Colombo Maritime Museum.

Located inside the Sri Lanka Ports Authority premises on Chaithya Road, the Maritime Museum is one of the lesser-known attractions of Colombo. With its colonial architecture, the building has the potential to house some impressive exhibits. Yet, stepping inside, I was struck mostly by its dinginess. 

The Place

I’m received by a gaudy reception desk that is fashioned after a ship, with scaffolding behind it as the building seems to be preparing for some renovation. There is no air conditioning and there are no fans inside, so the high ceiling is the only saving grace.

 

As soon as I entered, I encountered a brass Prince Vijaya, covered in verdigris, next to a model of the ship he is believed to have arrived in. There is a lion painted on the ship, naturally, and a massive recreation of his arrival is painted as a backdrop. I walk along and find the same treatment for Sangamitta, the daughter of Emperor Asoka of India, who arrived in Sri Lanka with the sacred bo sapling; a Chinese monk Ven. Fahien; Ibn Batuta; the Portuguese, the Dutch and, last, but certainly not least, the British.

(Note to those with asthma, do not breathe heavily as you will erupt into a sneezing fit. This place is dusty, so hold your breath for as long as you can.) 

The next room is quite eerie. Though this exhibit would require the least imagination to represent, it is the most disappointing of the lot. There is a panoramic mural of life along the Sri Lankan coast, with fishermen folk in sarama and their women, which is quite striking. What takes away from it are the life-size statues of these folk, their skin gleaming as they look out into the distance. It’s like Madame Tussaud's, but without the famous people, the lighting, or any real attempt to really bring this exhibit to life. 

On the other side of the room, there is an arrangement of miscellaneous items involved in the maritime trade. These include hooks, lines, lamps, scales and even old telephones. These exhibits are mostly labelled in Sinhala, while the rest of the exhibits have trilingual information accompanying them. The inconsistency is disappointing. 

Oh, there's also a massive model of a deep-sea diver that is actually pretty damn cool. The diver is standing on the table that carries the rest of the paraphernalia, which is a little odd, but the elevation helps this exhibit stand out. There are also some models of modern-day port and harbour machines and vehicles.

 

Conclusion

As with any museum in Sri Lanka, there are information boards telling tales that range from from elephant-and horse-trading to pottery and ceramics. These are trilingual, thankfully, although we spotted some priceless typos among them, including 'Ancient Navel Relations Reveded from Social Inscription', for fans of navel-gazing. 

I’d like to see this place lit up, dust-free and with a less tacky reception. It’s worth a visit, but don’t get too excited. 

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

The Sweetest Valentine’s Treat from The Sweet Room!

by Shamrina Carim February is here and love is in the air—So is the irresistible

Kamu

Sawan for Seven! A Gigantic North Indian Meal from Rosewood Ceylon

By Shamrina Carim If you’re craving an indulgent North Indian meal that brings together bold

Kamu

Culinary Adventure at Long Feng by Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo : The Chinese Food Festival 2025

If you’ve never journeyed to China, a  grand opportunity to immerse yourself in its true

Kamu

Cheers Pub at Cinnamon Grand Colombo: The Ultimate Spot for Great Vibes, Delicious Food, and Fun

By Sharon Nonis Looking for a place that blends great food, refreshing drinks, live music,

Highlights Kamu

Across Borders: A Culinary Bridge Between India and Sri Lanka Through Peshawri’s Timeless Flavors

By Vimasha Vishvadari Peshawri, a renowned restaurant chain, originated from the iconic Bukhara restaurant in

Highlights Kamu

Tenkū – a hidden Gem of the Japanese Cuisine

By Vimasha Weerawansha Ambience  The Kingsbury Rooftop offers a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape and

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Celebrate Love This Valentine’s Day at Cinnamon Grand

Indulge in the ultimate romantic experiences this Valentine’s Day at Cinnamon Grand. From an exquisite

Trending

Love This Valentine’s Day at Cinnamon Lakeside

This Valentine's Day, immerse yourself in romance with an array of exclusive experiences at Cinnamon

Trending

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Style at Cinnamon Red

Indulge in the ultimate romantic experiences this Valentine's Day at Cinnamon Grand. From an exquisite

Trending

Mount Lavinia Hotel Celebrates World Pizza Day with Special Guest Chef Roberto Radoni

Mount Lavinia Hotel’s celebration of World Pizza Day on February 9th was an unforgettable gastronomic

Trending

A Valentine’s Day to Remember at The Kingsbury

This Valentine’s Day, let your love story unfold at The Kingsbury, Colombo. Set against the

Trending

Celebrate Love at Amaya Hills and Amaya Beach This Valentine’s Day

Celebrate Love at Amaya Hills and Amaya Beach This Valentine's Day This Valentine’s, embrace the

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Colombo’s BYOB Gems: 15 Perfect Spots to Pair Your Drink with Delicious Food

by Vimasha Weerawansha Are you on the hunt for dining spots where you can bring

Yamu Guide

14 Romantic Places to Spend  February 14th – Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you're looking for the perfect place

Highlights Yamu Guide

Valentine’s Gift Guide for Him 2025

by Fathima Rukaiya Looking for the perfect way to show your special guy how much

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Valentine’s Day Picks for Her 2025

By Fathima Rukaiya, With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, hearts are filled with anticipation.

Highlights Yamu Guide

New Year’s Eve at The Kingsbury Colombo

Embrace the wonder of Christmas with a world of joy and togetherness this New Year’s

Trending Yamu Guide

Tea, Treats, and Tidings: The Christmas Menu of t-Lounge by Dilmah

By Vimasha Weerawansha t-Lounge by Dilmah is a sophisticated tea experience that blends tradition with

Highlights Yamu Guide