Within the immediate urban boundaries of Colombo city, traditional agriculture is virtually non-existent due to dense urban development and land values. However, urban agriculture, including rooftop gardens, hydroponics, and community garden patches, has seen a modest rise among environmentally conscious residents.
In the broader Colombo District, particularly in the outer suburbs and rural fringes, agriculture still plays a role. Cultivation mainly includes small-scale paddy (rice) farming, rubber, and coconut estates. Additionally, as a coastal city, commercial and artisanal fisheries are critical to Colombo's food supply, with the Peliyagoda Fish Market serving as a major wholesale hub for the entire region.