News
The idyllic Katuwana Fort lies idling
View(s):The Katuwana Fort -around 50 km from the Matara town- was renovated with help from the Dutch government.
Story and pix by W.A. Nelka.
Earlier the site was popular with local tourists. However, the lackadaisical approach of local authorities since renovations were completed, have failed to popularise it as a major tourist attraction.
M.P. Arachchi an area resident said that despite the beautiful location and the historic value only a few very few people visit the place.
Cultural Officer V. Sunitha said if measures are taken to popularise the place it could be turned into money spinner be a good tourist attraction.
Though the Dutch built most of their Forts along coastal areas to protect habours, they also built some of the Forts inland.
The Katuwana Fort is one of these rare buildings.
The entrance to the old Dutch Fort at Katuwana
Another view of the picturesque building
Dutch funded renovation work of the fort in progress
An inscription giving a short history of the background to the fort
Planners have failed to take advantage of this beautiful location to promote the site as a tourist destination
A view of the ramparts inside the fort