article, we highlighted some exquisite and upscale Iftar

Highlights Kamu

Iftar Buffet Round Up 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya As Ramadan arrives, a warm feeling of reflection and community fills

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Pasta Paradise: The Pasta Factory, Galle Fort

In the historic Galle Fort, The Pasta Factory brings a taste of Italy to Sri

Highlights Kamu

A Home for Desi Dreams – Bombay Nights by Radisson Colombo

As we stepped into the ‘Dine’ in Radisson Colombo, our senses were immediately tantalized by

Highlights Kamu

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Trending.

Experience the Elegance and Excitement of RTC Tourism Race Day in Nuwara Eliya

RTC Nuwara Eliya will hold its RTC Tourism Race Day on 30th March 2024 at

Trending

“85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim” by SLASU held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel Beach

The "85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim" organized by Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union

Trending

Sheraton Colombo Hotel celebrates International Women’s Day with empowering insights

Sheraton Colombo Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, marked International

Trending

Anantara Kalutara Presents an Elevated Gastronomic Journey to Italy

Kalutara, Sri Lanka - March 14, 2024 - Anantara Kalutara Resort is delighted to announce

Trending

List of Party Venues 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Finding the perfect place to host a party can be a hassle.

Highlights Trending

LCY Unveils Debut ‘LCY for Her’ Collection, Redefining Women’s Polo Wear with Strength, and Sophistication

Thursday, 14, March, 2024, Colombo: LCY, a brand synonymous with manufacturing high-quality men’s polos of

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him

By Fathima Rukaiya Are you trying to find the perfect way to show your special

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

Written by Fathima Rukaiya The season of love is upon us once more, and opinions

Highlights Yamu Guide

Romantic Dinner and High Tea date spots for Valentine’s Day  2024

Written by Shamrina C 1. Via Torino Indulge in a fine dining exclusive 3-Course meal

Highlights Yamu Guide

BYOB Bliss: 16 Places to you can Bring Your Own Bottle!

Written by Shamrina C 1. Giovannis Indulge in Italian flavors, grooving music, pet friendly, and

Highlights Yamu Guide

Unveiling Ramada’s Festive Christmas High Tea Extravaganza!

Written by Shamrina C Mark your calendars for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December,

Highlights Yamu Guide