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Jaffna Fort – archaeological monument in the Peninsula By Arundathie Abeysinghe   Sprawled over the southeastern edge of Jaffna and situated in close proximity to the bordering lagoon overlooking *Kayts Causeway, Jaffna Fort is an archaeological monument in Jaffna Peninsula. It is the second biggest Dutch Fort built in Sri Lanka. Originally, the Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1618 under directions of *Phillippe de Oliveira. Jaffna Fort is one of the well-preserved colonial ramparts and located near the coastal village Gurunagar. In 1658, the Fort was captured by the Dutch under the rule of *Rijckloff van Goens during the Dutch Colonial Era. During this era, the Fort was expanded. In 1795, during the British Colonial Era, the British took over the Fort and it remained as a British Garrison till Sri Lanka gained Independence from the British in 1948. To date, Jaffna Fort is the only large military ...