Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)

Located in one of the bustling streets of Pettah, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque also known as the red mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Sri Lanka. Upon the arrival of Arabs in Sri Lanka for trading purposes, Islamic communities settled in Galle and Colombo areas. This mosque was built in 1908 to provide a place of worship to the Muslims. The construction and design of this mosque was done by an unqualified architect known as Habibu Labbe Saibu Labbe. This mosque was built in an Indo-Saracenic style with a red and white pattern and clock tower. Unlike the traditional onion shape of the dome, the domes of this mosque are in the shape of a pomegranate. This mosque is reminiscent of the Jamek Mosque in Kuala Lampur. It has been stated that this mosque was used as the landmark of Colombo by approaching sailors. In 1975, surrounding properties were taken and the mosque was expanded and in 2007 a new four storied building was constructed.
Women can enter the mosque and have a look around as tourists. However, if they seek to enter the mosque they must ensure cover their hair, arms and legs.