Sampur Foul Point Lighthouse | AmazingLanka.com

Sampur Foul Point Lighthouse - සාම්පූර් ප්‍රදීපාගාරය — Sampur Foul Point Lighthouse – සාම්පූර් ප්‍රදීපාගාරය

Built by the British in 1863 to replace an earlier 1845 structure, the 32-meter Foul Point Lighthouse in Trincomalee safely guided ships into the harbour. Damaged and abandoned during Sri Lanka’s civil war, it has been restored and is now managed by the Navy.

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Trincomalee possesses a deep, natural harbour that remains navigable throughout the year and has been used since the time of Sri Lanka’s ancient kings, thousands of years ago. Known in ancient times as Gokanna, the harbour occupied a strategically important position, making it a prized possession sought by successive European colonial powers. Following the Portuguese occupation of the coastal regions during the 17th century, the Kingdom of Kandy retained access to the sea primarily through Batticaloa and Koddiyar Bay, which lies within Trincomalee Bay.

In 1635, Antonio Bocarro stated that the Portuguese had constructed Trincomalee Fort to prevent their European rivals from establishing a fort on this side of the island and subsequently establishing contact with the King of Kandy. The fort was also intended to prevent communications with the king through Kottiyarama, in the present-day Somapura–Seruvila area.

The First Lighthouse in Trincomalee

The first lighthouse at Trincomalee was established in 1845 atop the flagstaff at the old Trincomalee Fort, now known as Fort Frederick. This lighthouse was later demolished following the construction of the Foul Point Lighthouse and the Round Island Lighthouse.

In 1849, Joseph Higgs, the Master Attendant at Trincomalee, explained why he considered Foul Point a more suitable location for a lighthouse than Flagstaff Point. His observations were recorded as follows:

I consider Foul Point a much more eligible site for a lighthouse than Flagstaff Point, as a vessel may be running from the S. E. so far in-shore as not to be able to see the light in its present situation, and if the lead be neglected may run ashore. When I was master of H. M. ship “Melville” in 1832, we were becalmed in 11 fathoms water to the S. E. of Foul Point, and had shut in the flag-staff considerably. If Trincomalee becomes a steam port, and a lighthouse be erected on Foul Point, it will be desirable, in order to prevent as much as possible a night’s detention, that a light similar to the one now in use (a single reflector will be sufficient) be fixed on the east point of Elephant Island low down, a given bearing of which light would lead a ship clear of the reef off Foul Point, and up to that island, which is steep too on the S. E. side. Another light of the same description on the extreme of Ostenbeugh Point, or the east point of Small Sober Island, would lead, by a given bearing, clear of Elephant Shoal and into the harbour.
I do not know if any application has been made for a lighthouse on Foul Point, but I remember Vice-Admiral Sir John Gore, in 1832, showing me some plans for a lighthouse and requiring my opinion as to the most eligible site, when I gave my opinion, and for the same reason.
An iron lighthouse will be much less expensive than any other, I imagine, as the materials for building one with stone or bricks would have to be conveyed by water, except lime, which can be burnt on the spot, from coral which abounds there.

Construction and Features of Foul Point Lighthouse

Foul Point is the outer southeastern headland of Trincomalee Bay. The Foul Point Lighthouse, also referred to as the Sampur Lighthouse, was constructed by the British in 1863. It stands 32 meters high and has a diameter of 25 meters. The structure comprises five levels connected by steel staircases and has served as a navigational aid, guiding seafarers safely towards their destinations for generations.

The Lighthouse During the Civil War

During the three-decade-long conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorists in the Northern and Eastern regions of Sri Lanka, the surrounding areas came under LTTE terrorist control at various times. During this period, the lighthouse could be accessed only by sea and was neither used nor maintained.

Following the defeat of the LTTE terrorists and the end of the conflict in 2009, life in nearby villages gradually returned to normal as landmines and other wartime hazards were cleared. Although the lighthouse remained standing throughout the conflict, its structure was left marked by numerous bullet holes resulting from repeated fighting in the area.

Restoration and Present Access

After standing for many years as a reminder of the conflict, the lighthouse has finally been repaired and restored to its former condition. It is now managed by the Sri Lanka Navy and is accessible to visitors.

References

Abeyasinghe, T. B. H. , 1995, Description of Ceylon in the in the Book of the Plans of all the Fortresses Cities and towns of the State of Oriental India by ATNONIO BOCARRO Dedicated to the Most Serene Royal Majesty Philip IV of the Spains and III of Portugal our Lord the King February 17, 1635. . Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka , new series. 1995. Vol. 39
Bethune, Q., 1850. Lighthouses : Return to an Address of the Honourable The House of Commons. London, pp.41-42.bl.uk. n.d.

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