the capital and principal seaport town of Ceylon, is situated on the W. coast of the island, in Lat. 6° 56' N., Long. 79° 49' E. The fortified part of the town is about a mile and a half in circuit, standing on a rocky promontory, and surrounded on three sides by the sea. On the land side it is protected by a lake, moat, and draw-bridges. Colombo contains the government offices and courts, and is the residence of the civil and military authorities, and the majority of the European inhabitants. The principal buildings are the government house, court house, hospital, masonic hall, barracks, lighthouse, and several churches and chapels. Besides these, Colombo has a college, government academy, several schools, museums, libraries, and various religious and benevolent institutions. Pop. about 40,000. See CEYLON.