The word "Pettah" is derived from the Sinhalese word "pita" meaning out or outside. In this case, it means outside Colombo's original Fort area. Probably the most famous street in Pettah is the mile long Sea Street which contains the capital's goldsmith workshops and gold markets.The word "Pettah" is derived from the Sinhalese word "pita" meaning out or outside. In this case, it means outside Colombo's original Fort area. Probably the most famous street in Pettah is the mile long Sea Street which contains the capital's goldsmith workshops and gold markets.