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What Are the Top 3 Largest Cities in Sri Lanka?

The 3 biggest cities in Sri Lanka, as per population and urban significance rank are:

Sri Lanka has the top 3 biggest cities

1. Colombo

Status: Business capital and the biggest city
Population: ~750,000 (city proper); more than 2 million in the metro area
Where: Western Province, along the Indian Ocean coast
Highlights:

  • The largest city and commercial capital is on the west coast and is the city of port, colonial architecture, and the vibrant life of the big city.
  • Large economic and port city
  • Contemporary skyline, colonial design
  • What to see: Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo National Museum

2. Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia

Population: ~250,000
Where: South of Colombo and within the Colombo metropolitan region
Highlights:

  • City and suburban area
  • Mount Lavinia Beach is famous
  • Zoological gardens, colonial charm, suburban feel

3. Moratuwa

Population: ~ 185,000
Where: It is on the west coast, lying south of Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia and the Colombo Metropolitan Area.
Highlights: It is a large industrial and residential region that has a population of about 185,000.

List of the largest cities in Sri Lanka by Population

City

Population

Colombo 648,034
Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia 219,827
Moratuwa 185,031
Jaffna 169,102
Negombo 137,223
Pita Kotte 118,179
Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte 115,826
Kandy 111,701
Trincomalee 108,420
Kalmunai

100,171

Galle, Jaffna, and Negombo are also among the notable cities by population and regional importance.

The three largest cities in Sri Lanka are Colombo, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, and Moratuwa, provide an ideal combination of modern developments, culture, and nature. Whether you are in the hectic city of Colombo, on the relaxing beach of Dehiwala, or in the historical city of Moratuwa, each city has its own flavor.