Welikada Prison, Colombo

#116 among attractions in Colombo

Prison, Hospital, Health

Map

Facts and practical information

The Welikada Prison is a maximum security prison and the largest prison in Sri Lanka. It was built in 1841 by the British colonial government under Governor Cameron. The prison covers an area of 48 acres. It is overcrowded with about 1700 detainees exceeding the actual number that could be accommodated. The prison also has a gallows and its own hospital. The prison is administered by the Department of Prisons. ()

Local name: වැලිකඩ බන්ධනාගාරය Completed: 1841 (183 years ago)Coordinates: 6°55'20"N, 79°52'45"E

Address

Baseline RoadDistrict 3 (Borella North)Colombo Sri Lanka

ContactAdd

Social media

Facebook

Colombo

Day trips

Welikada Prison – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: R. Premadasa Stadium, Kanatte Cemetery, National Art Gallery, Viharamahadevi Park.

1.3 miN
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
34 min walk • The R. Premadasa Stadium, located in the bustling city of Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a renowned sport venue that has become a centerpiece for international cricket. Officially opened in 1986, this stadium was named in honor of the former President Ranasinghe Premadasa...
1 miS
Cemetery
Kanatte Cemetery, Colombo
26 min walk • Kanatte Cemetery, located in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, is not only the largest burial ground in the city but also a serene repository of history. Established in 1866, this sprawling cemetery serves as the final resting place for a diverse tapestry of Sri Lanka's...
1.4 miSW
Monuments and statues, Art gallery, Shopping
National Art Gallery, Colombo
36 min walk • The National Art Gallery, nestled in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, stands as a testament to the country's rich artistic heritage. This revered institution, marked by the presence of statues and a collection of fine art, invites visitors to delve into the visual...
1.3 miSW
Park
Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo
34 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Colombo, the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka, lies the serene oasis of Viharamahadevi Park. This expansive green space, formerly known as Victoria Park, offers a tranquil escape from the urban sprawl and is the largest park in the city.
1.4 miSW
Monuments and statues, Memorial
Independence Memorial Hall, Colombo
37 min walk • Independence Memorial Hall stands as a proud monument in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, symbolizing the country's struggle for freedom and its ultimate triumph in gaining independence from British rule. This stately stone building, with its distinctive architecture...
1.5 miSW
Museum, History museum
National Museum of Natural History, Colombo
38 min walk • The National Museum of Natural History in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a gateway to the rich biodiversity and natural heritage of this island nation. Nestled within the heart of the city, this museum serves as a repository of Sri Lanka's flora and fauna, offering visitors a...
1.3 miSW
Museum
Sri Lanka Cricket Museum, Colombo
35 min walk • Nestled within the bustling city of Colombo, Sri Lanka, lies a treasure trove of cricket history: the Sri Lanka Cricket Museum. This establishment is a haven for cricket enthusiasts and historians alike, offering a deep dive into the nation's passion for the sport.
1.3 miSW
Theater, Concerts and shows, Opera
Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, Colombo
35 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Colombo, the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre stands as a beacon of Sri Lankan culture and artistic expression. This state-of-the-art theatre, inaugurated in December 2011, was designed to resemble the lotus pond, or "Nelum Pokuna" in...
1.5 miSW
Museum
Independence Memorial Museum, Colombo
38 min walk • Independence Memorial Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka is located in the basement of the Independence Memorial Hall, Independence Square in the Cinnamon Gardens. It is maintained by the Department of National Museum.
1.1 miSW
City hall
City Hall, Colombo
30 min walk • The Town Hall of Colombo is the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council and the office of the Mayor of Colombo. Built in front of the Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo, Sri Lanka, it is the meeting place for the elected municipal council.
1.5 miSE
Library, Bridge
CHILD EYE "THE children's eye clinic" Rajagiriya 2888835, Colombo
38 min walk • The Rajagiriya Flyover is a flyover built over Sri Jayawardenepura Mawatha in Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka. It is the longest flyover in the country.