Negombo is located approximately 37 km north of the commercial capital Colombo in Sri Lanka. It is located at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon. The wide sandy beaches, and the safe sea are the main attractions of Negombo, along with the Dutch Canal (also known as Hamilton Canal), the Dutch Fort and the fish market. Negombo has numerous tiled cottages and bungalows from colonial times. There are a large number of churches and catholic religious statues. Hence Negombo is also nicknamed “Little Italy”.