Negombo

In 1744, the Dutch, who were then in control of Negombo, built a fort to protect the area from potential invasions and to secure their influence over the lucrative cinnamon trade. This fortification was part of a broader strategy of establishing strongholds throughout Ceylon, as they competed with other colonial powers for dominance.

Negombo, a city located on the west coast of Sri Lanka, became a part of the British Empire following the capture of the coastal regions of Ceylon during the early 19th century. The British were engaged in conflicts to consolidate power in the Indian Ocean, and Ceylon, strategically located, was of great importance.

St. Mary's Church, the largest cathedral in Negombo, was officially opened in 1886, serving as a significant religious landmark in the city. Its architectural style and grandeur reflect the strong Catholic heritage of the region, predominantly influenced by the colonial history of Portuguese and Dutch settlements in Negombo.

On February 4, 1948, Ceylon, which includes the town of Negombo, gained independence from British rule. This marked the end of colonial rule in the country and the beginning of a new era. The transition was relatively peaceful compared to other colonies, with Ceylon becoming a member of the Commonwealth.

Negombo, like many other areas in Sri Lanka, was affected by the anti-Tamil riots that erupted in July 1983, known as Black July. The ethnic violence marked a turning point, significantly escalating tensions between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities and leading to the Sri Lankan Civil War. It remains a dark chapter in Sri Lanka's history.

The devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami affected Negombo significantly, causing destruction and loss of life. Although Negombo wasn’t the worst-hit area, the coastal city was still impacted by the tsunami that followed the undersea earthquake off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. This tragic event highlighted the vulnerability of coastal regions around the Indian Ocean.

Pope Francis visited Sri Lanka in January 2015, including a stop in the district where Negombo is located. His visit was part of his South Asian tour, focused on promoting peace and reconciliation in regions affected by ethnic conflict. This visit was significant for the large Catholic population in Negombo and was hailed as a message of unity and hope.

Negombo was one of the locations targeted during the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka on April 21, 2019. St. Sebastian's Church in Negombo was attacked during mass, resulting in numerous casualties. This coordinated series of bombings shocked the nation and the world, underscoring issues of religious and ethnic tensions in the country.