When reading about the colonial history of Sri Lanka, Dutch Forts scattered across the country get a significant place. Negombo too is home to a ruined Dutch Fort.
![Negombo Dutch Fort | Image Credit - Nationaal Archief [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.thevacationgateway.com/blog-data/uploads/2018/09/800px-AMH-4193-NA_Map_of_Negombo_fort.jpg)
Overview
Beginning from the time of the kings to the period when Sri Lanka was under the European influence, many forts have been built in the country in different stages. Arguably, in terms of the history and appeal, the most popular of all forts in Sri Lanka is the Galle Fort. It is important to note that, though not spoken of with similar levels of interest as the former, the Negombo Dutch Fort speaks volumes of the country’s colonial history. During the colonial era, the fort was strategically important since most of the high-quality cinnamon grew in Negombo.
Features
The fort was located on a strip of land, sandwiched between an inlet of the sea and the Negombo Lagoon. The dilapidated structure of the clock tower inside the fort has been built in honour of the Queen Victoria’s Jubilee celebration. A unique feature of its surrounding landscapes was that its western section would often be flooded and thus the land would transform into a peninsula.
Location
Those wanting to head over to the Negombo Dutch Fort could take advantage of the town’s numerous accommodation facilities. If you’re staying at one of the many Negombo beach hotels the likes of Amagi Aria, it’s an 11-minute drive to the fort.
Current position
Currently, the fort has been relegated to the position of being the town’s prison. Thick foliage has grown over most of its outer walls with only an old clock tower at its entrance providing a welcome to the visitors.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
