National Museum - Colombo

The largest museum in the island, with a lush green lawn shaded by massive banyan trees in the front, the Colombo National Museum is a place to visit if you are keen about the history, and heritage of Sri Lanka. As you enter the museum you’d see a large 9th-century Samadhi meditation pose Buddha statue.

The Colombo National Museum was established on the 1st of January 1877 during the British era. The founder was Sir William Henry Gregory, the British Governor of Ceylon. The museum has a rich collection of statues, carvins, swords, from the ancient past, guns and weapons from the colonial era, and many sculptures, paintings, fabric, jewellery, pottery, coins from various eras.

A few of the most significant artifacts are The royal throne of a Kandyan King Wimaladharmasuriya II who ruled from 1687 to 1707, 9th-century bronze Bodhisattva Sandals. The two storied, 150 year old building itself is quite interesting to see. There is a good cafe on the premises. Be noted that the museum is not air conditioned and only fans.