Batticaloa Lighthouse, Lighthouse in Paalameenmadu, Sri Lanka

Batticaloa Lighthouse is a white cylindrical tower standing at the point where Batticaloa Lagoon meets the Indian Ocean. It rises from a stone foundation and forms a notable feature along this stretch of coastline.

The 28-metre round tower was erected in 1913 by the British colonial administration in the north of Batticaloa, marking the entrance from the Bay of Bengal into Batticaloa Lagoon. During the civil war the light was neglected by militants and temporarily went out of service. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami caused only minor damage, and with foreign aid the lighthouse was restored and re-lit in 2008.

Local fishing communities work the waters near this structure using methods passed down through generations. Their daily presence shapes how the area feels and functions as a living coastal workplace.

From Batticaloa city, take Lake Road (Munich Vittoria Friendship Road) near Kallady Bridge and continue along Sinna Uppodai Lagoon for about 4 km to reach the lighthouse on Bar Road. The route is about 5 km from the city and is suited to cycling or walking.

The light sits at a focal height of 27 m and shows a white flash every 3 seconds. During the civil war the beacon was neglected and out of service, and after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami it was restored with foreign aid and relit in 2008.