Jaffna Clock Tower (යාපනය ඔරලෝසු කනුව)

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The Jaffna Clock Tower, located in the heart of the northern Sri Lankan city of Jaffna, stands as a historical monument marking the visit of Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales, to Ceylon in 1875.

Origins and Purpose

In anticipation of the Prince of Wales’ visit in 1875, a Prince of Wales Reception Committee was formed in Jaffna. The committee successfully raised over Rs. 10,000, a significant sum at the time. Part of this fund was used to commission a silver casket and a set of jewels, which were formally presented to the Prince in Colombo on 1 December 1875.

The remaining Rs. 6,000 from the fund was set aside for the creation of a lasting memorial to commemorate the royal visit.

On 1 July 1880, during a meeting at the Jaffna Kachcheri, it was decided that the balance of the fund would be used to construct a clock tower on the Jaffna esplanade. An additional Rs. 4,000 was collected through local contributions to support the project. The design of the tower was undertaken by the government architect, J. G. Smither, while the clock itself was a gift from then-Governor James Longden. The bell of the clock is marked with the year 1882, indicating the date of completion.

Destruction and Restoration

The tower suffered severe damage during the period of civil unrest in the late 1980s. However, during the visit of Charles, Prince of Wales, to Sri Lanka in 1998, the United Kingdom offered assistance for its restoration. The British government subsequently donated Rs. 1 million towards the rehabilitation of the structure. The restored clock tower was formally reopened on 19 June 2002 by the British High Commissioner, Linda Duffield.

In 2013, the tower underwent another round of renovations as part of the broader Jaffna Town beautification initiative, ensuring its preservation as a prominent civic and historical landmark in the region.

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Map of Jaffna Clock Tower

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Travel Directions to Jaffna Clock Tower

Distance from Jaffna Town to the Jaffna Clock Tower

Distance : 550 m
Travel time : 10 min walking
Driving directions : see on google map

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Destruction and Restoration

Also See

Map of Jaffna Clock Tower

Travel Directions to Jaffna Clock Tower

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