Galle face - a child's paradise

By Husna Inayathullah

The name 'Galle Face' is derived from the original Dutch name for the fortifications.

The Galle Face Green was initially laid out by the Dutch to enable their cannons a strategic line of fire against the Portuguese.The gateway which gave access to the Colombo Fort was called the 'Gal Gate' as it faced southwards to Galle. 'Fass' means front in Dutch, so it literally meant 'In front of the fortification that faced Galle'.

There is another legend as to how Galle Face got its name. Records say that it is a corruption of the original name for the area's rocky shoreline, Gal Bokka, Gal being the Sinhalese for rock and that Gal Gate actually meant rock gate.The area now known as Galle Face Green was previously a marsh. The British Governor Sir Henry Ward authorised the land to be turned into a green usable open space in 1856. He wanted to introduce some of the pleasures he and his staff enjoyed back in Britain.

Horseracing began in Galle Face in the early 1820s, during the time of the then British Governor Sir Edward Barnes (1776-1838). The esplanade in front of the Fort, previously a marshy area, was filled with earth and levelled for the purpose.

The race course was approximately one and a half miles long. The area became known as the Colpetty Race Course. It was used for horse races until 1893 when horse racing moved to the Colombo Racecourse.

A sea front promenade was constructed to enable the wealthy to exercise their horses and take in the sea air. It covered a larger area than that the five hectare Galle Face Green today.

It is a popular destination for children, vendors, teenagers, lovers, kite flyers, merry makers and all those who want to indulge in their favourite pastimes.

Many people enjoy a walk along the Green eating ice cream. At the end of the Green lies the magnificent Galle Face Hotel, an architectural marvel.

The hotel was established in 1864 and it has provided residency to many royal families.