Bentota Fort built by the Portuguese (බෙන්තොට පෘතුගීසි බලකොටුව)

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In the 17th century, the Portuguese constructed a fort at the mouth of the Bentota Ganga River, marking the southernmost boundary of their territory in Sri Lanka. The Sinhalese referred to it as “Parangi Kotuwa,” a name that continued to be used for the area until the mid-20th century (Brohier, 1965/2000).

The Bentota Ganga River served as a boundary for many years, dividing Dutch-controlled Galle from the Portuguese stronghold in Colombo. In 1654, the Dutch captured the Portuguese Bentota Fort as part of their campaign to seize the larger forts at Kalutara and Colombo (Danvers, 1894). However, after securing Kalutara Fort, the Dutch deemed Bentota Fort strategically insignificant and allowed it to fall into disuse.

Following the British takeover of the maritime provinces in 1796, the fort was converted into a Rest House and was named Bentota Rest House. Located conveniently near Colombo and known for its freshwater oysters, it became a popular destination during the British era. The site, referred to locally as “Parangi Kotuwa,” was also near a second fort known as “Uda Kotuwa,” according to Pieris (1914/1983).

Between 1967 and 1969, the Rest House was demolished to make way for the Bentota Beach Hotel, designed by the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. The hotel became a landmark of early tourism in Bentota. Later, it was acquired by a subsidiary of John Keells Holdings and rebranded as Cinnamon Bentota Beach in 2019.

References:

Brohier, R. L. (2000). Seeing Ceylon in vistas of scenery, history, legend and folklore. Sooriya Publishers. (Original work published 1965)
Danvers, F. C. (1894). The Portuguese in India: Being a History of the Rise and Decline of Their Eastern Empire: Vol. II–II. W. H. Allen & Co. Limited.
Pieris, P. E. (1983). Ceylon, the Portuguese Era : Being a History of the Island for the Period, 1505-1658 (Vols. 2–2). Thisara Prakashakayo. (Original work published 1914)

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Map of the site of Bentota Fort (now Cinnamon Bentota Beach Hotel)

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Driving Directions to the site of Bentota Fort (now Cinnamon Bentota Beach Hotel)

Traveling Directions from Colombo to Bentota Fort

Via : Southern Expressway
Total distance : 76 km
Duration : 1.30 hours
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References:

Also See

Map of the site of Bentota Fort (now Cinnamon Bentota Beach Hotel)

Driving Directions to the site of Bentota Fort (now Cinnamon Bentota Beach Hotel)

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