Diyatha Uyana park
Diyatha Uyana sits at Polduwa Junction in Battaramulla, wedged neatly between the Parliament complex and the shimmering waters of Diyawanna Lake.
What's now one of Colombo's favourite evening escapes started out as nothing more than marshland, transformed through a joint effort by the Urban Development Authority and the Sri Lanka Army before opening its gates to the public on 15 September 2014.
The park's charm lies in its mix of the natural and the everyday. A long paved walking path loops around the lake's edge, drawing joggers, evening strollers, and families out for a bit of fresh air, while the water itself hosts boat rides and a floating restaurant that's become something of a novelty in its own right. Ducks wander the pathways looking for scraps, kids gather around the small aquarium at dusk, and the Diyatha Market, rows of stalls under white canopies, sells everything from potted plants and batik clothing to handmade crafts and traditional sweets.
For a city that doesn't offer many open, unpretentious outdoor spaces, Diyatha Uyana filled a real gap when it opened, somewhere ordinary people could simply turn up, sit by the water, and watch the evening settle in without needing a club membership or an entry fee. Come sunset, as the light catches the lake and the Parliament building glows faintly in the distance, it's easy to see why the park has stayed a firm favourite with both locals and visitors passing through Colombo.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Free
- Opening hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Diyatha Uyana park?
- Free.
- What are the opening hours at Diyatha Uyana park?
- Daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.