Colombo, Sri Lanka’s dynamic capital, is more than a modern metropolis—it is a city layered with spiritual depth and architectural splendour. Among its many cultural treasures, the Gangaramaya Temple and the Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar) stand out as two of the most iconic expressions of the island’s religious diversity and artistic heritage. Each site tells a story of devotion, identity, and aesthetic brilliance, offering a window into the heart of Colombo’s cultural landscape.

Gangaramaya Temple – Where Devotion Meets Design

Located beside the tranquil Beira Lake, Gangaramaya Temple is one of Colombo’s most revered Buddhist institutions. Founded in the late 19th century by the scholar-monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, the temple is far more than a place of worship—it is a vibrant centre of Buddhist learning, philanthropy, and cultural preservation.

Architecturally, the temple is an arresting blend of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese influences, reflecting Buddhism’s transnational legacy. Its ornate interiors are adorned with golden Buddha statues, hand-painted murals of Jataka tales, and lavishly carved wooden and stone details. The temple’s museum holds a fascinating collection of ancient relics, ivory carvings, and centuries-old manuscripts.

A short walk away, the Seema Malaka, designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, floats serenely on the lake. Its minimalist structure and rhythmic symmetry offer a contrast to the temple’s rich detail—a tranquil space designed for meditation, perfectly embodying the island’s fusion of tradition and modernity.

Gangaramaya is also known for the Navam Perahera, one of Colombo’s grandest cultural spectacles. This annual procession brings the city to life with ornately dressed elephants, traditional drummers, dancers, and illuminated temple artifacts, celebrating faith with vibrant pageantry.

The Red Mosque – A Landmark of Faith and Architectural Elegance

Tucked into the bustling heart of Pettah, Colombo’s historic trading district, the Red Mosque—or Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque—is a visual marvel and a cultural beacon. Constructed in 1908 by the city’s Muslim trading community, the mosque was designed by Habibu Labbe Saibu Labbe in a striking Indo-Saracenic style, merging Islamic, Indian, and Colonial architectural elements.

Its unmistakable red-and-white candy-striped façade, soaring minarets, and domes shaped like pomegranates make it one of the most photographed landmarks in Colombo. This intricate design not only captures attention from afar but reveals a deep artistic intention rooted in Islamic visual culture. Inside, visitors find a serene space adorned with geometric patterns, elegant tilework, and airy courtyards designed for reflection and prayer.

The mosque continues to serve as an active place of worship for Colombo’s Muslim community and welcomes respectful visitors during non-prayer hours. As one of the first structures seen by sailors arriving at the Colombo port in the early 20th century, it once stood as both a spiritual anchor and a navigational landmark—further adding to its historical weight.