Old Colombo Lighthouse

The Old Colombo Lighthouse, located in the Sri Lankan capital city of Colombo, is a historic landmark that dates back to the 19th century. The lighthouse is situated on a rocky outcrop at the entrance to the Colombo Harbour and was originally built in 1857 by the British colonial administration.

The lighthouse was designed by the renowned Scottish engineer, James Douglass, who was also responsible for the construction of several other lighthouses in Sri Lanka and India. The tower stands at a height of 29 meters and has a range of 18 nautical miles, making it an important navigational aid for ships entering the harbour.

The original Colombo lighthouse was located on a bastion on the ocean edge of the fort, was a neo-classical structure, with a 23 m (75 ft) wooden light tower rising from a two-story circular brick building and surrounded by an elaborate colonnade. It was erected in 1829 and subsequently demolished with the removal of the fort ramparts between 1869 and 1871.

The clock mechanism was constructed by the renowned English clockmaker, Dent, who was also responsible for manufacturing the clock (Big Ben) at Westminster Palace in 1852. The clock tower was formally commissioned on 25 March 1857. The bells in the clock tower consisted of a main bell of approx. 250 kg (550 lb) and two auxiliary bells of 152 kg (335 lb).

The original lighthouse was a simple structure made of brick and mortar, with a spiral staircase leading up to the lantern room at the top. In 1920, the lighthouse was electrified, and a rotating optic lens was installed to improve its visibility. The lens was made by Chance Brothers, a British glass manufacturer, and was considered a state-of-the-art technology at the time.

In 1976, a new lighthouse was built nearby, which replaced the old lighthouse as the main navigational aid for ships entering the harbour. The old lighthouse, however, continued to function as a secondary lighthouse until 1996 when it was decommissioned.

Today, the Old Colombo Lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction and a reminder of Sri Lanka's colonial past. The tower has been restored and is now used as a clock tower, with the original optic lens on display at the National Maritime Museum in Colombo.

Visitors to the lighthouse can climb up to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the harbour. The surrounding area has also been developed into a beautiful park, making it a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks.

To summarize, the Old Colombo Lighthouse is an interesting piece of Sri Lankan history as well as a significant landmark that has weathered the test of time. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Colombo and serves as a reminder of the island's colonial past.

(Picture credit to its rightful owner).