Slave Island
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Slave Island කොම්පඤ්ඤ වීදිය கொம்பனித்தெரு |
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Beira Lake and Slave Island
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 Slave Island
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| Coordinates: 6°55′37″N 79°50′55″E / 6.92694°N 79.84861°ECoordinates: 6°55′37″N 79°50′55″E / 6.92694°N 79.84861°E | |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Province | Western Province |
| District | Colombo District |
| Time zone | Sri Lanka Standard Time Zone (UTC+5:30) |
| Postal Code | 00200 |
Slave Island is a suburb in Colombo, Sri Lanka, located directly south of the Fort. The suburb contains Beira Lake, a large lake and its esplanade is visited by many for recreation. Slave Island is mostly a commercial area with hotels and shopping centres.
The name "Slave Island" was given during the period of British colonisation referring to the situation under Portuguese rule when slaves were held there, most of them black people from the Swahili coast and Portuguese East Africa. Many of these slaves later returned to Africa. However, a small group of African descendants are scattered throughout Sri Lanka and are collectively known as Sri Lankan Kaffirs.
Slave Island is a multicultural area. The larger ethnic communities in Slave Island are the Sri Lankan Moors and Sinhalese. There are also various minorities such as Burghers, Malays and others. Religions include Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and various other religions and beliefs.
Slave Island is served by the Slave Island Railway Station. Built with Victorian-era architectural embellishments, the station carries significant architectural and historic value. The building features stylish arches, intricate woodwork, and metal installations, which emphasize Victorian-era styles.
The Seema Malakaya of the Gangarama Temple in the Beira Lake in the Slave Island area, is one of many religious structures in Colombo
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Wikipedia