The island nation of Sri Lanka is a melting pot of cultures which boasts of a rich and varied history. While stories of Kingdoms and legends of epic battles dot the ancient history of the isle, the recent arrivals and departures of numerous colonial rulers have also left its mark on the architecture, cultures and history of Sri Lanka. The first of such colonisers being the Portuguese who set foot on Sri Lankan soil in 1505, departed from the shores of the island having influenced its language and architecture and leaving Dutch rulers in their place.
During their reign, the Dutch took control of many of the coastal regions of Sri Lanka and their presence is yet to be forgotten as their influence was long reaching and long lasting. A seaside town in the vicinity of Colombo that is the epitome of Dutch influence is that of Negombo. Complete with numerous churches and a 100 mile long canal that is reminiscent of the iconic canal network in and around Amsterdam, the town of Negombo is also home to the Negombo Fort. The Fort itself is readily accessible from numerous Negombo hotels and guest houses such as Amagi Lagoon Resort & Spa Negombo, and is certainly a site that merits a visit if one were to gain a true insight into colonial heritage that Negombo boasts of.
The Negombo Fort proves to be a reminder of the multi-identities that Sri Lanka possesses in terms of colonisation as the town was occupied by the Portuguese as well as the Dutch. This is so much so that the Fort was originally a Portuguese built Fort, built in 1672, well before the Dutch arrived. However, the Fort succumbed to a fire prompting its reconstruction by the Dutch. It is, at present, being utilised as a prison.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world.Google+