Built by the Portuguese in 1628, the fort in Batticaloa was captured by the Dutch on May 18, 1638. The Dutch then went about strengthening defences as they preferred and saw fit then on.

Built strategically at the mouth of the lagoon, the Batticaloa Fort was second only to the Colombo Fort in importance in terms of their conquest of the island. The fort was protected on two sides by the lagoon and by a canal on the other two sides, which was said to be a habitat of crocodiles. Although it is known that the Dutch built large entrance ways to forts, the Batticaloa Fort features a smaller entranceway on the land side, probably as a security measure.

The canal that allowed the entrance of ships was designed with a small mouth. Skilled in defence and war, the Dutch placed equal importance on both seaward attacks as well as attacks from inland. The fort features niches for 41 cannons. Below the Herlham and Amsterdam guard towers are two well-hidden gunpowder stores and armoury, designed to give easy access to the bastion above.

Among the buildings within the fort are offices of the Dutch East India Company, hospital, barracks, warehouses and church. The presence of a prison and courts indicates that this structure functioned as a township. In later years, the Dutch built a canal system that ensured greater trade, which helped cement better relations with the locals.

Now a completely transformed site, the fort was originally built by the Portuguese to guard the entrance to the Jaffna peninsula. The Dutch captured the fort in 1658 after a siege which lasted two weeks, ending with the destruction of the drinking water tank within the fort. The Portuguese surrendered soon thereafter.

Located on a small island, the Dutch reconstructed the fort, increasing its fortifications and defensive positions. A significant feature of this fort is the circular design which was uncharacteristic of the Dutch. The Dutch reconstruction included a stone breakwater, filling in the hollow ramparts, replacing the upper floor with a stone vault and building a brick lined reservoir to the north of the fort. The fort also holds nine vaults, probably used for gunpowder. Seven of the eight bastions held two cannons each, while the purpose of the eight is still a mystery.

The lookout post still bears a telescope, which provides a clear line of sight of approaching Portuguese vessels and attacks. The fort was manned by a contingent of 30 soldiers and was later used as a maximum-security prison by the British. The Sri Lanka Navy and Army aided in its continued use and preservation. Presently the Fort is a tourist hotel by the Sri Lanka Navy.

Although known as a colonizing force, the Dutch were reluctant to engage in unwarranted battles. As such, war was seen as a last resort once they’ve exhausted all manner of diplomacy and discussion. Nevertheless, it is clear that the Dutch placed far greater emphasis in defence than other European nations. This allowed the Dutch to anticipate future danger and prepare accordingly.

The six-pointed Star Fort in Matara is one such construction that was built as a defensive structure to ward off against attacks from inland with 12 cannonade covering attacks from all directions. As the Matara Fort was vulnerable to attacks from inland, so the Star Fort \ added protection to the main fort and acted as an advance force to prevent such attacks.

The only entrance to the fort was by means of a wooden drawbridge, which was lowered from within the fort over a moat with a depth of 10 feet that could not be traversed by horseback. It is believed that the moat was filled with crocodiles and explosive devices to prevent incursions.

With the development of the city over time and many buildings surrounding the fort it is unclear as to how the Star Fort provided protection to the larger fort. Nevertheless, the expertise in warfare of the Dutch is unquestionable. The Star Fort stands testament that the Dutch were able to repel any inland attacks and protect the Matara Fort.

The dominion of the Dutch in the south of Sri Lanka was a direct result of the Fort in Matara. The Dutch placed great importance on national interest in all their constructions. But in inimitable Dutch-style they were able to overcome most obstacles taking great care with defence, dealing with topographical and environmental issues and logistics along their way.

Of the forts erected by the Dutch, the Matara Fort is among the largest. It is clear that the Dutch took into consideration the course of the Nilwala River and the tides of the ocean when the site was chosen. Built using limestone and coral, Dutch were determined to oppose other colonising forces including the French, British, Germans and Portuguese. The extremely wide walls bear witness to this fact.

Nevertheless, during the Matara Rebellion hi I76I, the fort was captured by Kirti Sri Rajasinha’s Kandyan army, forcing the Dutch to abandon the fort. Having realised the mistake they had made – that the fort was vulnerable to attack from inland, Dutch forces mounted an attack and recaptured the fort a year later. The Dutch rebuilt the fort with further fortifications to prevent such attacks, as well as building the Star Fort on the land side as a buffer – defence.

The Dutch were never able to fully test their defences, primarily due to the Governor’s diplomacy and the handing over of the fort to British forces without bloodshed.

Yet, the Matara Fort stands tall as a testament to Dutch heritage and a stark reminder of their strength and knowledge.

The Galle Fort was the centre of governance for Dutch in the south. It is not a typical fort since it mirrored Dutch life, as it was’in Holland. The existence of houses, gardens, common areas within the massive structure is evidence of this. Chief among the ancient structures is the Old Dutch Hospital which bears special significance and holds much archaeological and historical value.

Both the Dutch and Portuguese were susceptible to illnesses due to the change in climate and communicable disease that were a result of calling at many ports along their way. It is clear that the Dutch used various methods to treat illnesses, unlike the Portuguese who relied on temporary measures. This was the primary reason for the Dutch to build hospitals. The Dutch arrived in Sri Lanka, not with a view to return back to Holland but to reside in the newfound territory. And they ensured that they would have all the necessary facilities to do so. The Dutch Hospital within the Galle Fort is one such centre.

The Dutch heritage of this structure is now visible mainly on the primary facade. But the wide corridors and high ceilings all bear witness to the endemic Dutch style.

The buildings’ design suggests that this was also used as a hospital. Today, this structure houses modern shops and boutiques but is still a good example of Dutch life in Sri Lanka.

Galle Fort is the largest fort constructed by the Dutch in Sri Lanka and remains to this day a symbol of the might and majesty of Dutch colonial power. Of the two forts in the island still inhabited by people, Galle Fort holds the singular honour of being named a Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Galle Fort remains one of the most iconic buildings of Dutch rule in Sri Lanka which lasted over a century. It was the centre of military power in the south of Sri Lanka.

Originally called the Black Fort by the builders, the Portuguese, the fort was modified and increased in size by the Dutch after their capture of the many provinces ruled by the Portuguese.

Current inspection of the structure reveals that it was more than a mere military site or warehouse for exports. The structures within, including the hospital, administrative building and church, public square and many streets speak silently to the level that life in the Netherlands had been replicated within the walls of the fort.

The aqueduct and drainage system within the fort boasts of a superior design. It is clear that the design not only removed man-made waste from the many toilets to the sea but also required no intervention from human hands. In terms of defence, the cannonade faced both inland and seaward, enabling the Dutch to deal with both inland foes as well as other invading European forces.

The most prized property of the fort was the Galle Harbour. Although known to be a dangerous harbour due to the undersea rocks, the Galle harbour remained a favourite of experienced sailors-and traders. While the fort always remained on a war footing, careful inspection reveals that life within the fort continued at a leisurely pace. The drainage system erected at that time continues to drain off impurities before emptying into the sea.

The gunpowder store, command centre, warehouse, hospital, church and houses, all speak to the singular expertise the Dutch had in urban management.

With an almost natural religious inclination, the Dutch gave special preference to their Reformist religion. They practised the same care in matters of education as they did with matters of warfare. The Groote Kirk or Dutch Reformed Church in Galle within the Galle Fort is a prime example of this philosophy.

Among the common features of all Dutch churches are the size of and space within the churches, the high pulpit of the priest and wooden pews laid out according to the rank of the serving military officers. As with all such churches, the view of the priest and acoustics were of paramount importance and received much focus.

Although not in an operational state, the pipe organ still provides a captivating sight to visitors. Originally located on a high balcony the organ was later moved to the ground level. A singular feature distinguishes this church from other Dutch Reformed churches, as it displays the baptismal gown of the first child to be baptised at the church. Streaming daylight in many hues is the picturesque stained- glass windows that were imported from Holland. In addition, the many gravestones and crypts that dot the area outside the church stand testimony to the history of the families who lived and died here.

The floor of the church also bears the plaques with the name of many prominent Dutchmen; the plaques are said to have been specially brought from Holland.

The Old Nupe Market or Old Dutch Market in Matara is the best example of the state of development of trade by the Dutch. Located in the centre of the town and in close proximity to the Dutch fort, the market was a boon to trade in Matara and the surrounding areas. Built-in the inimitable Dutch style, it consisted of a building on 76 pillars, a roof adorned with elaborate and lavish latticework.

As in most Dutch designs, the market consisted of a large inner courtyard. The sheer size of the market and the area it covers clearly demonstrated its importance in trade and day-to-day life. It may have also been the largest public market or trading post in the South. The market is believed to have been also used by both locals and other foreign traders who had permission from the Dutch to trade and to sell their wares.

Textiles, perfumes, jewellery, medicines, alcohol, and goods sought by foreign traders such as areca nut and spices, as well as luxury items like pearls, precious gems and ivory were all traded at the market prior to being boarded onto ships at the Matara Harbour.

In addition to a number of open cells of similar size and shape, the existence of storage of both large and small size indicates that this market was used for both retail and wholesale purposes.

The British, in later years, attempted to infuse their architectural style to the building, but were unsuccessful, resulting in the Dutch style enduring to this day.

The Dutch placed special significance on the need for a water source in all their constructions. In this case, the well was located at the far end of the inner courtyard. This also provided security for the well and further strengthens the display of defensive measures the Dutch are known for.