Rediscover Ceylon: Rare Historical Photographs of Sri Lanka's Past

Step back in time and explore the captivating transformation of Sri Lanka, once known as Ceylon. In this post, we delve into a collection of historical photographs of iconic locations across the island, paired with their modern counterparts. Witness how these places have evolved over the years, reflecting the rich history, culture, and development of this beautiful nation.


The image depicts a historic urban street scene. In the foreground, a man stands next to a hand-pulled rickshaw, with two seated passengers visible. Nearby, other rickshaws are stationed. The background reveals grand colonial-style buildings with intricate architecture, suggesting an early 20th-century setting. A large tree shades part of the street, and the area appears calm with minimal traffic or activity. The image reflects a bygone era in an urban landscape. It's a street Scene in Colombo, Ceylon in Feb 1942. Photo Credits - Australian War Memorial This is Yolkt street now in 2024. The image shows a street intersection with contrasting architecture. On the left, an old, weathered, beige building displays ornate colonial-style features with arched windows and visible wear. On the right, a white, modern, streamlined structure has a clean, contemporary appearance. The road curves slightly, bordered by a small landscaped area with trimmed bushes and grass. Cars and pedestrians are present, indicating light traffic. The sky is partly cloudy, enhancing the urban yet historic atmosphere.

☝️Yolok Street in Colombo offers a fascinating glimpse into the passage of time, showcasing striking contrasts between the past and present. The historical photograph, taken in February 1942 and sourced from the Australian War Memorial, captures the street during a pivotal era, reflecting its colonial charm. In comparison, the modern image from Google Street View reveals a bustling urban transformation, with contemporary buildings and infrastructure replacing the old-world ambiance. This comparison highlights the evolution of Colombo, blending its rich history with modern progress.

the crowds, noise, and visual clutter that can be both overwhelming and exciting

☝️The Bustling Heart the main street of Pettah, Colombo , in 1960. This remarkable photograph highlights the lively energy of one of Sri Lanka's most iconic trading hubs during its golden era. I found it from Facebook. And credit goes to Ananda Lokubalasuriya. Here is main street now according to Google Street View.

This image depicts a bustling urban street scene (Main Street). It features a mix of pedestrians, vintage cars, bicycles, and ox-drawn carts. The architecture consists of low-rise buildings, markets, and shops lining the street. The scene reflects a vibrant marketplace environment, with people dressed in traditional and formal attire, indicative of a diverse culture and period. The presence of manual transportation, along with older vehicles, suggests a time before modern urbanization.

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