Batticaloa Fort to be developed for tourism
The Batticaloa government agent’s office was given new premises on June 10, making way for Batticaloa Fort to be developed as tourism attraction.
The Business Times on May 12 revealed plans to remove the government agent’s office from the Fort premises, a historical gem reflecting Dutch and Portuguese architectural influences, and give it over to the private sector which will fetch employment for the youth in the country. The entire District Secretariat with the Government Agent’s Office was relocated to Thirainamadu.
The government is aiming to develop more than 15 Forts around the country, such as Galle Fort, Jaffna Fort, Trincomalee Fort/ Fort Fredrick, Batticaloa Fort, Mannar Fort, Matara Star Fort, Kalpitiya Dutch Fort, Ratnapura Malwala Palace Fort which will be initially looked at, top officials said.
“Blessed with Forts and fortresses, a glorious past and an amazing history that will fascinate the tourists. The plan is to hand these over to private companies and hoteliers to develop. The checking into the hotel for the tourists will be by ship,” an official explained to the Business Times at the time.
The country originally had thirty-six Forts, but now only a few are still intact. The majority of these Forts are in ruins, except a few like Galle, Matara Star Fort, Tangalle, Martello Tower, Batticaloa, Fort Fredrick Trinco, and Pooneryn Fort Jaffna.
Among these, Galle is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Martello Tower is a type of fortification structure. Fort Fredrick Trinco and Pooneryn Fort Jaffna are stated to be in relatively good condition, but it is warned that without restoration efforts, even these Forts may fall into a state of disrepair. “Galle Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site and when developed will be a hit with the tourists,” he said.
An official from the President’s office noted that the four post officers, namely, Galle, Kandy, Colombo, and Nuwara Eliya will be privatised. “The Taj group is very interested in these buildings,” he said.
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