Sinhala, the native language of Sri Lanka, has shaped a unique set of city names alongside the more commonly known English names. Most households in Sri Lanka, whether living in houses for sale or rent, primarily use Sinhala for communication. However, in Colombo—where English is increasingly prevalent, especially among the upper-middle and elite classes who often reside in purchased apartments or houses—many might be unfamiliar with the Sinhala names of Colombo's 1-15 divisions. These names are rarely used, except when called out by bus conductors during commutes.
If you're not familiar with the Sinhala names for Colombo's 1-15 divisions, here’s a complete guide to both the English and Sinhala names of each area.
Colombo | English Name | Sinhala Name | Postal Code |
1 | Colombo Fort | Kotuwa | 00100 |
2 | Slave Island | Kompanyaweediya | 00200 |
3 | Kolpity | Kollupitiya | 00300 |
4 | Bambalapitiya | Bambalapitiya | 00400 |
5 | Narahenpita, Havelock Town , Kirulapona North | Narahenpita, Havelock Town , Kirulapona North | 00500 |
6 | Wellawatta, Pamankada, Kirulapona South | Wellawatta, Pamankada, Kirulapona South | 00600 |
7 | Cinnamon Garden | Kurunduwatta | 00700 |
8 | Borella | Borella | 00800 |
9 | Dematagoda | Dematagoda | 00900 |
10 | Maradana, Panchikawatte | Maradana | 01000 |
11 | Pettah | Pitakotuwa | 01100 |
12 | Hulsfdorf | Aluthkade | 01200 |
13 | Bloemendhal | Kotahena, Kochchikade | 01300 |
14 | Grandpass | Grandpass | 01400 |
15 | Mattakkuliya, Modara, Mutwal, Madampitiya | Mattakkuliya, Modara, Mutwal, Madampitiya | 01500 |
In Sri Lanka, local authorities, including municipal councils, urban councils, and pradeshiya sabhas...