Dutch Fort

Located just 30 kilometers north of Colombo, the Dutch Fort in Negombo stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich and complex colonial history. Originally built by the Portuguese, the fort’s walls have seen shifts of power among the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, marking a legacy that continues to captivate visitors.

Initial Portuguese Stronghold and Dutch Takeover

Constructed in the early 1600s, the Portuguese initially built the Negombo Fort as a basic square enclosure, with limited defenses. However, in 1640, the Dutch swiftly captured the fort, holding it until 1643 despite multiple Portuguese attempts to retake it. For a brief period, the Portuguese regained control, strengthening its defenses, but it was short-lived—the Dutch successfully reclaimed the fort.

Transformation and British Rule

In 1672, the Dutch redesigned the fort into a pentagonal structure, adapting it for more strategic use. Later, in 1796, the British took control, facing no opposition, and transformed the structure into a prison, marking yet another chapter in its layered history. The Negombo Fort still functions under Sri Lanka’s Department of Prisons, with parts of its original architecture, like the eastern rampart and the gateway arch, preserved.

While it remains a working prison, visitors can appreciate the Negombo Fort’s historical significance from the outside. This enduring landmark not only offers a glimpse into the colonial power struggles of the past but also showcases Sri Lanka’s resilience through its preservation.