Batticaloa Lighthouse
The Batticaloa Lighthouse, situated a few kilometers from the town on Bar Road, is easily accessible with a 15-20 minute drive from the town. The lighthouse is a circular white masonry tower with five windows, a lantern, and a gallery.
Originally built by the British in 1878, the 93-foot tower underwent a change from a fourth-order dioptric light system to an AGA gas light system with a built-in dioptric and sun valve on January 28th, 1930. Due to security reasons, the Manmunai North Pradeshya Sabha oversees the maintenance of the lighthouse on behalf of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, and a flashing fishery light is exhibited for the benefit of local fishermen.
After years of neglect due to terrorist activities in the area by the LTTE, the lighthouse suffered only minor damage from the major tsunami that struck the east coast of Sri Lanka in December 2004.
Originally built by the British in 1878, the 93-foot tower underwent a change from a fourth-order dioptric light system to an AGA gas light system with a built-in dioptric and sun valve on January 28th, 1930. Due to security reasons, the Manmunai North Pradeshya Sabha oversees the maintenance of the lighthouse on behalf of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, and a flashing fishery light is exhibited for the benefit of local fishermen.
After years of neglect due to terrorist activities in the area by the LTTE, the lighthouse suffered only minor damage from the major tsunami that struck the east coast of Sri Lanka in December 2004.
