Exploring the Vibrant Heart of Slave Island, Colombo

• Helloහායි
  [haayi]
• Goodbyeසුරං
  [suran]
• Yesඔව්
  [ow]
• Noනෑ
  [nae]
• Please/You're welcomeකරන්න
  [karanna]
• Thank youආයුබෝවන්
  [ayubowan]
• Excuse me/Sorryකාටද?
  [kaatda]
• How are you?ඔය කොහද?
  [oyaa kohda]
• Fine. And you?තෝරා. ඔය?
  [thora. oya?]
• Do you speak English?ඔය ඉංග්‍රීසි කතා කරයිද?
  [oya ingreesi katha karayida?]
• I don't understandමම අතකොත් දැන්නෙයි
  [mama athakoth danneyei]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseමෙන්රඩ් එක බලන්න
  [menuradha eka balanna]
• I don't eat meatමම වත්මැල කරන්නෙයි
  [mama wathmala karannei]
• Cheers!සුභ උන්නේවා
  [suba unneva]
• I would like to pay, pleaseගෙදරට කියන්නෙයි
  [gedarata kiyannei]

• Help!උක්ක ඉක්ක
  [ukka ikka]
• Go away!යන්න
  [yanna]
• Call the Police!පොලිස් දාන්න
  [polis dannaein]
• Call a doctor!වෛර දාන්න
  [vaira dannaein]
• I'm lostමම අකිල්
  [mama akil]
• I'm illමම අස්වල්
  [mama aswal]

• I'd like to buy...මෙන්ඩ් කරන්නේද?
  [menadha karanneda?]
• I'm just lookingමම දැන්නෙයි
  [mama dannayi]
• How much is it?එයට කොණ්ද?
  [eyata kondha?]
• That's too expensiveඑය ඉතායි
  [eya ithayi]
• Can you lower the price?එය කහල් කළ හැකිද?
  [eya kahal kala haeidha?]

• What time is it?වේලාව කොරේද?
  [welawa koreda?]
• It's one o'clockඑකට
  [ekata]
• Half past (10)දහයි
  [dahayi]
• Morningඋදේවල
  [udewala]
• Afternoonපසළ
  [pasala]
• Eveningවැනි
  [wani]
• Yesterdayඊයේ
  [iyae]
• Todayඅද
  [ada]
• Tomorrowහෙට
  [heta]
• 1එක
  [eka]
• 2දෙක
  [deka]
• 3තුන
  [thuna]
• 4හතලි
  [hathali]
• 5පහ
  [paha]
• 6හය
  [haya]
• 7හත
  [hatha]
• 8අට
  [ata]
• 9නත
  [nata]
• 10දහය
  [dahaya]

• Where's a/the...?එස්ත් එකක් වෙලාවට?
  [est ekak velavata?]
• What's the address?ලිපිනය කුමාටද?
  [lipinaya kumadha?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?මාපට ලේබිකයට පෙන්නෙද?
  [mapata lebikayata penneida?]
• When's the next (bus)?ඊළඟ කුමාටද?
  [iilaga kumadha?]
• A ticket (to ....)ටිකට් (.... වෙනස්)
  [tikat (... venas)]

Slave Island, known locally as 'Kola Oya', has its origins in the colonial era when it served as a small island in the Beira Lake. The area was named after the slave trade that was prevalent during the Portuguese and Dutch colonial periods in the 16th and 17th centuries. The name reflects the dark history of slavery in Sri Lanka, where slaves were brought from Africa and other regions to work on plantations and in households.

During the 17th century, the Dutch established control over Colombo, and Slave Island became a significant point for trade and commerce. The British took over in the 19th century, further developing the area with infrastructure that included roads and railways, which facilitated the movement of goods and people. The island became known for its diverse community, including Tamil, Muslim, and Sinhalese populations.

Slave Island has evolved into a vibrant cultural melting pot. The neighborhood is home to various religious sites, including temples, mosques, and churches, showcasing the rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions. The presence of the historic 'Jami Ul-Afar Mosque', built in the 19th century, and the 'Sri Kottahena Vigneswara Temple' reflects the coexistence of different cultural and religious communities.

In the late 20th century, Slave Island underwent significant urban development as Colombo expanded. The area saw the rise of new residential buildings and commercial establishments. This transformation brought both challenges and opportunities, as long-time residents faced displacement while new populations moved in, adding to the diversity of the neighborhood.

In recent years, Slave Island has been part of a broader trend of gentrification in Colombo, with increased investment in infrastructure and housing. The area has attracted young professionals and artists, leading to a revival of cultural activities and community engagement. This shift has sparked discussions about preserving the neighborhood's historical identity while accommodating modernization.

Slave Island is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Colombo. From Colombo Fort, you can take a tuk-tuk or a taxi, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the Sri Lanka Railways; the nearest train station is Colombo Fort Station, from where you can catch a train to Slave Island Station, which is just a short walk from the neighborhood.

Getting around Slave Island can be done via several modes of transport. The area is walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, local buses and tuk-tuks are available. The Colombo Light Rail Transit (LRT) system is also under development, which will further improve connectivity in and around Slave Island. Bicycles can be rented from local shops, providing an eco-friendly way to explore the area.

Slave Island is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit streets. Certain areas close to the canal can be less safe; always be cautious and aware of your surroundings, and avoid displaying valuable items. Petty theft can occur, so keep your belongings secure.

In case of an emergency, dial 119 for police assistance or 110 for fire services. For medical emergencies, the closest hospital is the Colombo National Hospital, which is well-equipped. Always have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many are open late.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual attire. Religion: Do respect local customs, and when visiting temples, ensure to cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers; don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a nod; don't use overly formal gestures. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods from street vendors; don’t consume food or drink in religious sites.

To experience Slave Island like a local, visit the nearby markets where fresh produce and local snacks are available. Engage with the friendly vendors for tips on the best local dishes. Explore the area’s colonial architecture and visit the historic temples. Don’t miss the chance to learn about local history by conversing with long-time residents, many of whom are eager to share their stories.