Colombo Dutch Museum

It was in 1638 that King Rajasinghe of the Kingdom of Kandy signed the treaty that opened up Sri Lanka to the Dutch Empire. Even today, a large percentage of Sri Lanka's population can trace their roots to the Netherlands. The exotic mix of people is referred to as Burghers, a peculiar term that is derived from the Dutch word 'Burger' which translates to 'citizen.'
To understand the Dutch contribution to Sri Lanka, step into the Colombo Dutch Museum (also Dutch Period Museum). The museum was once the regal 17th century residence of the Dutch Governor. And it was within these walls that the treaty, with the Dutch, was signed. Over the years, the mansion has been used as a military hospital, a police-station, a seminary, and even a post office. Today, it is a museum where you can find furniture, paintings, and other rare artifacts dating to a forgotten era.