Three Days in Colombo – What to See, Do, Eat and Drink, Colombo, Sri Lanka (B)

For my first trip to Sri Lanka, I was super excited, specifically, for my three days in Colombo. This excitement turned to slight concerns as I researched what to do in the capital city. With blog post after blog post panning the optically interesting city as dull, I began to question if three days in Colombo was too much. Here’s what I found.

With less than favourable reviews, I was determined to give Colombo a chance. Arriving from an extremely crowded and polluted Delhi India, I thought this was an easy ask. Leaving the airport Erin and I were shocked to find a four-lane highway leading into a modern downtown Colombo. Lined with construction cranes and new high-rise buildings, the city gives off the impression of prosperity and wealth. At the centre of it all, the new Lotus tower.

Turns out this prosperity is somewhat of a façade thanks to heavy investments from the Chinese. The boost in infrastructure is thanks to China’s investment in the country. This includes a “free” shipping yard, new roads, and hotels. This economic boost has come at a cost as Sri Lanka is struggling to pay off its debt leading to China taking over. Sadly, this picture is playing out at several seaside countries in the Indian Ocean. It is part of China’s New Silk Road and the implications and motives are concerning. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).