Negombo

The region was under the rule of the Sinhala monarchy based on Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte. The language used in the area was a regional dialect of Sinhala when the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century.

Negombo also served as a shelter for Arab vessels, whose descendants are the Sri Lankan Moors. Negombo was a major port known for its trading activity and was well known for its cinnamon cultivation. The cinnamon trade was controlled by the Sri Lankan kings and later by the Sri Lankan Moors.