Forts in Sri Lanka

Forts in Sri Lanka have a history that spans thousands of years. Many of these fortifications were built by ancient kings to protect their cities. Some of these early forts were entire fortified cities. One notable example is Vijithapura, which was highly fortified by King Ellalan. It featured three moats and a high wall, with four gates made of wrought iron. The fort was an impressive military structure, second only to the capital city of Anuradhapura. Interestingly, there is no historical record of fortifications in Anuradhapura itself, making Vijithapura’s fortifications all the more remarkable in the context of ancient Sri Lankan defenses. Today, however, there are few significant discoveries of ancient man-made fortifications. One of the most famous examples is Sigiriya, a stunning natural rock fortress enhanced with man-made structures. Sigiriya remains a remarkable example of both nature and human ingenuity.

Colonial Influence on Sri Lankan Forts

The forts most commonly associated with Sri Lanka today were built during the colonial period. The Portuguese were the first European power to build forts in Sri Lanka, starting in the early 1500s. They constructed a number of forts, using gunpowder-based weapons such as cannons. In fact, the Portuguese built more forts in Sri Lanka than any other European power. Some indigenous fortifications were also captured by the Portuguese and updated to fit European-style fortifications. One example is the Balana Fort, which was initially an indigenous structure but was later modified by the Portuguese to accommodate their weapons and European military strategies.

In the 17th century, the Dutch took control of Sri Lanka from the Portuguese. They captured and expanded many of the Portuguese forts, while also building new ones. The Dutch used these forts to secure their power and protect their trade routes.

In the 18th century, the British captured the island from the Dutch. The British made some changes to the existing forts, expanding and rebuilding them. However, the British did not focus much on building new forts.

The Decline and Transformation of Forts

By the early 20th century, most of the colonial-era forts were no longer used for defense. Many were abandoned by the military and repurposed for civilian use, such as administrative offices. Some forts, however, continued to house military garrisons, though their role was more about administration than actual military defense.

During the two World Wars, the coastal forts were equipped with coastal artillery to defend the island from enemy attacks. After Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, some of these forts were reoccupied by the Sri Lankan military. During the Sri Lankan Civil War (1983–2009), forts such as Jaffna Fort were used by the military and came under siege several times.

Forts as Historical Landmarks

Today, many of Sri Lanka’s forts are important cultural and historical landmarks. Galle Fort, for example, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved colonial-era forts in Asia. Tourists from around the world visit these forts to learn more about Sri Lanka’s diverse history and the different cultures that influenced the island.

Some forts are still used by the Sri Lankan military, while others have been transformed into museums, galleries, or even hotels. These forts stand as symbols of the island’s rich history, from ancient kings to colonial powers and modern times.

Sadly, some of Sri Lanka’s forts have been lost or severely damaged over time. Colombo Fort, once a significant colonial stronghold, was largely destroyed during the city’s modernization and development. Much of the original structure is gone, leaving behind only traces of its once grand presence. Similarly, other forts have fallen into ruin, with only fragments of their walls standing as silent witnesses to a bygone era.

Forts in Sri Lanka and categories

Forts in Sri Lanka can be broadly categorized into two types: Indigenous Forts and European Forts. Indigenous Forts date back to ancient times, with some of the earliest recorded fortifications built during the reign of King Ellalan (around 205-161 BC). These forts were constructed primarily by Sinhalese and Tamil kings to protect their cities, trade routes, and important strategic locations. The construction of these forts continued well into the Kandyan period.

In contrast to European forts, which were heavily influenced by gunpowder and artillery, these Indigenous structures often relied on natural defenses like hills, waterways, and dense forests to provide protection. European Forts on the other hand, were introduced during the colonial period, with three main powers — the Portuguese, Dutch, and British — each leaving their mark on Sri Lanka’s fortification history.