Monument and Historic Building The Colombo Fort was a walled city having administrative and military buildings, cinnamon storehouses, a parade ground, mills, residential buildings and many more. The old fortified harbor was initially built by the Dutch who protested their prosperous trade in elephants, sapphires, ivory and cinnamon. Post the British forces, the garrison of Swiss mercenaries had already abandoned the place. One can have glimpse remnants of Dutch colonial architecture amongst the British constructions and the building sites. Overall, the place is worth visiting for tourists.