Galle Face Green, the little gay strip in the heart of Colombo open to all, has been a part of the city since Dutch times. But it became a promenade only in 1859. Victorian ladies with parasols and umbrellas and equally dressed up men took the air here.
What a contrast from now, when less composed and haughty people of a much more liberal an advanced age gather in droves, also to ‘take the air’. But something about Galle Face Green makes it redolent of the colonial times. Probably because it is surrounded by so many colonial landmarks: the Galle Face Hotel, the cannons, the beach itself. Also the neighbourhood has changed but little from what it was in the mid 19th century. It has the same air of grandeur.
Galle Face is an experience of itself. In each and every visitor coming at dusk, the place breeds a bracing feel of freedom. It is the ideal place for kiting with its sea winds, and for lovers and for any human the best place to ‘let go’ – to use a vulgar phrase.
There is a great feeling of conviviality as crowds gather in the evenings and as soft hues chase each other in the sky till darkness affirms itself. Little lamps and lights glow in the promenade in the blue light, coming from carts selling street food.
