Dondra lighthouse to be re-opened to the public on May 4

Dondra lighthouse is set to be re-opened to the public from today onwards, Ministry of Ports and Shipping said today. Minister Arjuna Ranatunga and Deputy Minister Nishantha Mutuhettigama, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports AuthorityDammika Ranatunga and several other distinguished guests will be attending this occasion.

Dondra Lighthouse was constructed in 1887 and it is being monitored under Sri Lanka Ports Authority. James Nicholas Douglass led to this construction and 30000 sterling pounds were spent on the construction. 

This lighthouse  has a height of 49 meters and it comprise of 07 floors. It has 196 steps long staircase. It is considered as one of the four leading lighthouses in Sri Lanka which has international recognition. In year 2000 it was renovated by Sri Lanka Ports Authority.  It was not opene to the  public during the past period due to the absence of clear routs and due to security based issues. Minister Arjuna Ranatunga had advised officials to make needed renovations to re-open this lighthouse public viewing. Thereby this lighthouse will be re-opened to public and also Special programmes will be implemented to uplift the facilities in the surrounding area. It includes set of programmes for foreigners.