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Located approximately 1.25 kilometers northwest of the active Batticaloa lighthouse is the ruin of an ancient lighthouse, a site that remains largely unknown to the public. It is situated in an area known as Mottai Kori, roughly 500 meters from the shoreline.
Constructed in 1878, this structure was originally described as projecting a flashing bright light at the entrance to the Batticaloa River. It stood 15.2 meters [50 feet] tall and was constructed on the flagstaff of the watchtower at the river bar (Findlay, 1879; Findlay, 1887). It is therefore possible that this structure is the specific watchtower mentioned in Findlay’s records.
The ruin currently stands amidst the palm trees of Batticaloa. Unfortunately, the upper portion of the tower has collapsed, leaving only the bottom half intact. The structure was built entirely of brick, with a steel rail running vertically through the center to provide structural strength. A section of this rail can still be seen protruding from the top of the remaining ruin.
References
- Findlay, A. G. (1879). A Description and List of the Lighthouses of the World (19th ed.). Richard Holmes Laurie.
- Findlay, A. G. (1887). A Description and List of the Lighthouses of the World (27th ed.). Richard Holmes Laurie.
Map of Batticaloa Old Lighthouse
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| Route from Colombo to Batticaloa Old Lighthouse | Route II from Colombo to Batticaloa Old Lighthouse |
| Through : Ambepussa – Kurunegala – Dambulla – Polonnaruwa – kalkuda Distance : 322 km Travel time : 6-7 hours Driving directions : see on Google Maps | Through : Ambepussa – Kandy – Mahiyangana Distance : 353 km Travel time : 6-7 hours Driving directions : see on Google Maps |
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