Colombo - Sri Lanka - page 155

This glossy venue built largely with Chinese aid is located in a high-profile spot south of
Viharamahadevi Park. Its stunning design is based on the Nelum Pokuna, the 12th-century
lotus pond in Polonnaruwa. Look for important productions here.
(When it first opened in 2011, named simply the 'Performing Arts Theatre', it was a
popular sport among locals to see how long it would take Mahinda Rajapaksa to add his
name to the building.)
Lionel Wendt Centre CULTURAL CENTRE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 269 5794; www.lionelwendt.org ;18 Guildford Cres, Col 7; gallery & of-
fice 9am-1pm & 2-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-noon & 2-5pm Sat & Sun)
Among other cultural events, this gallery occasionally hosts live theatre and other events at
night.
Elphinstone Theatre THEATRE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 243 3635;Maradana Rd, Col 10)
This restored 80-year-old theatre maintains a busy program that includes music, drama and
films.
Sri Lanka Cricket CRICKET
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 267 9568; www.srilankacricket.lk ;35 Maitland Pl, Col 7; ticket office
8.30am-5.30pm)
The top sport in Sri Lanka is, without a doubt, cricket. You can buy tickets for major
games from Sri Lanka Cricket, at the office near the oval. Major matches are played at
Premadasa Cricket Stadium, northeast of the centre.
CASINOS
Gaming is legal in Colombo, but only for holders of foreign passports. Most of the clien-
tele is from the region and the casinos - despite adopting names familiar to Vegas high
rollers - are very modest affairs with no connection to their famous namesakes. although
some big-ticket operators have been vying to change this.