The Old Town Hall building built in the year 1873 lies obscured in the busy Pettah Market environs. The present Town Hall is one of the most iconic building in Colombo. Located opposite the Vihara Maha Devi Park in Colombo 7 , the Town Hall was built during the British period between 1924 and 1928 to house the offices of the Colombo Munisipal Council (CMC ). The Colombo Mayor's office is located in the building.
** 1873: Colombo's first Municipal Council office built in Pettah more than 100 years ago, holds the relics of municipal life in colonial facade. The majestic edifice was designed by British architect J. M. Smither. It was declared open by Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873. The wooden floors, ceilings and staircase, all made of pure teak, have stood the test of time. The doors and windows, which can be closed by wooden glass shutters pulley system, are all elaborately carved.
** 1928: The new Colombo Town Hall is situated overlooking Vihara Maha Devi Park In Colombo 7. Its foundation stone was laid in 1924 by Thomas Reid, the Mayor of Colombo at that time and was completed in 1928.This new majestic building was designed by S. J. Edward, an architect of the Ralph Booty & Co of Singapore. It was well - planned with spacious rooms and corridors, with a magnificent council chamber containing an elavated gallery.
** 1984: The Old Town Hall building served as the municipality for 55 years and was restored as a municipal museum and cultural art and trade centre which was opened to the public in 1984.
** The Mayor of Colombo is the head of the Colombo Municipal Council. The post was created in 1866 when the Colombo Municipal Council was established by the Legislative Council of Ceylon. The Mayor is assisted by the Deputy Mayor and a Municipal Commissioner. Since 1944 the majority of the mayors have been from the United National Party.
** Among the illustrious former Mayors of the Colombo Town Hall were V. R. Schokman, George R. de Silva, R. A. deMel, R. F.S. de Mel and C. T. Grero. Former President J. R. Jayewardene and Prime Minister S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike were Councillors. At present the colombo Mayor is Rosy Senanayake.
** Following the adoption of the Municipalities Ordinance by the Legislative Council of British Ceylon in 1865, it was decided that Colombo city needed its own Municipal Council.
