Standing in the heart of Pettah's busy market district, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is one of Colombo's most immediately recognisable landmarks. Its bold crimson and pale yellow facade rises above the surrounding rows of shops and trading houses, drawing the eye from several streets away. Built in 1908 to serve a rapidly growing Muslim community, the mosque has grown from a modest two-storey prayer hall into a sprawling complex capable of accommodating tens of thousands of worshippers.
What is the history behind the Red Mosque?
Islam arrived in Sri Lanka as early as the 7th century AD, carried by Arab traders who recognised the island as a natural stopping point on the spice and silk routes linking the Middle East with South and Southeast Asia. Sri Lanka's major ports — particularly Colombo and Galle — attracted significant Muslim settlement, and those communities have maintained a continuous presence ever since.
By the early 20th century, Colombo's Muslim population had grown considerably, yet large purpose-built mosques remained scarce. A group of South Indian traders commissioned architect Habibu Labbe Saibu Labbe to design a substantial mosque in Pettah. He worked from Indo-Saracenic reference images provided by his patrons, then added distinctive flourishes of his own. Construction began in 1908 and the mosque was completed in 1909. The Colombo city tour circuit regularly includes a stop here, reflecting how central the mosque has become to the city's cultural identity.
What makes the architecture of the Red Mosque unique?
The most striking departure from conventional mosque design is visible at the roofline. Where many South Asian mosques feature the familiar onion-shaped dome, the spires of Jami Ul-Alfar are modelled on the form of a pomegranate — rounder and more compact. The exterior walls are painted a deep red, said to echo the colour of that fruit's interior, offset by horizontal bands of pale yellow. This combination gives the mosque its popular nickname and makes it stand apart from every other building in the neighbourhood.
Inside, the four original teak columns that once supported the two lower floors still stand in good condition — a rare piece of continuity across more than a century of renovation. Period-style tiles installed during a later restoration give the interior a quietly historic atmosphere without feeling museum-like. More recently, escalator access was added for elderly and mobility-impaired visitors, a practical upgrade that sits alongside the older craftsmanship without detracting from it.
How has the mosque grown over the years?
When the mosque opened in 1909, it could hold around 1,500 worshippers, though regular attendance at the time was closer to 500. As Colombo's Muslim population expanded, so did demand for space. In 1975, the Haji Omar Trust acquired the surrounding properties and began a phased expansion programme. The most significant addition came in 2007, when a new four-storey wing was completed, pushing the total capacity to approximately 10,000 worshippers. Renovation and facility upgrades have continued incrementally since then.
Where exactly is the Red Mosque, and how do I get there?
The mosque is located on Second Cross Street in Pettah, Colombo's oldest commercial district. Pettah is roughly two kilometres north-east of Fort railway station and sits at the edge of Colombo's central business area. The most practical ways to reach it are by tuk-tuk, metered taxi, or ride-hailing app from anywhere in central Colombo. Buses serving the Pettah bus stand also pass close by. Street parking is limited in the area, so arriving on foot from a nearby drop-off point is advisable.
What should visitors know before arriving?
The mosque is an active place of worship, not a museum, so visitors should arrive with appropriate expectations. Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees should be covered, and shoes must be removed before entering the prayer area. Non-Muslim visitors are generally welcome to observe the exterior and enter certain areas outside of prayer times; it is courteous to check whether access is available before entering. Note that the mosque has historically restricted entry for women in some sections — this policy has been a source of ongoing community discussion, so it is worth confirming the current situation locally before visiting.
- Dress modestly — loose clothing covering shoulders and knees
- Remove footwear at the entrance
- Avoid visiting during the five daily prayer times if you plan to walk through
- Photography of the exterior is generally accepted; check with staff before photographing the interior
- The surrounding Pettah market is worth exploring before or after your visit
What else can I see near the Red Mosque?
Pettah is one of Colombo's most historically layered neighbourhoods, and the mosque sits within easy walking distance of several other points of interest. The Dutch Period Museum, the old town's colonial-era buildings, and the busy covered market are all within a short radius. The Colombo Lotus Tower, the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia, is visible from many parts of the city and a reasonable tuk-tuk ride away. If you are spending a day in the city, combining the Red Mosque with Pettah's street markets and Fort's colonial architecture makes for a cohesive half-day itinerary.
Is the Red Mosque worth visiting for non-Muslim travellers?
For visitors interested in Colombo's multicultural fabric, Jami Ul-Alfar is one of the most rewarding stops in the city. The architecture is genuinely singular — there is nothing else quite like it in Sri Lanka — and the surrounding Pettah neighbourhood provides an unfiltered view of everyday commercial life in the capital. Unlike many heritage attractions, the mosque remains a living institution rather than a preserved relic, which gives a visit here a different quality from the country's archaeological sites. Even from the pavement outside, the building rewards a careful look.