Sunday we docked very early in Colombo Sri Lanka as some tours left as early as 6:30 am.  Our city tour was not until 8:45 so we were able to have leisurely breakfast. We were quite impressed with the city as we had not had high expectations.  The economy seems to be growing with a lot of new construction, renovation of historic buildings and other development.  Their presidential election was a few days ago and the new president took the oath of office on Saturday.  This election was entirely peaceful which had not always been the case in the past. The other big news is that although only 7 percent of the country is Christian, the Pope is visiting Colombo on Tuesday.  We were told that they expect about one million people to attend, with many from surrounding countries.  The preparations for the event were under way in a park type area next to the ocean where they were setting up "corrals" (?) and large covered areas.  There were hundreds of police officers in the area and it appeared that they had been brought in by bus from other parts of the country.
Our tour included an impressive Buddhist Temple, a Hindu Temple, the National Museum, and tea at a luxury hotel.  We were told by our tour guide that all the religions seem to get along and he joked that they liked to celebrate all the holidays as it gave them lots of days off! We did see quite a few remaining Christmas decorations.

Entrance to the Hindu Temple

Historic building where the new President took his oath on Saturday

Large billboard announcing the Papal visit

Site of visit with "corrals" in background and a few of the thousands of police brought in for event

Beautiful vintage cars in courtyard of Buddhist Temple

Huge statue inside temple

Mounted elephant that had paraded in festivals for 45 years