Old Colombo Lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse at Chatham Street intersection, Colombo Fort, Sri Lanka.
The Old Colombo Lighthouse is a white stone tower that rises 29 meters above Colombo Fort at the intersection of Chatham Street. The structure contains a central clock mechanism and glass panels that once helped guide ships, along with three bells each weighing more than 150 kilograms.
The tower was built in 1857 under Governor Henry Ward's administration, replacing an earlier lighthouse from 1829. It remained in operation until deactivation in 1952 and has since become a timeless landmark of the harbor.
The tower displays British engineering from the colonial period, with a clock mechanism made by the same manufacturers as London's Big Ben. The timekeeping function shapes the streetscape and connects maritime history with the city's daily rhythm.
The tower sits at a busy street intersection in Colombo Fort and is easily reached on foot. Visitors should note that access may be limited and the best viewing angle is from outside, as interior spaces may not be open to the public.
The tower's light beam could reach 26 kilometers across the Indian Ocean thanks to specially tiled glass panels that amplified the light. This optical technique was a clever solution for harbor navigation and showed the ingenuity of the Victorian era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
