The name of famous English Governors are immortalized in Sri Lanka history with prominent streets being named after them. One such street is Ward Place, named after British Governor Sir Henry George Ward.

Sir Ward on 11 May 1855 became Governor of Ceylon. His first speech that year, dealt with railways; he developed also economic policies on communications, telegraphy,  immigrant labor. He also consolidated the public administration. Examples of colonial art and architecture were present on the streets of Ward Place which has now changed beyond recognition.