Seized by the Portuguese from the Sinhala kings in 1587, the historic city of Galle was the most important port in Sri Lanka for centuries. In the 17th century, under Dutch rule, a fort was constructed around the city to protect both the citizens and maritime commercial interests. (...)
Seized by the Portuguese from the Sinhala kings in 1587, the historic city of Galle was the most important port in Sri Lanka for centuries. In the 17th century, under Dutch rule, a fort was constructed around the city to protect both the citizens and maritime commercial interests. While these fortified walls somewhat shielded the city from the full impact of the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, substantial water breached the ramparts, making Galle one of the hardest hit areas of Sri Lanka.
In early 2005, the International Council for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) conducted a survey the conditions of cultural heritage sites in Galle and the surrounding area. The Old Dutch Hospital, attached to the ramparts facing the ocean, was noted in this study as a site of particular interest due to its poor state of preservation.
The hospital once served Dutch and other Europeans who came to Galle during its time as a thriving international port. After the surrender of Galle Fort to the British in 1796, the hospital became the Chief Administrator’s Office, a function it served until 2003.
