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| Thursday, 20 May 2004 |
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Martello tower needs renovation by M.R.M. Niyas, Hambantota special correspondent The colonial era Martello Tower at Hambantota is a monument, which relates to us the legacy of our colonial past, silently. This defence watch tower is believed to be a Dutch fortification, but was actually constructed by Capt. Goper of the Army Engineers during the British period. Since the end of the British rule in Sri Lanka, this age-old historical building was used for different purposes by the Governments of yesteryear. This prominent historical landmark depicts the architectural competence and the defence expertise of the British. During the tenure of the PA Government this historical tower was converted into a fisheries museum in 1999 as a measure to conserve this historical landmark and ancient fisheries monuments, on the instruction of then Minister of Fisheries and the present Prime-Minister Mahinda Rajapakse. After a couple of years of proper maintenance, this prominent historical landmark was neglected and now this relic of archaeological value is in the verge of destruction. This Martello Tower is the only one of its kind in Sri Lanka and one of the few in the world. As, this important site situated in the Hambantota Kachcheri premises, is the legacy of our colonial past, it is essential to take very early action to renovate, protect and preserve it for posterity. |
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