‘Martello Tower’

Priyanjan, on September 23, 2008, said:

Some say that this tower had been built by the Portuguese and later used by both the Dutch and the British. However, as per British records, the tower is said to have been by a British engineer by the name of Captain Goper.

I am not exactly sure as to what this tower was used for. But my guess is that it would most certainly have had a military connection.

Why it is named ‘Martello’, well I do not know.

Mike McCall, on October 28, 2008, said:

yes, the tower was built by the British military shortly after defeating the Dutch in Ceylon, end of 18th century. The Martello tower was the hi-tech state-of-the-art fortification of its time - very many built in Britain & colonies. But Hambantota is virtually unique in Asia. I wrote an article about it in Fort Vol.27 (1999) http://www.fsgfort.com/Fort2.htm. Mike

Priyanjan, on October 28, 2008, said:

Hi, Mike.

Thanks a lot for the information. Now I know why its called 'Martello'. I tried to read your article. But could not open it in the site you have mentioned. Is it online else where. I would very much like to read it.If its not online, I would be very much thankful to you if you would kindly e-mail it to me at priyanjandesilva@hotmail.com.

In case you are interested, I have uploaded photographs of some othet Forts found here in Sri Lanka, and could be viewed at

http://www.panoramio.com/user/589743/tags/Forts&comments_page=1&photos_page=1

There are many more Forts and other military strong points all over the country. Of-course, most are (unfortunately) in ruins. I will be posting photographs (in Panoramio) of such places as and when I am able to visit them.

Thanks a lot again.

With Best Regards from Sri Lanka,

Priyanjan.