At 350 metres, the Lotus Tower — officially Nelum Kuluna — is the tallest structure in South Asia and one of the most prominent features of the Colombo skyline. Designed in the shape of a lotus flower and built with Chinese funding, it was completed in 2022 after years of delays and controversy over cost. The tower has an observation deck, a revolving restaurant, and broadcast facilities — it was built primarily as a telecommunications tower.
The view from the observation deck on a clear day is remarkable: the full sweep of Colombo from the coast to the hill suburbs, and on exceptionally clear days the outline of the hills around Kandy. Tickets are sold at the base; the experience is worth it for the panorama alone, whatever you think of the architecture.