Transformation of Galle Face green  by Dr Harold Gunatillake The promenade was initially laid out in 1859 by Governor Sir Henry George Ward,  although the original Galle Face Green extended over a much larger area than is seen today.  The Galle Face Green was initially used for horse racing and as a golf course but was also  used for cricket, polo, football, tennis, and rugby.   The Dutch initially laid out the Galle Face Green to enable their cannons to a strategic line of  fire against the Portuguese. One version of how the name Galle Face is derived is that it is  from the original Dutch name for the fortifications, in that the gateway which gave access to  the Colombo Fort was called the Gal Gate, as it faced southwards to Galle and faas means  front, so it means in front of the fortification that encountered toward Galle. Another version ...

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