Sri Lanka, small in size yet a spectacular island in the Southern end of South Asia, always holds significance with regard to its natural beauty. Yet, the unknown significance of the country is its proud history and long-living heritage. Not that it is completely unknown, but not as much as the natural beauty. However, if you are a person who has an urge to explore the history and past of other countries, Sri Lanka is an open opportunity for you. It has a long history that runs back to more than 2500 years. Of course, you may be wondering how you can explore this history. Believe it or not, there are dozens of ruins and museums in Sri Lanka where you can abstract every single detail of history. Continue reading to know about them!
What are the Different Museums in Sri Lanka?
We can categorize the museums in Sri Lanka under several institutional types such as nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, and private businesses. No matter what the type, all these institutes do the same work, it means collecting and preserving the objects of cultural, artistic, scientific, and historical interest. The best is they make their collections or exhibiting items open for public viewing.
However, the Department of National Museums and the Department of Archeology administer the most important museums in Sri Lanka. Scroll down to get to know about these museums in detail!
Museums in Sri Lanka According to Various Categorizations
First of all, we are ready to draw your attention to the museums that are administered by the Department of Museums in Sri Lanka.
Museums Administered by the Department of Museums
The Department of Museums in Sri Lanka administers two types of museums, named national museums, and museums of particular subjects.
National Museums
- Colombo National Museum
- Galle National Museum
- Kandy National Museum
- Rathnapura National Museum
Museums of Particular Subjects
- National Museum of Natural History, Colombo
- Colombo Dutch Museum
- National Maritime Museum
- Independence Memorial Museum
- Folk Museum, Anuradhapura
Museums Administered by the Department of Archeology
The Department of Archeology of Sri Lanka administers museums in almost all the provinces on this island. The following sections mention to you about them!
North Central Province
- Anuradhapura Museum
- Mihintale Museum
- Veheragala Museum
- Isurumuniya Museum
- Tantirimale Museum
North Western Province
- Panduwasnuwara Museum
- Puttalam Museum
- Rajanganaya Museum
- Yapahuwa Museum
- Dambadeniya Museum
Central Province
- Kandy Royal Palace Museum
- Nalanda Museum
- Pidurangala Museum
Eastern Province
- Batticaloa museum
- Deegavapi Museum
- Seruwila Museum
- Welgam Vehera Museum
Western Province
- Kotte Museum
Southern Province
- Matara Star Fort Museum
- Yatala Museum
- Kasagala Museum
- Mulkirigala Museum
Northern Province
- Jaffna Museum
- Vavuniya Museum
Uva Province
- Buduruwagala Museum
- Maligawila Museum
Sabaragamuwa Province
- Dedigama Museum
Museums of Particular Subjects Administered by the Institutions of those Subjects
- Ceylon Tea Museum, Kandy
- Colombo Port Maritime Museum, Colombo
- Currency Museum, Colombo
- Highway Museum, Kiribathkumubura
- Hoods Tower Museum, Trincomalee
- International Buddhist Museum, Kandy
- Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum, Galle
- Ambalangoda Mask Museum
- Museum of Temple of Tooth, Kandy
- National Telecommunication Museum
- Postal Museum, Colombo
- Railway Museum, Kadugannawa
- S.W.R.D Bandaranaike Sirimavo Bandaranaike memorial Museum, Colombo
- Sri Lanka Air Force Museum, Colombo
- Sri Lanka Cricket Museum, Colombo
- Walisinghe Harischandra Museum, Negombo
- Wax Museum, Polonnaruwa
All About the Museums in Sri Lanka, in Detail
Now, you have a good idea about the museums that belong to different categories in Sri Lanka. We are sure that you are willing to learn more about the significance of each of these museums. Keep calm, because we are ready to share with you information about each of these places. Continue reading!
Colombo National Museum
The National Museums of Colombo or Sri Lanka National Museum dates back to 1977 and is maintained by the Department of Museums. As per the name, the national museum is located in Colombo. Up to date, this is the largest of the museums in Sri Lanka. And yes, it is the most visited as well.
The National Museum of Colombo has noteworthy collections such as the crown and Throne of the Kandyan Monarchs. Besides, the museum exhibits items related to the cultural and natural heritage of the country. In brief, it starts from antique demon masks and spreads up to old agricultural appliances. Since the museum has given an equal interest to every field prioritizing the imperial and royal belongings, there is a vicinity to walk around for one whole day.
This museum is open to the public throughout the year except for the public holidays. As this is Colombo, which is comparably warmer than other areas, you should wisely choose a day to visit the museum. It is better to visit it during January and March, which is the dry season if you need to have a sweat-free exploration. The best thing is that you will not face many problems when reaching the museum. Yes, that is simply because it is in Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, where you can find enough and more transportation options. When it comes to the entry fair, it is not so expensive. But the fee is different for locals and foreigners.
National Museum of Galle
The National Museum of Galle is one of the museums in Sri Lanka that has a strong focus on the colonial periods. Besides, this museum which is situated in the city where there are so many innovations done by Dutch obviously has so many Dutch remnants. Still, the museum conserves the social and cultural heritage unique to the Southern province along with showcasing the most important international relationships in the past.
The museum is arranged in a building built back in 1686 which carries more unique Dutch architecture. The huge arena of artifacts starting from cultural and traditional things to imperial findings to Chinese products that made a steady stand within the country makes the museum fascinating and diversified. There is no restriction when it comes to visiting the museum, just that it is not open on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays. You can choose whatever time you prefer to visit it, but between 8.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m.
When it comes to ticket prices, the museum is offering a low price to school students, and teachers from Rs.5-15 while charging Rs.10-20 from the locals. When it comes to foreign crowds, it ranges from Rs.150-300. Also, there is a separate ticket price for photography and videography. However, the price is worth spending in order to get a bag full of knowledge when you come out.
After all, the National Museum of Galle is a knowledge hub, which provides education, knowledge, understanding, and entertainment. Hence, if someone visits it, they can learn a lot about the culture, heritage, colonial era, and China-Sri Lanka historical relationship. Even the museum has three separate galleries to cover the above-mentioned areas.
National Museum of Kandy
Kandy, as one of the significant kingdoms in Sri Lanka, preserves the tradition, culture, and heritage along with its long history. National Museum of Kandy, one of the significant museums in Sri Lanka is located next to the Temple of Tooth Relic in a part of the former Royal Palace of Kandy.
This museum has two sections, and both sections preserve around 5000 artifacts that are coming from the royal era. It says that this building previously served as an accommodation for the royal guests.
Since this museum is housed in a royal building, even the architectural structure of the house and its interior are also included among the exhibits. Besides, as this museum is all about Kandyan history and heritage, one can have a detailed lesson about the Kandy Kingdom starting from its establishment. However, some say that it requires approximately 2 hours to explore in and out of the museum completely.
When it comes to the opening days and visiting hours, the museum is open every weekday from 9.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m. You do not have to worry much about the season you choose as Kandy has a soothing climate and anytime you prefer will make your tour comfy.
As per the ticket prices, once again there is a difference depending on the locals and foreigners. The price for local adults and children ranges from SLR 10-20 while the price for foreigners ranges from SLR 300-400. Still, please note that these prices can vary owing to various reasons.
However, you can buy more than a book full of knowledge in return for the price you pay. So, make it worth it by having a full tour with every detail.
National Museum of Rathnapura
Being one of the four National Museums under the Department of Museums, this exhibits something different from the other three. An old mansion that belonged to one of the noble people in the Kandyan Kingdom has become the house for this museum.
When it comes to the exhibits it includes, the main focus is on the Sabaragamuwa province, and it showcases the uniqueness of Sabaragamuwa. In fact, it houses prehistoric archeological inventions, natural heritage, geological, anthropological, zoological artifacts, and models related to the Sabaragamuwa province. Also, it has Sinhala swords of the medieval era and an old collection of guns including one of the guns used during the First World War. Apart from that, there are jewelry and even sculptures of animals.
When looking into the opening days and hours, it is the same as the other museums in Sri Lanka. It is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m every day except for Sundays and Mondays. Ticket prices are also the same as the other national museums. Still, there is a price difference between locals and foreigners.
Visiting the National Museum of Rathnapura lets you have a full lesson about the Sabaragamuwa province along with the Kandyan era. The more you walk around the museum, the more you learn about the historical importance of the country.
National Museum of Natural History, Colombo
The National Museum of Natural History represents the natural heritage of Sri Lanka. This is situated right next to the National Museum of Colombo and was established quite sometime after it.
This is the only museum that preserves the natural history and natural heritage of this island. Its main focus is the flora and fauna endemic to this country. You may find a huge arena of specimens of around 10,000 species of plants, animals including mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects along with indigenous fossils and various kinds of geological rocks. Yes, so this is all about the environment and its life. Hence, one can gather vast knowledge about every single plant and animal that are unique and endemic in Sri Lanka, if they visit here. Besides, visiting and walking around this museum gives you the feeling of going into some forest area in Sri Lanka, although the galleries are filled with statues.
When it comes to the opening hours of this museum, it welcomes visitors every day except for the public holidays. This is open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and you may have to pay a little fare for a ticket and get into the premises. The ticket price is not that much but it is different for locals and foreigners.
The price you pay is nothing when considering the knowledge and the education you gain from the full tour around the museum. Indeed, this is an ideal place for nature lovers who urge to explore the significance of each and every living and nonliving species belonging to nature in Sri Lanka.
Colombo Dutch Museum
The name itself reveals the main focus of this particular museum. Colombo Dutch Museum takes you back to the Dutch colonial rule in Sri Lanka and displays over 3000 objects related to the Dutch.
This museum is arranged in the official residence of one of the Dutch governors of Sri Lanka named Thomas Van Rhee. Hence, even the architecture and the structure of the building have a Dutch influence.
Visiting Colombo Dutch Museum offers you a bag full of knowledge about Dutch rule, innovation, and even the destruction they did to Sri Lanka along with their belongings as well. Also, the courtyard garden, which is the oldest courtyard garden in Colombo, attracts more attention with its Cinnamon tree in the center.
So, after all, this museum is all about Dutch and their lifestyle. You just have to walk around and explore every single detail you come across in order to get the maximum out of that visit. The opening days and hours are the same as the other museums in Sri Lanka. The ticket price is also somewhat similar to the others. It is you who can make it worth your time and money.
National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum is located in Galle, precisely in the old Dutch warehouse of the Galle Fort. According to the historical records, this is the only museum that makes the public aware of maritime biological and anthropological aspects of the Southern coastal area.
The museum has two main galleries and provides separate collections of marine lifestyles. The first gallery consists of different watercraft used in passenger transportation and maritime trading in Sri Lanka. Also, there are replicas and models of traditional lifestyles of fishing communities and their techniques. When you are stepping into the second gallery from the first gallery, it takes you to a completely different world which is all about marine ecosystems including their flora and fauna. There you can find the models and specimens of marine creatures and plant species. Also, the huge skeleton of a whale hanging on the roof gives you a totally different feeling when you walk around and explore this museum.
This museum is all about nautical and marine marvels within the walls rich with Dutch architecture. Therefore, you can learn all about in and out the sea and related lifestyles if you visit here.
The museum is open for visitors except for Mondays and Sundays. You can visit it from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on any other day. However, the museum is under construction and in the process of renovating the damages caused by the tsunami. Therefore, only half of the museum is open for visitors for a fair ticket price. As always foreigners have to pay more than the locals, but it is worth paying and exploring around.
Independence Memorial Museum
Independence Memorial Museum is located in the basement of the Independence Memorial Hall of the Independence Square in the Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo. This museum is all about national heroes dating back to the British ruling period. It was built with the intention of honoring the lead characters who sweat in gaining independence for the country. Thus, this museum is filled with busts, and display boards where there are the names, pictures, and stories of the political leaders, clergymen, and lay patriots who led the struggle for independence.
The Independence Memorial Museum is open every day except for Sundays and Mondays from 9 a.m – 5 p.m. Also, the ticket price is the same as the other museums along with the difference between the locals and foreigners.
Having a visit to this Independence Memorial Museum is all about getting educated on the Independence war in British times approximately around the 1940s. You can explore a lot about the history of how some of the community leaders and random youngsters committed their lives to the independence of this small island. Honoring them and preserving those historical details for future generations is the only tribute one can do in order to show them gratitude for their freedom. And yes, this museum plays a significant role in it!
Folk Museum, Anuradhapura
If you go up in this article and read, you will notice that every museum is related to royal and imperial history, and remnants. However, this is a bit different, as this folk museum is all about religious history.
Since this is located in Anuradhapura, one of the sacred cities in Sri Lanka, this conserves and exhibits religious sculptures, statues, ornaments, handicrafts, antiques, and explanatory displays. At the same time, it exhibits the information regarding the lifestyle of rural communities around the Nuwara Kalaviya area and peasants. As with the new technology the peasantry customs have changed, this is one of the ideal places to learn about the old life patterns of rural farmers. The museum displays even the appliances, dress codes, and games of early rural people. Most of these are displayed using models and specimens.
After all, the folk museum in Anuradhapura is the best place to explore Buddhist religious history and Sinhala rural lifestyle. This folk museum is open to the public every day except for Mondays and public holidays from 9 a.m – 5 p.m. It is worth visiting this museum, as you will be able to learn and explore a lot about the traditional lifestyle, occupation, festivals, games, and religious practices in Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura Museum
Anuradhapura museum is one of the archeological museums in Sri Lanka. It is in the old administration building of the sacred city Anuradhapura. This is considered the largest and the oldest museum belonging to the Department of Archeological in Sri Lanka. This museum exhibits antiquities such as Buddha statues, inscriptions, drawings, puppets, coins, jewelry, beads, and miscellaneous things. There are also models of some rare and important religious buildings in Sri Lanka. Thus, it is indeed a must-visit if you love exploring the unique heritage that revolves around the Anuradhapura kingdom.
Mihintale Museum
Mihintale museum is one of the other museums in the North Central province of the country, and it is once again about archeology. It particularly exhibits the archeological objects found in Mihintale and its vicinity. The collections include bronze figurines, ancient tools, fragments and frescoes, and paintings along with a gold-plated ola leaf manuscript. So, it is one of the best places to get an idea about the importance of Mihintale and its association with the establishment of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Veheragala Museum
One of the other museums in North Central province is Weheragala Museum. Just like others, the Veheragala museum preserves the antiquities found in Veheragala, the sacred area. Their museum contains objects that are related to the significant incidents that took place in Weheragala during its history. Not only will it offer you knowledge of some rare antiquities, but also about the historical incidents revolving around this sacred area, Veheragala.
Isurumuniya Museum
This is one of the few museums in North Central province, and it is located in Isurumuniya Viharaya. It also comes under the field of archaeology as it preserves some valuable objects found in the Vihara premises. One of the most famous among them is the sculpture of Isurumuni lovers which dates back to the 5th century. Other than that, there are the sculptures of the Royal court or the royal family, the Kavata sculptures, Kuveri Triod, sculptures of Kinnaras, and figures of Dwares.
Tantirimale Museum
The other archeological museum that can be found in the territories of North Central province is the Tantirimale museum. It contains a rare collection of objects with archeological and historical value.
The most significant ones are the terracotta images and the statues of Lord Buddha that have a history woven around the latter part of the Polonnaruwa era. The statues and the technology used in making the models and sculptures in this museum showcase the talent and the hand power of the craftsmen in those days. Other than that, the museum contains wooden statues as well. This is considered a valuable saving for future generations. And yes, if you are interested in the ancient arts and crafts of Sri Lanka, this is one fine place for you to study them!
Panduwasnuwara Museum
One of the Northwestern archeological museums, Panduwasnuwara museum is located at Kotampitiya junction on Kurunegala-Chilaw road right next to Panduwasnuwara Raja Maha Viharaya. This museum is considered the regional museum of the Northwestern province. Most of the antiquities of the museum were found in the excavations. Among these objects, there are artifacts such as small statues, stones, metals, terracotta, timber findings, coins, pottery, and jewelry. According to the beliefs and stories, these are some remnants of the royal era, and they preserve them as reminders of the historical past of the Northwestern province.
Rajanganaya Museum
Among the archeological museums in Northwestern province, the Rajanganaya museum holds a significant place. It is in Haththikuchchi, quite near to the Haththikuchchi Vihara premises. The main exhibits found in the Rajanganaya museum are the objects related to Haththikuchchi and its surrounding area. This museum is open to the public every day except for Tuesdays and public holidays, from 8.30 a.m. -5.30 p.m.
Yapahuwa Museum
Yapahuwa archeological museum is one of the museums found in the northwestern province of Sri Lanka. And yes, it is a place of educational and historical value.
The museum exhibits antiquities related to the Dambadeniya Kingdom, which was one of the noteworthy eras in Ceylon history. It is quite a recent addition to the archeological museums in Sri Lanka and comparable in the vicinity. Yet, the knowledge that is contained in it is vast.
People say that in the museum you will receive good guidance from the caretakers who are willing to share the information with you. However, the museum contains the findings of excavations such as the Royal Palace, gardens, moats, and city walls coming from the Dambadeniya kingdom.
Nalanda Museum
Nalanda Museum is one of the significant museums in Central province and originally it was the Nalanda Gedige Museum. The specialty of this museum lies in its archaeology which has a hybrid style including Hindu elements and Tantric Buddhist carvings.
Nalanda Museum is particularly an image house that exhibits the fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism. Also, the magnificent completely rocky building attracts more visitors towards it. There are influences from the Nalanda Museum in India and some of the elements in ancient Buddhist culture. It seems like a Hindu temple when it comes to the structure of the building and all, yet some say that it used to be a Buddhist temple referring to the rare stone carvings found in the interior.
Pidurangala Museum
One of the other museums found in Central province, Pidurangala Museum is an archeological museum that revolves around ancient treasures. And yes, it mainly contains antiquities and photographs related to the archeological site, Pidurangala.
It is located on the premises of Pidurangala Viharaya, and it is not so large, yet wide in knowledge and history. Here, there are inscriptions (Cave, rock, Vaharala, and Attani) that date back to the 6th, 7th, and 10the centuries. Along with them, its content is mostly about the antiquities recovered from the temple and its surroundings.
Batticaloa Museum
Batticaloa museum is a miniature museum situated in the Fort in Batticaloa. This city is also one of the important cities in the colonial period and even some major fights took place there. Therefore, the museum is all about the British-era items found in the excavations.
The collection consists of the items, tools, and utensils of the British era along with Palm-leaf manuscripts. Although the museum is comparably small, it houses some rare and valuable findings that mark the path to a significant historical period in Sri Lankan history. Visiting it is, however, a good opportunity to explore some parts of the colonial past.
Deegavapi Museum
Deegavapi museum, which is one of the archeological museums in the Eastern province, is also known as the Ampara museum. It is also one of the regional museums administered by the Department of Archeology.
This regional museum conserves the antiquities found in the vicinity of Dighavapi Viharaya, the Ampara region, and the Eastern Province. The collection includes the artifacts such as statues, inscriptions, beads, coins, and terracotta objects that are worth preservation. Not only the interior here but also the exterior space is used to display the objects. The museum is small in space, but huge in value.
Kotte Museum
Kotte museum which is in Sri Jayawardanapura is one of the archeological museums in the Western province. It is precisely at Bangala junction in Ethul Kotte, on the Borella-Pitakotte main road. It is the regional museum of the Western province that is under the Department of Archeology.
This museum consists of five exhibition rooms where one can find a vast collection of antiquities recovered from the Kotte Kingdom and surrounding area. The exhibits are a collection of regional flags, clothing, statues, coins, swords, knives, guns, weapons, pottery, and maps. Along with them, there are items used by E.W Perera and donated by Douglas Ranasinghe. Therefore, this museum preserves a huge collection of objects that reveal many interesting stories about history.
Matara Star Fort Museum
Matara Star Fort Museum is an archeological museum that is also the regional museum of the southern province. Among the exhibits, there are items of archeological heritage and antiquities of historical value. There are antiquities of various eras such as prehistoric, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, and Colonial periods along with the information boards. The collection consists of prehistoric items, archeological items, artistic items, coins, and antiquities along with skeletons belonging to the prehistoric era. Not only that, the museum showcases the history of Matara as well.
Yatala Museum
One of the other archeological museums in the Southern province, and is a site museum that focuses on the object of one particular site. In fact, the museum is in Yatala Wehera and mainly preserves the things found from the excavations of Yatala Dagoba. The collection includes antiques such as various Buddha statues, carvings, and inscriptions. Along with that some details about the Ruhuna kingdom and its ruins are also there among the exhibits. Although it is a site museum, it reveals some important details about one of the major Sinhalese kingdoms in History, the Ruhuna kingdom.
Kasagala Museum and Mulkirigala Museum
Kasagala museum and Mulkirigala museum are two archaeological site museums in the Southern province. Like the others, these two are also maintained by the Department of Archeology.
When it comes to the Kasagala museum, it exhibits and preserves the antiquities found in Kasagala and its surrounding area. This museum lies in Kasagala Raja Maha Viharaya in Weeraketiya.
Mulkirigala museum exhibits the antiquities and archeological objects discovered in Mulkirigala and its surrounding area. The collection consists of rare items such as Palm-leaf manuscripts, tools, old reports, and paintings. And yes, these museums are important when it comes to the history of the Southern province.
Jaffna Museum
Jaffna museum is one of the leading regional archeological museums in Northern Province. The exact location of the museum is Nallur, Jaffna. The city itself is a sacred area and thus the museum has given a major space for the Buddhist and Hindu items in the collection. Including them, it houses a rare collection of antiquities. There is a variety of collections including various types of metals, wood, and stone. The exhibits are a collection of items from the prehistoric period, colonial period, and findings of excavations done around Jaffna.
Vavuniya Museum
Vavuniya archeological museum is a regional museum that lies in Vavuniya town. Mainly, one can find the items from Vavuniya and its surrounding among the rare collection of antiquities that are under preservation in the museum. This also prioritizes religious antiquities coming from pre-historical and colonial history. The collection includes antiquities, statues of Buddha, statues of Hindu Goddesses, and a few Christian objects. The specialty of this museum is there is no entrance fee and photography is completely prohibited unless there is special permission.
Buduruwagala Museum
Buduruwagala archeological museum is the regional museum of the Uva province that is administered by the Department of Archeology. It is an important museum that houses rare antiquities which reveal long stories about history. As a regional museum, it houses a huge collection of antiquities found in Buduruwagala and surrounding. Among this collection, there are relics belonging to the royal periods, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy as well. This museum is open every day from 8.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Dedigama Museum
Dedigama archeological museum is the regional museum in Sabaragamuwa province which is administered by the Department of Archeology. The museum is in Nelundeniya and reaching the museum is not so hard.
This museum preserves a collection of items recovered from the excavations done at Dedigama Kota Vehera. The collection includes stone creation tools, inscriptions, metals, and statues. These items hold a significant place as they are related to some major historical incidents. Along with them, there are antiquities belonging to the reign of Parakramabahu 1. They are particularly discovered in certain places in Panduwasnuwara and Kegalle.
Ceylon Tea Museum, Kandy
The Ceylon tea museum is one of the noteworthy places related to the history of the tea industry. It is in Kandy, precisely in the Hanthana tea factory which is 3 km south of Kandy.
Following the coffee cultivation which was subjected to an unexpected failure, Hanthana became the first area to successfully cultivate the tea plantation on the island. The tea museum ended up in the tea factory after four years of its abundance.
It is a step of the Sri Lanka Tea Board and the Planters’ Association of Sri Lanka. The museum primarily exhibits information on tea pioneers, along with the colonial generators, rollers, dryers, fermentation tables, sorting machines, etc. Here, there is a library that houses hundreds of books about the tea industry in Sri Lanka as well. In addition, the museums contain tea rooms that allow visitors to test the tea samples around the country.
Colombo Port Maritime Museum
Colombo Port Maritime Museum, also known as the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Maritime Museum or the Colombo Maritime Museum is situated adjacent to the Colombo Port. The museum is under the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, and it houses many things related to the history of marine and surrounding fields of Sri Lanka. Particularly it preserves several items of historical significance related to the ports of the country, its maritime industry, and the ocean around the island. Along with them, there are sculptures and models that recreate the development of the Colombo port and port operational equipment that belong to various periods in history.
Currency Museum
Originally this refers to the Economic History Museum of Sri Lanka alias Money Museum. It is in the Central Point Building of Colombo Fort which is the head office of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
The museum is all about the history and the revolution of the Sri Lankan currency. It houses and preserves a collection of currency that comes from the 3rd Century BC. For instance, there are coins from the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa to Kotte Kingdom eras. Along with them, there are the types of currencies that Ceylon used during the colonial periods of Portuguese, Dutch, and British. In addition, you can find the coins and notes of the modern era and commemorative ones under the roofs of this museum. Likewise, it reveals the details about the currency of Sri Lanka from its birth to its current status.
Highway Museum
Highway Museum Complex, which is in Kiribathkumbura, Kandy is the first highway museum in Sri Lanka. It runs under the Road Development Authority.
It is all about road introduction, development, and initial systems. In fact, the museum exhibits a collection of equipment and models of initial innovative roads (Bogoda Wooden Bridge). When it comes to equipment, there is equipment such as stone, steam, and oil road rollers, tar boilers, coal scales, and road signs. The specialty of this museum is that it is an open space that is open for visitors anytime without any entrance charge.
The Bottom Line
In the territories of this tiny island of Sri Lanka, the best way to learn and explore history is through museums. As you already know, there are several museums on particular subjects in Sri Lanka. The list goes on and proves the point mentioned above, that Sri Lanka is a center of tourism where there are more than enough details and sources to learn and explore its history. Therefore, no matter the season, time, or for how long you visit the country, make sure to walk around a few of these museums to see the willingness of the island to preserve and showcase its proud history. These already established museums and the ones that are yet to come are truly a set of resourceful institutions found within the territories of this little pearl. So, never miss their delight. Happy and Safe Traveling!
