Ever wonder about the stories etched into Colombo’s skyline? Right here stands the Sri Lanka Telecom Monument. But its story is more than just about communication.
This building was once the Ceylon Central Telegraph Office. It was built in 1911. Later it became the Sri Lanka Telecom Building. This building is adjacent to the giant statue of a hand holding a phone.
It’s remembered as the place where Radio Ceylon began broadcasting in 1923. But there’s a darker chapter in its history. In 1989, a bomb detonated by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam nearly toppled this very building. Fourteen people died and hundreds were injured.
Imagine the scene. The blast shook the city. The Sri Lanka Telecom Building suffered heavy damage. The restoration took several years. Workers meticulously restored it to its original design. They wanted to ensure its original appearance.
Some say the Sri Lanka Telecom Building is haunted. Perhaps the echoes of that tragic day linger within its walls. Despite the successful restoration, the word on the street is that the building might possibly be haunted.
Today, the Sri Lanka Telecom Monument stands as a testament to resilience. It’s a reminder of a dark moment in Colombo’s past. The Telecom Building stands for something else too. It stands for the enduring spirit of the city. It stands for its ability to rebuild.
As you stand before the Sri Lanka Telecom Monument, consider its layers of history. From its early days as a telegraph office to the tragic bombing and subsequent restoration. This building is more than bricks and mortar. It is a landmark with many stories to tell. The Telecom Building is a silent witness to Colombo’s journey.