Fort Frederick in Trincomalee Sri Lanka which is also known as Trincomalee Fort or Fort of Triquillimalee is a historically, culturally and archaeologically significant ancient tourist attraction in the Trincomalee District similar to the Galle Dutch Fort situated in Galle.
Built in the year 1623 by the Portuguese, the Fort Frederick in Trincomalee is one of the more important forts in the whole of the island, as it is strategically located to overlook the busy harbour of Trincomalee. With the Trincomalee harbour being one of the more important harbours in the whole of Asia, due to its strategic location and natural features, the area has been in the hands of many European colonists. Notable colonizers bring the Portuguese, Dutch, and the British. There were also short stints made by French and Danish, as the fort was an ideal structure to dock an Asian fleet for any sort of warfare.
It is in this very fort that the ancient Koneswaram Temple resides and is a major attraction within the complex. Another attraction within Fort Frederick is the Wellesley Lodge that was once the bungalow of Colonel Arthur Wellesley (later 1st Duke of Wellington). Presently, the building serves as the officer’s mess of a battalion of the Gajaba Regiment of the Sri Lankan Army.
Fort Frederick has been opened for tourists to visit with special arrangements made not to interfere with the functions of the Buddhist Temple, Hindu Kovil and the military camp located within the Fort.
Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickremanayake has given special instructions to further preserve the Fort and the monuments outside it in a safe manner as well as the areas to be excavated should be conserved and completed promptly.
Fort Frederick in Trincomalee Sri Lanka
