Located on Second Cross Street in Pettah, Colombo, Sri Lanka, the Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque—also colloquially known as the Red Masjid, Red Mosque, or Rathu Palliya—is one of the city's oldest mosques and a popular tourist destination. Commissioned in 1908 by the local Indian Muslim community and completed in 1909, this historic place of worship was designed and built by Habibu Lebbe Saibu Lebbe. When you visit, you will marvel at a striking hybrid architectural style that blends native Indo-Islamic and Indian elements with Neo-classical and Gothic revival influences, inspired by images of Indo-Saracenic structures provided by South Indian traders.
The eye-catching two-storey building features a distinctive red and white candy-striped facade and a clock tower, reminiscent of Malaysia's Jamek Mosque in Kuala Lumpur. Originally built to hold 1,500 worshippers for daily prayers and Friday Jummah, an expansion project funded with help from the Haji Omar Trust beginning in 1975 expanded its capacity to 10,000. Before modern landmarks altered the cityscape, approaching sailors famously recognized this vibrant structure as the defining landmark of Colombo's port.
It stands today as an essential stop for travelers exploring Sri Lanka's rich architectural history.
What to see at Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
- Marvel at the unique hybrid architecture combining Indo-Islamic, Gothic revival, and Neo-classical styles.
- Admire the iconic red and white candy-striped two-storey exterior and clock tower.
- Discover a historic landmark built in 1908–1909 by architect Habibu Lebbe Saibu Lebbe.
- Explore a major Pettah landmark that once served as a navigational beacon for sailors entering port.
Visiting tips
Keep in mind that the mosque is an active house of worship originally built for daily prayers and Friday Jummah, so plan your visit respectfully around prayer times.
How long: 1 hour · Best time: Early morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is easy to reach on Colombo’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Lotus Tower. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Colombo travel guide.
See the full Colombo travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.