Why visit
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is Sri Lanka's official administrative capital, closely tied to greater Colombo. It is quieter than central Colombo, with wetlands, parliament buildings, and historic kingdom roots.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Sri Lanka. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Sri Lanka better matches the trip style.
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte at a glance
City population
116k
Elevation
27 m
89 ft
Time zone
UTC+5:30
Asia/Colombo
Airport
RML
Colombo Ratmalana International Airport
Sri Lanka at a glance
Country center
7.0°, 81.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
65,610 km²
25,332 mi²
Country population
21.9 million
334/km²
Subregion
Southern Asia
Currency
Sri Lankan rupee (Rs රු)
LKR
Dial
+94
Languages
Sinhala, Tamil
Demonym
Sri Lankan
Internet
.lk
UN
Member state
ISO code
LK / LKA
Where in the world
7.0° - 81.0°
Sri Lanka
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is Sri Lanka's official administrative capital, while Colombo remains the larger commercial center.
- The parliament complex sits on an island in Diyawanna Lake.
- Kotte was the capital of a 15th-century Sinhalese kingdom; the seat of government returned to it in 1982.
- Sri Lanka is the first country in the world to have had a female prime minister (Sirimavo Bandaranaike, 1960).
- The country produces the bulk of the world's "Ceylon" tea: the name still used internationally.
Bordering Sri Lanka
Traveler notes
- Parliament sits on an island in Diyawanna Lake
- Nearby wetlands are important urban bird habitats
- Most visitor services and transport remain centered on Colombo
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
What currency is used in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte?
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte uses the Sri Lankan rupee (Rs රු), ISO code LKR.
What languages are spoken in Sri Lanka?
The primary languages are Sinhala and Tamil.
What is the international calling code for Sri Lanka?
The calling code is +94.
When is the best time to visit Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte?
Dec–Mar. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte?
Colombo Ratmalana International Airport (IATA: RML).
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