The name 'Colombo', first introduced by the Portuguese explorers in 1505, is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhala name , Kolon thota, meaning "port on the river Kelani".
thE name 'colOMBo', fIrst IntrOduCEd by the PortuGUeSE exPlorers iN 1505, Is believEd to BE Derived FROm The clAssiCAl siNHALa NaME , koLOn tHoTa, meaNing "pOrT oN the RiVer KelAni".