Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★★ (4.8/5)
Genre: #SriLanka #History #Geography #CulturalStudies #NonFiction

Book Review:
This book by Geoff Ells explores the origins of street names in Colombo, weaving a fascinating patchwork history of Sri Lanka. All street names mean something, even if that meaning is now lost for most people. Exploring nearly a thousand old and new names, the book uncovers the personalities, events, communities, and changing landscapes that have shaped modern Colombo. From colonial-era governors and British royalty to local politicians, merchants, and even a famous circus elephant, Ells reveals the stories behind the signs we pass every day. Lively, well-researched, and full of anecdotes, this book serves as both a historical study and a cultural guide to the city. It is essential reading for anyone who lives in or loves Colombo and wants to understand its layered past.