Borella is the largest suburb in Colombo, Sri Lanka represented by divisional code 8.
Demographic
Borella is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic area. The major ethnic communities in Borella are Sinhalese and Tamils. There are also various other minorities, such as Burghers, Sri Lankan Moors and others. Religions include Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and various other religions and beliefs to a lesser extent.
History
The history of the settlement of Borella is dated from the 15th century as a village situated along a cart-track from the port of Colombo to Kotte. A Borella municipal market was built in 1910.[2] Borella was also a terminus of the historical defunct Colombo tramway system.[3] During the Black July riots in 1983, various properties in Borella were damaged.[4]
Colombo's main burial ground and crematorium, Kanatte Cemetery, is located in Borella. It is situated at the intersection of Narahenpita Road (Elvitigala Mawatha), Bullers Road (Bauddhaloka Mawatha), and Baseline Road (D. S. Senanayake Mawtha) at a large traffic circle. The cemetery was established in 1840 and includes a section dedicated for those who died during World War I and II.