Colombo is the pulsating centre of the tropical island of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean and only 48 kilometres away from the south coast of India.

The capital's so-called Fort-District with its British colonial buildings in Victorian style and a 100-year-old clock tower, is impressive. The former Dutch hospital was built for the members of the "United East Indian Company", and right next door, the World Trade Center has now been built, with its two visually striking towers that somewhat contrast with the old centre.

By the 10th century an stopover for Arab traders was here at the mouth of the Kenaliganga. Later the Portuguese arrived, then the Dutch and finally the British.

Sometime in the 3rd century Hinduism was brought by the Tamils to Sri Lanka. With the influence of Hinduism, the spirits and demons merged with figures from the subcontinent and this form of religion was born.

Christians also have their place of faith here. The Wolfendhal church is a distinctive sacred building, which is named after the old Dutch quarter.

The National Museum is located in the middle of a well-kept garden in the Cinnamon Gardens District. Around the Beira Lake in the heart of Colombo is the so-called Slave Island District. Originally the Portuguese settled their abducted East African slaves here, who were brought to build the fortress.

Colombo is a cosmopolitan city with contrasts. A fascinating melting pot where an extraordinary fusion of gods and believers were bound through economy and technology.