Colombo, Sri Lanka
Coordinates: 6.938500, 79.851800
Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque (known colloquially as the Samman Kottu Palli, Red Masjid or the Red Mosque) is a historic mosque in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
It is in the centre of the port area of old Columbo and it is a very unique building with an impressive architecture.
The mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo and a popular tourist site in the city.
Construction of the Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque commenced in 1908 and the building was completed in 1909.
The mosque was commissioned by the local Indian Muslim community, based in Pettah, to fulfill their required five-times-daily prayer and Jummah on Fridays.
Originally it had the capacity for 1,500 worshippers although at the time only around 500 were attending prayers.
It is a distinctive red and white candy-striped two-storey building, with a clock tower, and is reminiscent of the Jamek Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (constructed in 1910).
Before other landmarks were built, some claim that the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque was recognised as the landmark of Colombo by sailors approaching the port.
In 1975 the mosque, with the assistance of the Haji Omar Trust, purchased a number of the adjoining properties and commenced building an expansion to the mosque to increase its capacity to 10,000.
Know This
It is located on Second Cross Street in the famed Pettah district. It can be visited by tourists. Its height makes it visible from many districts of the city, including the Fort.
From the tourist entrance, women are allowed inside and if not dressed respectfully, are given coverings to wear. Women aren’t allowed past the courtyard, but it is still an impressive structure.
The mosque itself is very beautiful. Specially from the outside it looks very majestic. Beware of the tuk tuk guides who will try to lure you into giving a city tour of Colombo.
Also, while you are in the area, do not forget to explore the local bazaar a bit. You can find some good shops here selling candies, souvenirs and what not.
