The Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka is a Roman Catholic church with basilica status in Tewatte, Sri Lanka. Being thus in a somewhat distant suburb of Colombo, it comes under the purview of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo and is a site of pilgrimage for Sri Lankan Catholics since 1974. The church is home to the venerated statue of Our Lady of Lanka.
Negombo Fort was a small but important fort in Negombo, approx. 30 km (19 mile) north of Colombo, that was built by the Portuguese to defend Colombo. The fort was located on a narrow strip of land between a lagoon and an inlet of the sea. It was surrounded by a dry moat, and the gate was accessed via a drawbridge. The original Portuguese fort was a weak structure, which was captured by Dutch forces commanded by Philip Lucasz, in February 1640. The Portuguese made several attempts to retake it before they were successful in December 1640. They then strengthened the fortifications and managed to defend the fort until it was recaptured by the Dutch, commanded by Francois Caron, in January 1644. The original bastions were destroyed by the Dutch cannons during the siege of the fort. The Dutch subsequently rebuilt it in 1672 however not on the usual square pattern, but on a pentagonal one, though it had only four bulwarks, the fifth was never constructed (possibly due to the cost).
The Yagirala Rainforest Reserve, also known as the Paniyawala Rain Forest, is a tranquil natural gem located in the Kalutara district of Sri Lanka. Yagirala Rainforest Reserve spans over 2,360 hectares and is approximately an hour or more away from Kalutara. It's one of the top-listed places to visit in the district. This world heritage virgin rainforest boasts unique botanical and biological species. The density of trees and the natural habitat of animals make it a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts. Within its lush greenery, there are 36 species of mammals, including 4 endemic species, and a rich diversity of flora from 62 families. Yagirala forest reserve is situated in the low country wet zone and holds significance in Sri Lanka's biodiversity hotspot.
Visumpaya, is an official residence of the Government of Sri Lanka. It is located in Staple Street, Colombo. The house has been used as residence for visiting heads of state and local government ministers. The colonial style two story bungalow was built as the Officer’s mess of the Ceylon Rifle Regiment and was sold to the Colombo Commercial Company in the late nineteenth century, which was named as “Acland House” turned it into its head office in Colombo. In 1971 the house was taken over by the government following the nationalization of the Colombo Commercial Company under the Business (Acquisition) Act No. 35 of 1971. Since then the house with its large gardens have played host to many official functions and visiting heads of state and government have resided there. Anura Bandaranaike former Minister and Speaker of Parliament died while in residence at Visumpaya. It was used by the D. M. Jayaratne, 14th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka as his official residence.
