ABSTRACT
There is a special charm about Galle, which expresses much about the modern island of Sri Lanka. In the centuries before European colonization Galle was considered the first port of entry. It was a far different port of call to the one that sits in all its munificent glory at the southern tip of the island. Perhaps there is not the calm about the seaside town that the traveller would find in Matara, further along the coast, or among the stalls in the more fancy tourist areas such as Hikkaduwa. In Galle there is colourful activity and for those living there the impressive, if impassive, face of the Galle Fort is taken for granted. Sure, Colombo has her attractions and may be far more colourful, wearing her finery with the flamboyance of an attacking batsman. And Kandy, the ancient kingdom up in the hills, has the scenery to match the majesty of such surroundings. Yet it is Galle that attracts, beguiles and seduces the tired tourist or visitor.
