Jaffna Fort: A Historical and Cultural Landmark

Jaffna Fort, located in the heart of Jaffna city in northern Sri Lanka, is a historic landmark and the second-largest fort in the country, after Galle Fort. Built by the Portuguese in 1618 under Phillippe de Oliveira, it was named the Fortress of Our Lady of Miracles of Jafanapatão due to miracles attributed to a nearby statue of the Virgin Mary. The fort was constructed to solidify Portuguese control over the Jaffna Kingdom, strategically positioned near the Jaffna Lagoon. In 1658, the Dutch, led by Rijcklof van Goens, captured the fort and transformed it into a pentagonal stronghold with thick limestone and coral walls, bastions, and a moat. Their redesign included five bastions, each with six-gun embrasures, making it a formidable defensive structure. The British took over in 1795, using it as a garrison until Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948. During the Sri Lankan Civil War (1983–2009), the fort became a battleground, controlled by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from 1985 to 1995, who damaged parts of it to hinder the Sri Lanka Army. The army recaptured it in 1995 after a 50-day siege during Operation Riviresa. The fort’s architecture blends Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences, showcasing a pentagonal design with a wide moat, ramparts, and a glacis for artillery protection. Key structures include the King’s House, Queen’s House, Kruys Church (now in ruins), and the Garrison Parade Ground. The Queen’s Palace features a Dutch-style parapet and ornate trellis balustrade, while five twin tunnels and a belfry with a hangman’s tower highlight its strategic design. Limestone and black coral were used in its construction, reflecting the use of local materials. Jaffna Fort holds deep cultural significance, symbolizing the fusion of European and Sri Lankan influences. It hosts festivals and cultural performances, celebrating Jaffna’s Hindu-Tamil heritage. The fort stands as a guardian of the region’s history, connecting its colonial past with its vibrant present. Despite damage from war, weathering, and vegetation, restoration efforts, supported by Dutch funding, aim to preserve its architectural grandeur. Today, the fort is open to visitors, though access is limited due to its use by the Sri Lanka Army. Tourists can explore the main gate, ramparts, and ruins, enjoying views of the Jaffna Lagoon. Located just south of Jaffna town, it’s accessible by road, train, or domestic flights from Colombo. Nearby attractions, like the Jaffna Public Library and local bazaars serving dishes such as Jaffna crab stew, enrich the visitor experience. Jaffna Fort remains a symbol of resilience and a must-visit destination for those exploring Sri Lanka’s northern heritage.