Colonial Survey Towers of Sri Lanka

Analaitivu Survey Tower (අන්නලදූව කුළුණ)

During the era of British colonialism, a remarkable infrastructure emerged across various regions under British rule. Among the numerous structures that were erected, survey towers played a significant role in the process of mapping and surveying the land. These towering structures not only served as vantage points for surveyors but also left a lasting legacy in the form of historical landmarks.

The Purpose and Significance of Survey Towers

Survey towers were essential for accurate topographic surveys, cartography, and boundary demarcation. Positioned in strategic locations, they provided surveyors with an unobstructed view of the surrounding terrain, enabling them to make precise measurements and observations. These structures played a pivotal role in land demarcation, planning infrastructure, assessing natural resources, and creating reliable maps.

Architectural Marvels of the Survey Towers

The survey towers of the British colonial era showcased remarkable architectural and engineering skills. Constructed from durable materials such as stone, brick, or metal, these towers were designed to withstand the test of time. Their height and sturdiness ensured stability and allowed surveyors to carry out their work with precision. Some of these towers still stand today, serving as a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the era.

Mapping the Land: Creating Accurate Maps and Charts

The data collected by surveyors from these towers was instrumental in creating accurate maps and charts. British colonial administrators relied on these detailed maps for various purposes, including administrative planning, resource management, and infrastructure development. The survey towers played a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of these maps, thereby facilitating effective governance.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Beyond their practical value, survey towers from the British colonial era have become important historical landmarks. These structures provide a window into the past, offering insights into the colonial period’s technological advancements and its impact on land management. Many survey towers have been preserved and recognized as cultural heritage sites, attracting tourists and researchers interested in Sri Lanka’s colonial history.

List of Colonial Survey Towers In Sri Lanka

Kudarappu Survey Tower in Jaffna (යාපනයේ කුඩරප්පු මිනුම් කුළුණ)
This Trigonometrical Station is built on a square platform with 4 steps on all four sides. Four cylindrical pillars stand on the platform. The diameter of each cylinder gradually decreases as it goes higher. The Bottom cylinder is shorter than…
Erukkalampiddy Ancient Survey Tower in Mannar (මන්නාරම එරුක්කලම්පිටිය පැරණි මිනුම් කුළුණ)
A damaged survey tower is found on the northern coast of Mannar Island unknown by many travellers. It lies off a bare strip of sand on a beach covered with thorny bushes. The tower stands on a square base. On…
Burton’s Pillar (Rumassala Survey Tower) in Galle (ගාල්ල රූමස්සල පැරණි බර්ටන් මිනුම් කුළුණ)
A survey tower on the Unawatuna Rumassala Hill has been called as Edward’s Pillar, Galle Tower in the past by various authors. The tower under discussion is called Burton’s Pillar obviously due the inscription at the foot of the pillar.…
Katunayake Awariwatta Survey Tower in Negombo
Awariwatta Survey Tower is built in form of 3 cylindrical pillars each smaller in diameter than the bottom one. The height if the top segment is much higher than the other 2. At the top is a platform for surveyors…
Iranaitivu Islands and the Forgotten Survey Tower
There is no written history of the people of Iranaitivu, but the old Portuguese chronicles mention the fact that certain low-caste peoples were sent to the islands to look after the horses and it was primarily as cattle and horse…
Kalaru Survey Tower in Mannar
This ancient survey tower of Kalaru lies on small rocky hillock inside the Kalaru forest reserve. This area which once was a deep jungle was part of the Wilpattu Habitat has been gradually converted to a colony during the last…
Kandawala Survey Tower in Negombo (Destroyed)
The ancient survey tower of Kandawala in Negombo used to lie on the middle of the road on a small patch of land where the Negombo Base Line road meets the Negombo – Katana road. This 150 feet high tower…
Thiruketheeswaram Kovil Road Survey Tower
This square survey tower on the Thiruketheeswaram Kovil Road belonging to British era has four floors. The side length of the original part is 2.4 meters and the height is 2.3 meters. The remaining two storeys are built progressively shorter.…
Iluppakadavai Padavuthurai Survey Tower Built by the Colonial Rulers
This old survey tower is located in Ilukpakadai 04th Gramasewaka division of Manthai West Divisional Secretariat. To reach the temple travel 30 km from Mannar on Poonareen road, turn left at Ilukpakadawai junction and travel 200 meters on Padauthura road,…
Queen’s Tower on Delft Island (ඩෙල්ෆ් දුපතේ රැජිණ කුළුණ)
The Queens Tower at Delft is 55 feet in height. It has five levels, each level a little smaller than the bottom. There is a doorway on the bottom level which goes all the way to the opposite side of…
Forgotten King’s Tower on Delft Island (මතකයෙන් ගිලිහුණු ඩෙල්ෆ් දුපතේ රාජ කුළුණ)
Very little is documented about the trigonometric station, Kings Tower. However W. H Cole in 1884 records 2 triangulation stations in Delft as observed in 1876. One on the north western end of the island and the other on the…
Kalmunei Old Survey Tower in Pooneryn (පූනරීන් කල්මුනේ පුරාණ මිනුම් කුලුණ)
The Kalmunei old Survey Tower lies at the furthest corner of sand bar below Jaffna peninsula. This % % % remote structure lies about 15 km away from the Pooneryn – Jaffna road.
Analaitivu Survey Tower (අන්නලදූව කුළුණ)
Analaitivu is a small island off the coast of Jaffna Peninsula in north Sri Lanka. The only access to the island is by boat or ferry from Karainagar, Kayts or Eluvaitivu Jetties.