Elephant Pass Military Base, Military fortification in Northern Province, Sri Lanka
Elephant Pass Military Base is a military installation at a strategic location connecting the Jaffna Peninsula to mainland Sri Lanka through a narrow land bridge. The facility controls the critical A9 highway that links northern and southern regions.
The site began as a Portuguese fort built in 1760 and later became a modern military installation. Control of the location changed multiple times during the civil war and it became central to key strategic conflicts.
The name comes from wild elephants that historically crossed this narrow land bridge between the peninsula and the mainland. Visitors can still understand why this passage has been significant as a natural route for centuries.
Access to this military installation is restricted and visitors should be aware of limitations beforehand. It is wise to check the current rules and any permission requirements in advance.
Before military activities intensified, the area housed one of Sri Lanka's largest salt production fields. These salt-making areas shaped the economic importance of this narrow strip for many generations.
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