Originally, the fort was constructed by the Portuguese as the first line of defence for Colombo. Its location made it strategically important after the forts in Colombo, Galle and Jaffna. The original Portuguese structure didn’t survive the Dutch occupation efforts and had to be reconstructed. Today, the ruins are cover a small green known as the Esplanade and can be entered through an old gateway inscribed with 1678.
The Dutch Siege
Under the command of Philip Lucasz, the Dutch captured the fort from the Portuguese in 1640. The Portuguese won it back in December 1643 but could only hold it for a month or so. The Dutch invasion caused a lot of damage, so the Dutch had to carry out heavy restoration projects.
The British Siege
The British didn’t lay siege to the fort when they took over the country. The fort was deemed unnecessary and was demolished to put up a prison.
The Fort Today
Today the fort’s interior still belongs to the Department of Prisons and the only way you can explore is if you commit a crime. But don’t let that dishearten you. It’s still great to explore on the outside, eat at one of the Negombo restaurants and catch a cricket match, so ask your accommodation of choice if they organise tours. Heritance Negombo is one place that does so.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+.
