Colombo Harbour was an important trading centre throughout the years and was acquired by the British in 1796 and became the capital of British Ceylon. The Port was designated as a coaling port and a harbour breakwater was built in 1912. As a Coaling Station the locality was defended by coastal defence batteries and forts.
The principal batteries were:
- Battenburgh Battery
- Galle Face Battery
- Klippenburgh Battery
- Guard Battery
- Enkhuysen Battery