Hamilton canal a dutch creation

Text and pictures Ganga PRADEEPA

The bridge on the Hamilton canal

The arrival of Dutch apparently have had a somewhat distasteful influence in Sri Lanka's history. Our freedom, culture and unity had been affected. Despite these observations there are those who believe that benefits have come this country's way due to the arrival of the Dutch settlers. One such is the Dutch canal.

For the Portuguese and Dutch colonial rulers, Negombo was an ideal collection point and export harbour for cinnamon. Inland, and parallel to the coast, they built a canal from Kelani Ganga to the lagoon in Negombo (called the Hamilton Canal or Dutch Canal) and then continued it northwards to the lagoon at Puttalam.

This 100 kilometre waterway not only provided access to the cinnamon gardens, but also meant that shipping was not affected by the weather during the southwest monsoon period.

Before the Dutch, Portuguese and English came to rule we had a great irrigation system indeed which was unmatched and far more advanced than theirs. Compared to 1000 km of magnificent 12th century irrigation canals (renovated and in service to date) leading out of inland seas like rainwater reservoirs (The Sea of Parakrama - 2100 ha) built in the 12th century by the Sinhalese, Dutch canals fade away into insignificance.

The Dutch canal

The Dutch wanted to provide both easy and cheap transport of goods from outlying areas to their ports. In Negombo the Dutch (17th century) found a way to reveal their love for canals. It was by way of these canals, that cinnamon, cloves, pepper, cardamoms which grew profusely in the surrounding area and precious gems were transported from the interior to the Negombo harbour. Through this canal Dutch people transported our valuable resources to their countries easily.

The Hamilton canal is the perfect evidence those countries such as China, Burma, Rome and Greece traded with the rulers of our country at that time. The purpose of the original waterways was to transport the export produce to seafaring ships leaving from the port of Negombo; the cargoes consisting of precious stones, pearls and spices, cloves, cardamoms, pepper and above all, cinnamon.

The river mouth at Kammal Thotupala

On a recent visit, I reached the river mouth at sunrise which is called Kammal Thotupala.

Apart from two Sri Lankans with their child, I met many foreigners during a three hour journey.

After a few minutes we passed Maha Oya and came to Hamilton canal.

Then again we entered the Gin Oya through the Hamilton canal and we passed hotels such as Ranweli and Club Dolphin.

"Four to six people can go on this boat. The foreigners who visit Negombo enjoy this Hamilton canal ride but sadly only a minimum number of Sri Lankans enjoy this boat safari," said the boatman, Sarath Nishshanka.

Through the green branches I was lucky to see different varieties of birds such as Little Herons, Egrets, White-throated kingfisher, Common kingfisher, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Paradise Flycatcher, Barbet and monitors, green garden chameleon...

Jetwing Seashells - Negombo's delight

'Little Rome' a.k.a. Negombo is home to an active fishing community who make a fine and picturesque sight of the town. Negombo and its famous lagoon, Hamilton canal on the west coast of Sri Lanka is located just a one hour's drive from Colombo.

The view of Seashells Hotel from the sea

When you pass Negombo town after a few minutes you reach the Jetwing Seashells hotel and Jetwings' lovely smile looking forward to treat their guests with friendly service. Located on a picturesque stretch of the beach in Negombo, Jetwing Seashells gives a relaxing atmosphere that soothes the mind and body. The uniqueness of this hotel is that it stands very close to the sea.

On entering the reception area the blue Indian Ocean comes into view sans any barrier with a lovely sea breeze. A few steps away from the reception there is a large lobby area. Since it opens to the sea breeze it looks nice specially in the evening coupled with the marvellous sunset.

The square shaped swimming pool is situated in front of the rooms and the 72 rooms offer direct and enchanting views of the ocean. This two storeyed building has a main restaurant which is offered different varieties of cousins such as International dishes too. They do not forget to offer Sri Lankan food corner which is called "Go Sri Lanka".

The sea food restaurant is situated very close to the sea where the guest can enjoy different varieties of Negombo fresh sea fish dishes. It has a thatched roof and the floor that is naturally covered by only white sea sands where the guests can feel more relaxed.

Since it was a Poya day, under the summer hut was a quiet experience for me indeed with a lovely sea breeze. The guests can even take their dinner on the beach by request.

When somebody visit this place can enjoy a sailing boat ride is also a unique experience of Jetwing. Guests visiting this hotel can also take a short tour to Hamilton canal, Negombo lagoon, Muthurajawela, Agurukaramulla temple, churches, kovils and Dutch fortress too. - GP

The Jetwing Lighthouse:

Perfect backdrop to the GLF

Founder of the Galle Literary festival, Geoffrey Dobbs recently announced that they will be partnering with Jetwing Lighthouse as Platinum sponsors for the third consecutive year; undoubtedly the perfect backdrop to an event that is growing in stature each year.

Dubbed by the Harper's Bazaar UK as the 'number one literary festival among six of the best festivals in the world', this prestigious festival is set to take place from the 28th January - 1st February at varying locations in and around the historic city of Galle. The festival promises an intimate atmosphere for local and international visitors to enjoy a variety of authors and engage in conversations about a wide selection of books and topics.

Parents, do not be afraid to bring your children

Jetwing Lighthouse will be the proud host to several key events. The first of these events will be held on Saturday 31st January where writers and festival go-ers get the opportunity to meet and interact with each other in a relaxed party atmosphere.

The festival team decided to save the best for last with a line up of exciting activities all taking place on the final day (1st Feb) at Jetwing Lighthouse. The day will start with the program titled 'Stranger than fiction' where participants will ask themselves the question, 'Can Journalism actually shape events?' Tarun Tejpal, M. J. Akbar, Pakiasothy Saravanamuttu, Sonali Samarasinghe and Indi Samarajiva have promised to give their view points in order to help answer this question, while touching on who will get to decide the new world order.

Following this enlightening discussion, participants get the opportunity to listen to Germaine Greer, one of the festival highlights this year, speak her mind on 'Who Put the Post into Post-Feminism'. Germaine Greer is an Australian-born writer, academic, journalist and scholar of early modern English literature. She is considered one of the most significant feminist writers of the 20th century.

Germaine incidentally will stay at the Jetwing Lighthouse during her stay in Galle. Parents, do not be afraid to bring your children as we have a very special line up for them that will revolve around Jetwing Lighthouse on Sunday the 31st.

Activities include the search for hidden treasure for those between 8 - 11 years, while Ruba Weerasinghe reads from a delectable selection of seaside stories to those between 5 - 7 in the mean time the elder ones will learn from a master story-teller!

'Though we were sceptical at first with the many challenges facing the industry at present, we are thrilled that we made the correct decision to be partners in the Galle Literary Festival as it no doubt counters the downside and remains a precursor of the potential that surrounds and lights up Galle.

The ambience is so great and we consider it a great opportunity and an honour to be associated with this world renowned event for the third consecutive year. We are hopeful that many such events will take place not only in Galle but other parts of the country as well as this will help uplift the image of the country and encourage many more visitors,' said Deputy Chairman of Jetwing Hotels Hiran Cooray.

Hotel Sunhill 23 deluxe rooms

Hotel Sunhill located at Mount Lavinia opened recently with 23 deluxe rooms. This hotel in front of the beach has a swimming pool and plans are underway to start Sunday buffets soon.

The hotel banquet hall can accommodate 200 people and the small conference hall is enough for fifty pax for small meetings and conferences. "The air conditioned restaurant has a sea view and it offers Eastern, Western, Chinese, Indian and special fresh seafood cuisine with calypso music.

The hotel also undertakes outdoor catering on a set or provided menu basis," General Manager of Hotel Sunhill, Rohan Wickramasinghe said.

Hotel Sunhill Nuwara Eliya is the sister hotel of this hotel and Wasantha Surendra Perera is the Chairman of these two hotels.

- GP