Despite the new developments and the inevitable Chinese mega project - Port City - there's a feeling of shabbiness due in part to the humidity which covers concrete with mould and in part to the size of the population. And while it may look shabby at least the road surfaces are better than Edinburgh!
However this has to be one of the friendliest places I have been. It seems impossible to walk through the city without someone guiding you through the traffic on a busy road or ensuring that you find the right platform for your train - and without the subsequent expectation of reward.
As a result I had interesting conversations with a plumbing engineer who was working on a high-rise hotel development on his lunch break and with a Sri Lankan Navy supply officer on his way home.
We saw the major sights on a tour of the city including a large Buddha or two
and a mosque
before we were dropped off downtown for lunch at a very smart place called Ministry of Crab which was excellent, if expensive.
A bit more sightseeing on the city streets and then to the Fort Station for a train ride back to Mount Lavinia.
Only 28C but 90% humidity so 3rd class carriage was a little warm even with all doors and windows open as we took the route around the coast.
Very glad to get back to the hotel so we could cool off in the pool.
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