'Dutch Ceylon' was established sometime in the 1600s as a result of some intriguing political play. Back in the 17th century, Sri Lanka was divided between the Lankan kings and Portuguese invaders, who as one might suspect, didn't always get along. And they didn't fight fair! So, the Lankan King, Rajasinghe II, decided to join hands with the Dutch East India Company (which was already trading there), to keep the Portuguese in check. But Rajasinghe then decided he needed the French to keep the Dutch in check! The tale had many dramatic twists and turns—the Dutch defeated the French and took control of prominent maritime provinces; the Dutch and the Portuguese were at loggerheads for a long time; the English entered the scene. And everyone left a part of themselves on the island-nation.
The Dutch Hospital is one of the oldest buildings in Colombo's Fort area, dating back to 1681; some historians assert this is just the first recorded date and that the structure may be even older. As the name suggests, it was once a hospital to cater to those who worked for the Dutch East India company. Today, it is an up-market quarter filled with branded stores and fancy restaurants (our favourite eatery here is the Ministry of Crab). Steal your eyes away from the enticing store-windows and you'll find a gorgeous piece of architecture—massive teak beans, wooden staircases, almost-endless verandas etc. Window shopping takes on a whole new meaning at the Dutch Hospital.