Aruwakkalu Survey Tower Built by the British (අරුවක්කාලු මිනින්දෝරු කුළුණ)

Aruwakkalu has recently been in the spotlight due to its designation as the dumping site for Colombo’s garbage under the previous governments. This region is ecologically sensitive, with rich biodiversity, and is already home to a large scale limestone mining operation run by Insee Cement.

In 2020, the government announced plans to declare four locations in Aruwakkalu as protected archaeological sites. Among them is a recently discovered survey tower (trigonometrical tower) hidden within the jungle.

The other three sites contain Miocene-era fossils dating back approximately 25 million years. During that period, this area was a seabed, and the limestone currently being excavated consists of fossilized shells and skeletal remains of marine life from millions of years ago.

The Survey Tower, despite being partially covered by jungle, remains in relatively good condition, although its plaster has worn away in several areas. It stands over 150 feet tall and consists of two sections, with a smaller, shorter block at the top. At its base, an archway spans the structure, and a single hole runs through the center from the bottom to the very top.

These survey towers were constructed by the British, who were the first to systematically map Sri Lanka. These towers provided surveyors with an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape, allowing for accurate measurements and observations. However, since the construction of these towers was poorly documented, some people mistakenly attribute them to the Portuguese or Dutch. Lacking knowledge of their true purpose, local villagers often refer to them as lighthouses or watchtowers.

Please note that the tower lies inside the land belonging to Holcim Cement Factory and is accessible to the public. The marker on the Google Map below points to an approximate area of the tower only.

References

1. Jayasinghe, H. P. (2020, January 26). Artefacts of miocene era found at Aruwakkalu Archaeological Reserve. Times Online – Daily Online Edition of the Sunday Times Sri Lanka. Retrieved February 23, 2025, from https://www.sundaytimes.lk/200126/news/artefacts-of-miocene-era-found-at-aruwakkalu-archaeological-reserve-388970.html
2. Philbrighty. (2015, October 8). Colombo and its garbage problem: is the Aruwakkalu project a viable solution. Geosrilanka. Retrieved February 23, 2025, from https://geosrilanka.wordpress.com/2015/10/08/colombo-and-its-garbage-problem-is-the-aruwakkalu-project-a-viable-solution

Also See

• Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
• Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity

• Historic Survey Towers of Sri Lanka

Map of Aruwakkalu Survey Tower

Traveling Directions to Aruwakkalu Survey Tower

From Puttalam to Aruwakkalu Survey Tower

Via : Eluwankulama Road Total Distance: 33 km Duration: 45 minutes drive Time to Spend: About 10-15 minutes Driving Directions: View on Google Maps

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