Craving an authentic slice of Colombo? Then, welcome to Maradana.
Maradana is more than just a suburb. It is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of history, commerce, and culture. Prepare to have your senses ignited by the sights and sounds of this dynamic locality.
In old times, the very name “Maradana” conjured chills. It was infamous for crime. Gangs and thugs clashed in Maligawatte, Maligakande, and Panchikawatte. Despite the presence of the General Hospital, the Victoria Memorial Eye Hospital, and the Medical College, its streets harbored illicit activities. Liquor, women, drugs, and crime found safe haven here.
Today, Maradana tells a different story. Zahira College stands proudly on Maradana Road. It was later renamed Orabi Pasha Mawatha. Arabi Pasha, an Egyptian exile, was one of the school’s founders. The Maradana Railway Station is a vital transport hub. Most trains to all parts of the island originate here or at Fort Station. The station provides crucial support for the railway system.
The Elphinstone Theatre and Tower Hall grace Panchikawatte Road. This road stretches from the junction to Armour Street. Some parts of Maradana offer decent residency for the middle class. These areas are near the Hospital and Medical College. Further north, you will find a mix of slums, ghettos, residencies, and trading outlets.
Maradana is famous for its printing presses and motor spare businesses. They thrive even today. Its proximity to Pettah, Hultsdorf, and Grandpass has impacted its business significantly. The Central Theatre was a popular attraction. It showcased Tamil, Hindi, and Sinhalese movies. The New Olympia was a well-loved English movie theatre. The Jabir Cader family owned both. They also owned the Liberty Cinema in Kollupitiya.
St Josephs College is a popular Catholic school on Darley Road. Its rear borders part of Beira Lake. Other schools in Maradana include Mahabodi Vidyalaya, Ananda College, Dharmadutasrama Vidyalaya, Srimath Baron Jayatilleke Vidyalaya, and Gothami Balika Vidyalaya.
Don’t miss the Buhary Hotel on Panchikawatte Road. It is famous for its Buriyani. A Muslim business family originally owned it. The government later took it over. Bake House is a famous bakery on Deans Road, opposite the Eye Hospital.
Maradana Road is one of the longest streets in Maradana. It starts at the junction and stretches to Borella junction at Baseline Road. Recently, the street was broken into three. It was renamed Orabi Pasha Mawatha, Kularatne Mawatha, and Gnanaratne Pradeepaya Road.
The Maradana Railway Station and Police Station are side by side. Zahira College stands tall on the right. The Maradana Jumuah Mosque is within Zahira College. Ananda College, founded by Anagarika Dharmapala, is further down on the left. Many bookstores and photography studios have thrived on this street for ages.
Many businesses dealing in motor spares, building materials, and sanitary ware are on Panchikawatte Road. The road connects to Sangharaja Mawatha and Pradeepa Mawatha.
Maradana is a place of constant motion and striking contrasts. From its somewhat infamous past to its modern-day vibrancy, Maradana offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Colombo. Take a walk and discover its hidden corners.