Reconstructed Jaffna Fort to boost tourism

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.

Courtesy : Daily News