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Magnificent Dutch Fort in Kalpitiya: From Portuguese territory to current Vijaya Naval Base-By Sanath Weerasuriya Source:Life Kalpitya Dutch Fort is one of the main features, in this historic city of Kalpitiya, which is the main trading point in a narrow land that stretches to the north for about 50 kilometres beyond Puttlam, parallel to the mainland. Weatherworn and centuries-old, this majestic structure was built by the Dutch between 1667 and 1676. Kalpitiya was important as it commands the entrance to the adjacent bay, Puttalam Lagoon. The surrounding Puttalam area was one of the major cinnamon cultivation areas in Sri Lanka. The Dutch even constructed a canal from Puttalam via Negombo to Colombo to transport cinnamon from the area. For centuries it stood there gazing at the lagoon and the ocean far beyond. It has witnessed many battles, listened to many prayers and protected many a life. This is the historic ...