Negombo is a fishing hamlet on the western coast of Sri Lanka. Its close proximity to the Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake makes Negombo a first or last stop when visiting the island.
The Negombo town was captured by the Dutch from the Portuguese in 1640 and lost in the same year and re-captured in 1644. In 1796 the British took it over. During the Dutch period Negombo was one of the most important sources of cinnamon, the sweetest of which grew along the coastal belt near Negombo.
The busy town of Negombo has a selection of colourful shopping arcades and interesting rustic restaurants. It boasts a rich cultural heritage with impressive Roman Catholic churches built by the Portuguese, and the ruins of an Old Dutch Fort.
The Old Dutch Fort and the Dutch Cemetery with a huge Banyan tree are interesting sites. Other Dutch buildings that are still in use include the lagoon rest house. The Dutch also built a network of canals from South of Negombo to Colombo, and North of Negombo to Puttalam, totaling a distance of 120 km.

The Negombo lagoon is dotted with dugout canoes or 'oru'. Fish auctions on the beach are a common and interesting site. A Fisherman's Festival is held in late July every year.