Jaffna has unique Dutch settlements - archaeology chief

Priyanka Kurugala in Jaffna

Jaffna Fort is being renovated with financial assistance from the governments of Netherlands and Sri Lanka. Here, the renovation in progress. Picture by Nissanka Wijeratne

Jaffna is the second town in the world which came under Dutch domination which has Dutch settlements outside the main Dutch Fort, Archaeology Director General Dr Senarath Dissanayake said.

Participating in an observation tour of the Jaffna Fort yesterday, he said the first Dutch settlement that is outside a Dutch Fort is in South Africa. “Therefore the archaeological value of the Jaffna town is high and the Jaffna Fort occupies an important position,” he said.

“There are 31 archaeological monuments identified from the inner part of the Jaffna Fort,” Dr Dissanayake said.

Among the items are Chinese and Roman coins and urns, he said.

“Renovation programmes are continuing under the guidance of the Archaeological Department and the Dutch government,” Dr Dissanayake said. Queens House, the Dutch Church and the Jaffna Fort are the main sites focused under the restoration programme, he said.

Fifty percent of the conservation programme has been completed. Netherlands has spent Rs 64 million and the Sri Lankan government spent Rs 40 million for this, he said.