Ratnapura Dutch fort

Ratnapura Dutch fort

Ratnapura Dutch fort is situated in Rathnapura in Sri Lanka. It was built by the Dutch thus it is named the Ratnapura Dutch fort. It is recorded that the Portuguese had constructed a fort in here previously but it was taken over the Dutch.

About the destination

Ratnapura Dutch fort was originally built by the Portuguese in 1620 then taken over by the Dutch in 1658. The Dutch at first used the site of the Portuguese but built a new fort on a hill in the middle of the town. It was declared as an archaeological monument in 2002 and 2005. It was somehow partially demolished by the local government.

Structure of Ratnapura Dutch fort

The design of the Ratnapura Dutch fort is similar to the fort at Kalutara. It has two bastions and it is large enough to accommodate the governer’s residence, hospital, court building for about 40 people. It was currently being used as the offices for the National gem with several private offices. This was captured by the British in 1817.

Reaching the destination

From Colombo

Go on McCallum Road and turn right onto Kynsey Road. Turn left Dudley Senanayake Mawatha and turn right onto Athurugiriya Road.

 Turn left onto Avissawella Road and turn right onto Meepe – Ingiriya Road then turn left onto Panadura-Nambapana-Ratnapura Highway to reach your destination.

From Ratnapura

Go on Panadura-Nambapana-Ratnapura Highway for 600 meters and turn right to reach your destination.