Host City Colombo

The upcoming IIBCC is held in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes, ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. This diverse colonial heritage is reflected in the city’s architecture and cultural lifestyle.

The city is a vibrant mix of old and new, with a central cluster of high-rise office blocks and hotels overshadowing red-tiled colonial-era buildings and sprawling street markets which overflow with high-piled fruit and vegetables, colorful silks and cottons, and deliciously fragrant spices. On its crowded streets stand places of worship, symbolic of Sri Lanka‘s multiethnic heritage: graceful Buddhist temples are situated close to extravagant temples encrusted with Hindu statuary, along with Muslim mosques with minarets and centuries-old Christian churches.

The city’s population increases and decreases daily by some 400,000+ commuting workers who add to the hustle and bustle that is characteristic for Colombo during the daytime. The city offers a lively nightlife at a number of first class hotels, clubs, pubs and restaurants. During the day, Colombo’s colorful street markets, boutiques and shops, cafés and restaurants, colonial-era buildings, museums and galleries, churches, mosques and temples, the Galle Face Green and the Viharamahadevi Park with its beautiful trees, make it a great place to explore on foot.

Lonely Planet voted Sri Lanka as the 2019 Top Travel Destination of the World, based on the countries cultural heritage, the breathtaking nature, its friendly people and amazing hospitality.

As a country, Sri Lanka offers a great coastal infrastructure and endless palm-lined beaches, mountains and hillside areas covered in tea plantations, ancient temples and ruins, a well-functioning and modern infrastructure, the tastiest food on earth, and a population that is famous for welcoming visitors with open arms.

Things to do

Colombo has many attractions for international visitors, ranging from temple visits, galleries and museums to market places, parks, boat rides, restaurants and shopping precincts. The best way to experience the city is to simply hire a taxi or a Tuk Tuk, the famous three-wheeled, multi-colored mototaxi. For organized tours, several tour operators can be found on the internet.

Colombo offers manyfold experiences, whether you are looking to simply relax, explore or buy authentic gifts and souvenirs.

At or near the IIBCC venue: The Galle Face Hotel

Watch the ocean while sipping cocktails at sunset at the Galle Face Hotel terrace.
Enjoy the Galle Face Green adjacent to the Galle Face Hotel. The promenade stretches along the Indian Ocean and is located in the heart of Colombo’s financial and business district. The green space of the urban park is popular among kite flyers, picnickers and those who enjoy the offerings of local food vendors.
Visit the top venue for shopping and dining: the Dutch Hospital Precinct. Known as the oldest building in the Colombo Fort Area, the Dutch Hospital Complex dates back to the Dutch-Colonial era of Sri Lanka. After careful restoration, this heritage venue is now one of the most sought-after shopping and dining precincts in Colombo.
Book a walking tour and explore the colonial architecture or the bustling Pettah market district.

Within the city of Colombo

Visit one of the ancient temples, like the Shri Ponnambalawaneswaram Kovil, one of the few remaining solid granite temples with intricate carvings, sculptures, and colorful shrines.
Tee-off at the Royal Colombo Golf Club.
Make a reservation for a tea-tasting session and enjoy Sri Lanka’s famous teas.
Visit the Colombo National Museum and get immersed in Sri Lanka’s ancient history and emerge with a deeper understanding of the country’s roots.
Take a walk around Independence Square and visit the Independence Memorial Hall, a national monument built in commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule and marking the ceremonial start of self-rule with the opening of the first parliament on the 4th of February 1948.
Spend some time at Park Street Mews. Hidden amidst the hustle and bustle of the city of Colombo, Park Street Mews is a charming venue paved with cobblestones and fairy lights offering you the perfect combination of retail, food, and relaxation. Trendy dining venues and a spa keep you energized and refreshed at all times.
For the architecturally inclined, the Town Hall Colombo would be of great interest. This neoclassical building, which stands tall in all its glory in the heart of the city in front of the Viharamahadevi Park, is a pleasant sight and houses the administrative staff of the municipal council. The foundation of the building was laid in 1924. Today, it houses the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council and the office of the Mayor of Colombo. Viharamahadevi Park, located just across from the Town Hall Building, is the largest and oldest park in the heart of Colombo.