The Galle Face Green
 The Galle Face Green has seen many changes over its history of nearly
two centuries. Now it is used as an entertainment entity. The Galle Face
is also used for National Day activities and many military parades are
witnessed on this day.
The Green has undergone many changes in recent years. It is a place
for the young and old to relax enjoying the breeze from the sea in the
evenings. Many young couples can be seen enjoying the breeze that wafts
through the Green. Galle Face, once the centre of activity on
Independence Day is back in the spotlight. The Green was once the centre
of activity on Independence Day, February 4.
The guns boomed to provide a 21-gun salute to the nation. The armed
forces provided the guard-of-honour and later marched along the Galle
Face Centre road. The Green was also the venue for mammoth gatherings
and political rallies. Now it is the venue for musical shows and kite
festivals.
The Galle Face came into the limelight during the early days of
British rule. There is mention that Galle Face originated as a result of
a military expediency during the time of the Dutch. It was a bastion
through which the road to Point de Galle ran. It stood on the narrow
strip of land between the sea and the Beira Lake. Galle Face had been
levelled by the military so that in case of an attack from the southern
side, the guns could sweep the foreground.
Horse racing began in Galle Face at the time of British Governor Sir
Edward Barnes in the 1820s. The esplanade was filled with earth and
levelled for the purpose. The course was about one and a half miles
long. It was known as the 'Kollupitiya Racecourse'. The Grand Stand was
a structure built of wood with a cadjan roof. Later bricks were used for
the walls but the cadjan roof remained. It was also known as the Race
Bungalow. Many years later, it became the first home of the Colombo Club
(1871). Today it forms part of the Taj Samudra Hotel complex.
The cool sea air and the environmental friendly atmosphere draws the
crowds.the saline-filled air is indeed a draw and the large expanse
encourages children to run around. Many families from the outstation
visit the promenade during weekends. It is a health-giving site although
people do not realise it.
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