Archeotrails

The Welekade Dutch Fort, located near the town of Matara in southern Sri Lanka, was built by the Dutch in the 17th century as part of their colonial efforts to control the island’s coastal regions. The fort was strategically located to protect the region from external threats and to oversee the port and trade activities in the area. Over the years, the fort has undergone several modifications, but its Dutch architectural influence remains evident in the design of the walls, bastions, and entrances. The Welekade Dutch Fort also played a role in the defense of Sri Lanka during the conflicts between the Dutch, Portuguese, and British. While the fort is not as well-preserved as some other colonial-era forts in Sri Lanka, it still serves as an important historical landmark. The fort's location near the coast and its connection to the region's colonial history make it a valuable site for visitors interested in Sri Lanka’s past. Today, the Welekade Dutch Fort is a peaceful location, offering a glimpse into the island’s complex colonial history and its interactions with European powers during the 17th and 18th centuries.