Sri Jayawardhanapura was the capital of Kotte Kingdom which was founded in 1412. After 1551 the increasing power of the Portuguese became a threat to the independence of Sri Lanka. After the demise of King Buwanekabahu they were able to secure the power of Kotte Kingdom. Their choice as the center of administration was the city of Colombo. Colombo Fort was considered to be the Naval Headquarters and the center of local administration while Pettah became a habitat area.

The city of Colombo was the center of administration throughout Portuguese regime. In the year 1833 the English declared the city of Colombo as the capital Ceylon, There are so many historical places in Colombo District. Some of them are Korathota Raja Maha Viharaya, Kotte Raja Maha Viharaya and Pattini Dewalaya at Nawagamuwa. Both the administrative capital (Sri Jayawardhanapura Kotte) and the commercial capital (City of Colombo) are situated in Colombo District. There are also very rural areas in Colombo District such as villages in Seethawaka and Padukka Divisional Secretariat Divisions.

Colombo is the most highly populated district in Sri Lanka. According to the census reports in 2001 the population was 2,251,274. Colombo District is divided in to 13 Divisional Secretariat Divisions and their activities are coordinated and supervised by the Colombo District Secretariat. Colombo District is a combined mixture of mountains, plains and marsh lands. North and East parts of the district are mountainous whereas East and South-East parts are surrounded by marsh lands. City of Colombo is connected by a network of canals and at the heart of the city is the Beira Lake.

The total extent of the Colombo District is 675 sq. km.

Boundaries of the Colombo District

• North - Kelani River (Gampaha District)
• South - Bolgoda River (Kalutara District)
• West - Coast line
• East - Sabaragamuwa Province

Climate

Colombo District has mild weather conditions without extremes throughout the whole year. The maximum temperature is about 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) during the months of March and April and the minimum temperature is about 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit). The monsoon seasons are from March to August and from October to January during which time very heavy thunder showers can be expected. The annual rainfall is about 2400mm.

Name List of The Government Agent's