Negombo is approximately 30 km north of the capital Colombo. Located at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon the town has a small port and its economy is based on tourism and fishing, though it also produces ceramics and brass ware.

It has fine sandy beaches and diving and windsurfing gear can easily be hired. Things to see include the gate of the old Dutch fort built in 1672 and the Dutch Canal which was once a supply route to the Dutch administration, old churches and fishing villages.