Colombo - Sri Lanka - page 117

around you. Wolfendhal Lane is a typical side-street refuge: wander past its pirated-DVD
and textile stores and exchange gentle 'hellos' with the locals.
Pettah Markets MARKETS
(Col 11)
The concentrated and manic commerce of Pettah is concentrated even further in its mar-
kets. The one not to miss is the Federation of Self Employees Market ( MAP
GOOGLE MAP ;off Olcott Mawatha, Col 11; 7am-4pm) , which stretches along 5th Cross St and
is a hive of household goods and food. Admire the artful displays of fruit and veg, like the
pyramids of limes.
Just east of Fort train station, Manning Market ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Olcott Mawatha, Col
11; 6am-2pm) is ripe with everything grown in Sri Lanka. It's the city's wholesale fruit
and veg centre and is a monkey's dream of bananas. The modernised Central Market (
MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Market St, Col 11; 7am-3pm) lacks the charm of the others.
Dutch Period Museum MUSEUM
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 244 8466;95 Prince St, Col 11;adult/child Rs 500/300; 9am-5pm Tue-
Sat)
This unique museum was originally the 17th-century residence of the Dutch governor and
has since been used as a Catholic seminary, a military hospital, a police station and a post
office. The mansion contains a lovely garden courtyard and has a nice faded feel since a
1977 restoration. Exhibits include Dutch colonial furniture and other artefacts.
It's here in 1638 that King Rajasinghe II of the Kingdom of Kandy signed the treaty that
opened up Ceylon to the Dutch.
Old City Hall HISTORIC BUILDING
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Main St , Col 11; 8am-5pm Mon-Sat)
Dating to 1865, this municipal building from the British era is mostly empty today, save
for some old trucks and municipal equipment on display in the ground-floor galleries. But
let the attendants lead you up the vintage mahogany stairs (tip them Rs 100) and you'll
discover something of a waxworks in the old council chambers. There, covered in dust, are
replicas of the town's first councillors in 1906.