Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Colombo: History and respectful visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

Construction began in 1908 and was completed in 1909 on Second Cross Street in Pettah. Habibu Lebbe Saibu Lebbe, an untrained architect, worked from details and pictures of Indo-Saracenic buildings supplied by the South Indian traders who commissioned the mosque.

Its style combines Indo-Islamic elements with Gothic Revival and neoclassical features, in red and white bands with a clock tower.

Useful facts

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque facts at a glance

Location

Second Cross Street, Pettah, Colombo

Faith

Islam (Sunni)

Dedication

Congregational mosque, also called the Red Mosque

Visitor note

Modest dress, shoes off, avoid prayer times

Built

1908 to 1909, by Habibu Lebbe Saibu Lebbe

Why it matters

Why Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is worth your time

The mosque was begun in 1908 and finished in 1909, built by Habibu Lebbe Saibu Lebbe, described as an unlettered architect who worked from images of Indo-Saracenic buildings supplied by the South Indian traders who commissioned it. The result is a hybrid, blending Indo-Islamic forms with Gothic Revival and neoclassical features.

For a visitor, it shows how Colombo's Muslim traders shaped the city centre, and its candy colours are one of the capital's best-known sights. It is also a reminder that Pettah is a multi-religious district, where a mosque, Hindu kovils and churches sit within a short walk.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   The striped facade

   Bands of red and white make it one of the most photographed buildings in Colombo.

2. 02

   Indo-Saracenic detail

   Arches, minarets and a clock tower blend styles from India and Europe.

3. 03

   Pettah's mix

   The mosque sits near temples and churches, showing the district's religious diversity.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

Approach on foot through Pettah and take your first look from across the street, where you can see the full red-and-white facade and the clock tower. The stripes, arches and minarets mix Indo-Islamic and Gothic Revival ideas and are quickly recognisable, making the mosque an easy photograph even from a distance.

If you wish to enter, ask at the entrance and follow what staff say. Avoid prayer times, particularly Friday midday, and do not photograph worshippers without asking. Dress modestly, and expect to remove shoes.

Pair the visit with a walk through the nearby markets and the other places of worship in Pettah. In the heat, take it slowly, drink water and plan a rest stop at a cafe in the Fort afterwards.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Second Cross Street, Pettah, Colombo 11

Time needed

15 to 30 minutes

Best time

Morning, outside prayer times; Friday midday is for worshippers

Walking level

Easy

Senior comfort

The exterior can be viewed from the pavement with no steps. Inside, expect stairs, bare feet and limited seating, so access may be difficult. The surrounding streets are crowded and traffic is heavy.

Tickets and access

There is no ticket for viewing from outside. Entry for non-Muslims depends on the mosque's current rules; ask politely and respect any restrictions. Cover arms and legs, remove shoes, and women may be asked to cover their hair.

Plan it with

FAQs