Early Map of Jaffna Fort
Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, was on the “spice route” and therefore a likely place for Europeans to haul up in search of cinnamon, as well as the opportunity to provision ships.
The Portuguese were the first to arrive around 1600 and they were followed by the Dutch and finally the Brits who “ruled” until independence began after WWII.
Entranceway
The occupiers built a series of forts to keep others out and Jaffna Fort is a grand example.
Star-shaped, it is mostly crumbling, but massive in size with walls many meters thick.
The Dutch are partnering with the Sri Lankan government to restore it but with an odd twist.
Though over 400 years old, it played center stage in the civil war as the Tamil Tigers held the fort over a 50-day seige.
Detail
Today, it is garrisoned with Sri Lankan Army, proving literally that they are still “holding down the fort.”