Slave Island

Slave Island කොම්පඤ්ඤ වීදිය கொம்பனித்தெரு
Suburb
Beira Lake and Slave Island
Slave Island
Coordinates: 6°55′37″N 79°50′55″E / 6.92694°N 79.84861°ECoordinates: 6°55′37″N 79°50′55″E / 6.92694°N 79.84861°E
Country	Sri Lanka
Province	Western Province
District	Colombo District
Time zone	Sri Lanka Standard Time Zone (UTC+5:30)
Postal Code	00200

Slave Island is a suburb in Colombo, Sri Lanka located directly south of the Fort area of Colombo. The name Slave Island was given during the period of British occupation and administration, and refers to the situation under Portuguese and Dutch administration when slaves were held there, most of them from Africa. Most of the slaves later returned to Africa. However, a very small group of African descendants are scattered throughout Sri Lanka and are collectively known as Sri Lankan Kaffirs. The suburb contains Beira Lake, a large lake and its esplanade is visited by many for recreation. Slave Island is mostly a commercial area with hotels and shopping centres.

Demographic

Slave Island is a multicultural area. The larger ethnic communities in Slave Island are the Sri Lankan Moors and Sinhalese. There are also various minorities such as Burghers, Malays and others. Religions include Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and various other religions and beliefs.

Infrastructure

Slave Island is served by the Slave Island Railway Station. Built with Victorian-era architectural embellishments, the station carries significant architectural and historic value. The building features stylish arches, intricate woodwork, and metal installations, which emphasize Victorian-era styles.^[1]

Military

• Rifle Barracks
• Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (SLEME)

Diplomatic missions

• Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Cyprus
• Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand
• Honorary Consulate of Madagascar

Photos

• 

  The Seema Malakaya of the Gangarama Temple in the Beira Lake in the Slave Island area, is one of many religious structures in Colombo

References

1. "Protecting historic Slave Island Railway Station". Community/Livelihood Development. John Keells Group. Retrieved 2012-01-06.