Dutch fort at Mullaitivu (මුලතිවු බලකොටුව)

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Ruins of what is thought to be part of the ancient fort of Mullathivu
By Mahimsan (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The Dutch established the post at Mullaitivu to curb the smuggling activities between the Kandyans and South Indians, which were causing a loss of revenue from the duties on these illicit trades. Items such as cotton goods and ivory were commonly smuggled. In response, the Dutch initially built a small wooden structure in 1715. Around 1766 it was strengthened, they had replaced it with a quadrangular fort made of earthwork. Like other control posts, Mullaitivu served an additional purpose: maintaining order among the wandering Vanni tribes in the region.

The Mullaitivu Fort was taken over by the British in 1795. Following their occupation, the British reconstructed and reinforced the fort to strengthen its defences.

On 25 August 1803, the fort was overrun by Vanni Bandara (Pandara Vanniyan), the last chieftain of the Vanni, with support from the Kingdom of Kandy. Lieutenant von Driberg and the British garrison occupying the fort were forced to flee, and the fort’s cannons were captured by the attackers. It was reoccupied a couple of months later and continued to be garrisoned until 1819.

The exact location of Mullaitivu Fort has been lost over time. However, the remains of a thick ancient brick structure found within the grounds of the newly built Mullaitivu District Secretariat are believed to be part of a building from the long-lost fort.

References

Nelson, W. A. (1984). The Dutch forts of Sri Lanka: The military monuments of Ceylon. Canongate Publishing Limited.

Also See

Map of Mullaitivu Fort

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Driving Directions to Mullaitivu Fort

Route from Colombo to Mullaitivu

Through : Puttam – Anuradhapura
Distance :350 km
Travel time : 7 hours
Driving directions: see on Google map

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References

Also See

Map of Mullaitivu Fort

Driving Directions to Mullaitivu Fort

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