Lighthouses
- Beacons of Life -
The strategic location of Sri Lanka on the major maritime Asian trade routes always provided a respite for sailors. Today, the welcoming lights of 14 lighthouses still guide them safely to harbour |
One of my dreams has been to climb a lighthouse and enjoy the sunset from the tower. This dream came true during a lighthouse tour of Sri Lanka.
Beruwela lighthouse is located on Barberyn Island on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. An exciting 10-minute boat ride from the town of Beruwela transported me to Barberyn, a place removed from the hustle and bustle of people, cars and traffic. The island is a slice of paradise nestled in the Indian Ocean.
Three-quarters of Barberyn is covered with coconut trees, Plumeria flowers, mango and cashew trees, and the cooling shade of buffalo grass. Exotic birds, reptiles and insects roam the island and I felt an instant bonding with nature.
My guide, Fernando, led the way along a circular gravel path to the lighthouse. The grand, yellow tower stood majestically at the edge of a 30-metre cliff.
One of the keepers greeted us enthusiastically. Rohan was more than happy to indulge in some lighthouse storytelling. "Imagine living in an era with no radio communications, electric lights or navigational aids and your sailboat was on the spice trade route from England to Ceylon. How do you avoid dangerous rocks when it is pitch-black at night? What tools do you use for navigation? Who's there to shine a light in the darkness?
"Lighthouses came into existence during this era. The two main purposes of a lighthouse were to serve as a navigational aid and to warn ships of dangerous areas. A lighthouse was like a traffic sign at sea".
"How is the Beruwela Light operated?" I asked, as I became interested in the practical purpose of the magnificent tower.
"Five keepers take turns to watch the lighthouse.
The light goes on from 6.30 pm until 6.30 am. The light rotates for one minute each time and directs sailors".
We walked around, admiring some of the few man-made structures on the island. An old well built by the British, that once supplied water to the inhabitants, was now abandoned; but the clay roofed hut, which was a bar for the keepers years ago, is still a place to socialise although there are no gin and tonics.
After relishing a picnic lunch under some shady cashew trees, we headed towards the mainland. We stayed at Ypsylon Guest House, a friendly hotel run by a German, which offered fantastic views of the lighthouse at night.
Galle Lighthouse
The following day we proceeded towards the historic town of Galle. "Of the 14 remaining lighthouses in Sri Lanka only the Galle lighthouse is located at a World Heritage Site", Fernando explained. "For centuries, Galle was Sri Lanka's main port as it has an excellent natural harbour.
The port of Galle dates back to the time when Arab traders sailed to China in search of eastern riches. Galle was their last haven before crossing the Bay of Bengal. Perhaps one of the earliest recorded references to Galle comes from the great Arab traveller Iban Battuta, who visited the port, which he calls Qali, in the mid 14th century. Galle was central to the spice trade route".
The Galle lighthouse is situated inside the landmark Galle Fort. It is built seven metres above the road on the ramparts.
Harischandra, the lighthouse keeper, was on hand to answer our questions. "Do you enjoy looking after the lighthouse?" I asked him.
I Love it. I'm fortunate to have a job at a World Heritage Site. This is a wonderful place to be. Everyday, tourists come to visit the Galle Fort and the lighthouse compound is always full of life. " He was right. At that very moment children were playing cricket on the lawn surrounding the lighthouse and tourists strolled by to admire the tower.
"I don't climb the lighthouse every day to operate the lights like I used to," continued Harischandra.
"The lights are operated through a computer. The light at the top goes on automatically at night and switches off automatically at dawn. I still have my job in case there is a power outage," he said with a touch of sadness.
By Deepal V. Perera
Daily Mirror, January 17, 2007
Lighthouse at Foul Point - sampur
Picture by Arandara Chandrasiri |
Sampur, which has been liberated by the Security Forces from the LTTE terrorists (in 2007) , is home to one of the most famous lighthouses in the country. The Lighthouse at Foul Point has been guiding seafarers safely to their destinations for decades.
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