MAKING GALLE FORT SAFE AND CLEAN FOR VISITORS

During the past few decades, the World Heritage Galle Fort became one of the most popular destinations for both local and foreign tourists.

During the last couple of years, the number of tourists visiting Galle Fort dropped significantly due to the covid19 pandemic and more recently the economic crisis which engulfed the country.  However, at present there are signs of improvement and large numbers of foreign and local tourists are expected to visit Galle Fort from mid-August onwards.

Under the Strategic Cities Development Programme which was carried out with World Bank assistance a facelift has been given to Galle Fort with the conservation of the ramparts with its 14 bastions and conversion of a number of underground chambers into viewing galleries, displaying their military usage during the colonial period.  A granite paved walking path has also been constructed covering the entire 3 km length of the ramparts.

The Galle Heritage Foundation fully conserved the dungeon on the Moon Bastion and it has now been developed as a gallery depicting the colonial and pre-colonial history of Galle.

With more visitors coming to Galle Fort, the amount of litter would also increase.  The Galle Heritage Foundation with the support of some voluntary organizations has already started a campaign of keeping the Fort area clean, specially focusing on the removal of polythene and plastic waste.  Cleaning is done regularly on Mondays and Wednesdays every week.

We invite voluntary organizations to join hands with us to keep our cherished Galle Fort clean, tidy and pleasant!