Galle district

Galle District is one of the most beautiful regions in Sri Lanka. It is located in the Southern Province, it is famous for its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage. Galle city, the district’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The district offers a mix of golden beaches, lush greenery, and vibrant communities. Galle is an important destination for both tourists and locals. It is known as ගාල්ල දිස්ත්රික්කය (gālla distrikkaya) in Sinhala and காலி மாவட்டம் (Kāli Māvaṭṭam) in Tamil.

History

The history of Galle goes back over 2,000 years. It was an important port for traders from around the world, including Arabs, Chinese, and Europeans. The city played a significant role in Sri Lanka’s maritime trade. The Portuguese arrived in Galle in 1505, marking the start of European influence in the area. They built the first fortifications.

Later, the Dutch took over Galle in 1640. They expanded the fort and made it one of the best-preserved colonial forts in Asia. Galle Fort still stands today as a symbol of this rich history. The British also ruled Galle from 1796, adding their architectural style to the area. Historical sites like churches, warehouses, and government buildings showcase this colonial past.