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| Sunday, 31 July 2005 |
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Magazine |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Galle's splendour
by Thileni Wickramaratne The Galle Fort offers us many splendours. It shines under the heat of
the noon day sun, surrounded by the Dutch ramparts with proof of its
Climbing to the Galle fortress there is of course a feast of a super sight.! The sun rays touch the sea waters, as one enjoys the view from above the Fortress. The Fortress is supposed to be the largest and most secured Fortress in Sri Lanka. The charisma of the Fort has made it one of the most sought after World heritage sites that claims proof of living history dating back to the Portuguese and Dutch colonial rules in Sri Lanka. The Fort and Fortress was built by the Dutch and Portuguese changing the course of history of our country. In the past, there had been many dwellers and trades people in the Fort that makes it one of the declared monuments of the world. The splendour of the Fort therefore attracts tourists to the area to enjoy its grace.
The Galle Fort is thus our most important colonial legacy that has survived a long history. It even withstood the tsunami as it was not affected by it. But of course sadly the tsunami has reduced the number of foreign tourists that visit each year. Razi a local selling table clothes at the fortress said that before the tsunami more than 100 tourists used to visit during the season. But now only some 15 come to sight the fort. This sorry state has affected these local self-employed merchants living inside the fort as they are barely surviving for the day. Speaking to Yoke a visitor from Holland who was visiting the fortress - She said "Yes Galle fort is beautiful in its scenes and long history. but the Tsunami has littered the city of Galle and made the beaches dirty. So most people I know, don't like this situation" So the fort, is a stealthy hero that cushioned the blows of colonial invaders, communal differences and even the violent sea. It is our duty to preserve this site and prevent it from falling into disuse! |
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spectacular history. This fort is a walled city of 90 acres encompassing a
charming fortress, museums, a clock tower, hotels, courts, residents, a
beautiful lighthouse and of course one of the oldest libraries. 
Inside the Fort, there lives people of all races live. There are
Sinhalese, Muslims, Tamils, Burghers who have been living together for
years and are still continuing to live in harmony. The Fort is therefore
an example of ethnic harmony as opposed to the ethnic conflict we face in
other parts of our country. It is a place of religious diversity as well.
All religions have been adopted within the walled city, from the
Portuguese era with religious institutions that include temples, churches,
mosques, zaviyas and thikkiyas propagating their own religion without
conflict. This is therefore a model example for the rest of Sri Lanka to
live in peace and togetherness.