Hambanthota Lighthouse
Hambantota district boasts a stunning 152-kilometre coastline and features a picturesque bay adjoining the town of Hambantota. On a hilltop overlooking the 352-acre bay stands the Hambantota Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1903 during the reign of Sir West Ridgeway. The original tower was 47 feet tall and utilized an AGA 50-litre open flame type two-burner mechanism with a pilot jet, producing a characteristic group flash (3) every 15 seconds with a fixed dioptric 4th order 500mm diameter lens. The light's visibility was 16 miles at an elevation of 119 feet above sea level. The lighthouse underwent renovation in 1913 and was converted to an AGA automatic acetylene system in 1929. During World War II, the light was discontinued and was not lit again until 1947, when it was handed over to the Chairman of the Urban Council in Hambantota. In 2000, the lighthouse was transferred to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, and a temporary solar light was installed pending modernization.
