The Gall Face Green is a landmark in Colombo, Sri Lanka and is the city’s largest open space though much diminished from its original size. The sea front promenade adjacent to Fort, Colombo was laid out in 1859 on a concept mooted by the then British Governor of Sri Lanka, Sir Henry Ward. Later, the esplanade was built. For over 150 years the islanders and visitors have enjoyed the sea air and fresh breezes blowing from the Indian Ocean. It is also a venue for relaxation and fun with food and beverage vendors, kite and balloon and other toy merchants thronging the Green. For a comfortable ride to the Galle Face Green a cab service in Colombo would be most convenient. Malkey Rent a Car with a large, modern and varied fleet and a transparent service minus hidden costs is ideal not only for a ride to Galle Face Green but for island wide transportation.
Sir Henry Ward authorized the promenade so that colonial ladies and children could take the air which practice remains to this date. Many from all walks of society congregate at this park to walk or jog and breathe in the balmy sea air. To flat dwellers and those living in congested accommodation the Galle Face Green offers much longed for space, fresh air and exercise.
Cricket, polo, football, tennis and golf were among the games played here originally. Today, only cricket and foot ball is played by visitors to the Green in informal style. Horse racing too commenced in 1820 during Governor Sir Edward Barnes’s time but today is no more at Galle Face Green. However, pony rides are a very popular pastime among the young visitors to the Green today.
Throughout history the Galle Face Green has been the venue for many important events. Many Independence Day Parades , the swearing in of Sri Lanka’s First Executive President, and two papal masses those by Pope John Paul in 1995 and Pope Francis the First In January 2015. The first ever Royal- Thomian Cricket encounter was held at the Galle Face Green during 15th – 17th July 1879.
The Galle Face Green has many hotels nearby. The iconic Galle Face Hotel which has an old world charm and majesty all its own boasts of many celebrity guests stands at one end of the Galle Face Green adding to the grandeur of the Green.
On the 31st of December the Green is thronged with visitors come to picnic and enjoy the fireworks from the ships in Colombo’s harbor.
The Galle Face Green is also an ideal place to enjoy a tropical sunset in all its magnificence.
Even after one and a half centuries the Galle Face Green still remains one of the most popular haunts of the metropolis.
Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
