Sri Lanka

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is Sri Lanka’s official capital and the seat of Parliament (since 1982), while nearby Colombo remains the country’s largest city and commercial hub. The modern capital was developed around the Diyawanna Oya lake, with a landmark Parliament complex designed by architect Geoffrey Bawa. “Kotte” also revives the name of a medieval Sinhalese kingdom that once ruled the area, linking present governance to historic roots. Memory tip: Think “Two centers—Commerce in Colombo, Constitution in Kotte.” If you’re torn between the famous city (Colombo) and the official capital, remember that laws are made in Kotte, not Colombo.