City (pop., 2001 prelim.: 642,020), administrative capital of Sri Lanka.
Situated on the western coast of the island, it is a major port with one of the largest artificial harbours in the world. The area was settled in the 8th century by Arab traders. It was occupied by the Portuguese in 1517, the Dutch in 1656, and the English in 1796, and it became the capital of the island in 1815. Western influence diminished after Sri Lanka gained its independence in 1948. A commercial and industrial centre, Colombo has manufacturing industries that produce machinery and process food products. It is home to the University of Colombo (founded 1921).