Reconstructed Jaffna Fort to boost tourism
Chamikara WEERASINGHE
The reconstruction of Jaffna Dutch Fort is nearing completion. The
colonial-era fort has been restored to its former glory by the
government to become a major tourist attraction in Jaffna.
The government has spent Rs 104.5 million for the work concerned. The
Netherlands has granted Rs 55 million for this purpose, said Economic
Development Ministry sources.
The X-shaped Dutch Church, which was destroyed by the LTTE during the
war is currently being restored under the Jaffna Fort Restoration
Project of the government.
The Presidential House within the fort’s four acre extent is also
under renovation as part of project’s final phase, sources said.
National Heritage Ministry’s Archaeological Department Museums and
Maintenance Deputy Director W A J R Madagammana said yesterday they have
reconstructed four sides of the five sided Jaffna Fort consisting of
high ramparts, bastions and a moat. “We sought the help of the Army Bomb
Disposal Squad to clear the moat as hidden caches of ammunition and
mortars were found inside it. They had been hidden inside the moat by
LTTE terrorists,” explained Madagammana.
“We have finished construction work on the fort’s main entrance,” he
said. “ There is a couple of huge water tanks that we will construct
under the project,” he said.
“Many tourists flock to Jaffna Fort even now to witness the ancient
splendor of the Dutch Port,”he said and added ,” the Fort is now a
tourist center.”
The Fort was first built as a small garrison in Jaffna by the
Portuguese after they invaded the north in 1618. The Dutch captured in
in 1658 and expanded it further.
The British took it over in 1795. The Fort’s ramparts were severely
damaged by the LTTE during the war. With the government defeating LTTE
in 2009, the Jaffna Fort sparkled a boom in tourism. |