Portuguese explorers led by Dom Lourenço de …

Years: 1517 - 1517

Portuguese explorers led by Dom Lourenço de Almeida had first arrived in Sri Lanka in 1505.

During their initial visit they made a treaty with the King of Kotte, Parakramabahu VIII (1484–1508), enabling them to trade in the island's crop of cinnamon, which lies along the coastal areas of the island, including in Kalanotto (for "Kelani Ferry").

The Portuguese merchant-warriors soon corrupt the town’s name, which is an Arabic corruption of the original Sinhalese name, to Colombo, the name by which it is known today.

As part of the treaty, the Portuguese had been given full authority over the coastline in exchange for the promise of guarding the coast against invaders.

They had been allowed to establish a trading post in Colombo.

Within a short time, however, they had expelled the Arab Muslim inhabitants of Colombo and begin to build a fort in 1517.

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