Kalutara Fort, Portuguese colonial fort in Kalutara, Sri Lanka.
Kalutara Fort was a stone structure built in 1622 at the mouth of the Kalu River with two bastions connected by a drawbridge to nearby land. The fortification was designed to dominate the waterway and protect interests in the area.
The location was first a religious site before Portuguese forces destroyed the temple in 1622 and built the fort. Control shifted to the Dutch after they defeated the Portuguese in a siege in 1655.
The site represents a meeting point where different colonial powers sought to control trade routes and resources. Visitors walking the grounds today can sense how this location mattered to the merchants and soldiers who passed through.
The site is open and accessible for visitors to walk around and see the remaining stone foundations while enjoying views of the river. Nearby resorts and restaurants provide convenient options for rest and meals.
After the British took over, the military structure was repurposed as a residence for a colonial administrator. Among the notable personal connections to the site is the burial of an infant son of a Colonial Secretary.
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