THE historic Jaffna Fort built by the Portuguese and later on further improved by the Dutch was later badly damaged and partly destroyed as a result of LTTE terrorist activities. The deplorable state of the Fort attracted the attention of the Sri Lanka Army.
The historic importance of this archeological monument was to be renovated and brought back to its original position shortly under the guidance of Jaffna Commander and under the supervision of 51 Divisional Commander with the assistance of the Northern Province Governor’s office.
The Jaffna Fort which has a special place among archaeological sites in Jaffna was built as a small garrison by the Portuguese in 1618 under Philip De Olivera when the Portuguese invaded Jaffna. Later, on 20th June 1658 the Dutch captured it under Raiclop Van Goins from the Portuguese and expanded its location further. LTTE terrorists during the war used the historic site as their firing ground and caused extensive damages. Sri Lanka Army in 1996 liberated the entire Fort surroundings under Riviresa operation and brought it under them. By that time terrorists have destroyed almost all ancient structures inside the Fort.
With the intention of preserving this monumental site which can be turned into a tourist attraction, the Army is to renovate this historic place on directives received from the office of the Northern Province Governor. The historic Fort housed garrison parade ground, queen’s house, sentry points, Police quarters and a few other important points existed during the Portugese era.
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