Скачать или смотреть Sampur Foul Point Lighthouse | සාම්පූර් ප්‍රදීපාගාරය | Trincomalee

Sampur Foul Point Lighthouse (සාම්පූර් ප්‍රදීපාගාරය)

Trincomalee is one of the world’s finest natural deep-water harbours, used as a vital port since the time of ancient kings thousands of years ago. Known as Gokanna in ancient history, this harbour was a highly strategic location that drew the attention of every European colonial power. When the Portuguese captured the coastal belt in the 17th century, the Kandyan Kingdom’s main access to the sea was diverted through Batticaloa and the Koddiyar Bay within Trincomalee.

The first lighthouse in Trincomalee was constructed in 1845 on the flagstaff post of Fort Frederick. However, this structure was later demolished after the establishment of two more prominent lighthouses—Foul Point and Round Island.

Foul Point, the outer south-eastern tip of Trincomalee Bay, became home to the Sampur (Foul Point) Lighthouse, built by the British in 1863. Standing 32 metres tall with a diameter of 25 metres, the tower consists of five levels connected by steel staircases. For over a century, it has served as a guiding beacon for seafarers navigating these waters.

During Sri Lanka’s 30-year civil conflict, much of the Northern and Eastern regions—including Foul Point—fell under the control of the LTTE (Tamil Tigers) at different times. Access to the lighthouse was possible only by sea, and the structure was left unused and unmaintained for decades. Intense fighting in the area left the lighthouse scarred with bullet holes, though it managed to withstand the violence.

With the end of the war in 2009 and the removal of landmines, life slowly returned to normal for the surrounding communities. The lighthouse, after decades of neglect, has since been repaired and restored to its former glory. Today, it stands as both a historic monument and a symbol of resilience. Managed by the Sri Lankan Navy, the Foul Point Lighthouse is once again accessible to the public.

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