The walls of the Colombo fort that faced the coast were pulled down in 1870. The British ruled the waves and there was no longer any perceived military threat.

Colombo Fort Galle Buck Lighthouse and Sambodhi Chaithya temple in the background

Modern Victorian warship cannons would soon demolish any stone built walls so they were really redundant. They were considered a hindrance to development. The whole emphasis was on trade

When the old Colombo lighthouse became not fit for purpose due to its beam being obscured by new building development a new light house was built on Galboka Point opposite the Sri Lankan Naval Headquarters on the Chaithya Road in Colombo Fort.

It was opened by the first prime minister of the newly independent country of Sri Lanka in 1952. The Architect designed the lighthouse to stand on a 12 meter high concrete base which has four lion statues at its base. It soon became distinctive a city landmark. The seaward side of the light house tower is painted in a black and white chequered pattern. The light house is 29 meters high. Its light flashes three times every ten seconds.

The Navy Resturant opposite the Colombo Fort Galle Buck Lighthouse Sri Lanka

The Colombo Fort Galle Buck (rocky bay) Lighthouse has a ceremonial role to play in modern Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Navy has positioned a Naval gun battery at the base of the light house. It is here that gun salutes are fired. One independence day a 25 gun salute is fired. That is on 4th February each year. There is a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean from the gun platform.

Opposite the Galle Buck Lighthouse on the other side of the Chaithya Road is delightful little restaurant. Ideal for having a spot of lunch. It is often frequented by members of the Sri Lankan Navy. In fact the staff told us that it started out as a Naval catering unit. There are lots of seats outside under the shady colonnade or large parasol.

Order a Sri Lankan Lion beer as you look over the menu. If you are adventurous tell the staff that that you are interested in tasting real Sri Lankan food and what would they suggest. We did this and had a very memorable meal. True Sri Lankan food differs from Indian food. They use a lot more fruit, European cool climate vegetables from the central Sri Lankan highlands that arrive every morning at 5am and most importantly coconut.

Galle Buck Lighthouse on the coast road in Colombo Fort

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