Janet's Journal

For a pleasant one hour walk through the oldest part of Negombo start at the Dutch Fort.  

Originally built in the 16^th century by the Portuguese the fort was demolished rebuilt by the Dutch in 1672, then taken over by the British in 1796.  Most of the original buildings were again demolished make way for the construction of a courthouse, St Stephen’s Anglican Church and a prison.   

There is a section of the eastern rampart and arched gateway with the date 1678 inscribed.  The British clock tower sits on top.

From the Fort walk along Custom House Road at the edge of the fishing harbour with its wide range of boats moored alongside.  On your left you can see the new courthouse buildings before you come to the first of the bridges dividing the sea from the lagoon.

If you are in need of refreshment, then Choy’s across the road gives a great opportunity to sit and watch the world go by while you have a drink and a cake or snack.

Keeping the bridge on your right continue along the water’s edge, now the lagoon, there is a better pavement here leading to the jetty for King’s Island Resort boats.   Cross the road and without going over the bridge descend the steps to the canal towpath.

The canal network started in the 15^th century was improved by the Portuguese and the Dutch to carry cargo from Colombo to Puttalam. The canal was further improved in 1802 by the British and became known as the Hamilton Canal.

At the next bridge leave the canal and go up the steps then turn left and walk along Main Street to St Mary’s Church now one of the largest churches on the island.  Originally established in 1603 by the Portuguese the current building is the 5^th on the site and was built between 1874 and 1922.

After leaving the Church continue along Main Street passed little shops until you come to Negombo Main Post Office on your right.  A lovely old post office includes a small shop for stamp collectors at one end.  

The left hand side of the street is mainly lawyers offices. The buildings along this road, although in need of a little care and attention, are very beautiful old Sri Lankan style.

Continuing along the road will take you past the front entrance of the new Courthouse buildings and finally back to your starting point at the old fort.

The walk is approximately 2.5 kilometres.  If you go in the morning you can also have a look at the town fish market.  Noisy, smelly but fascinating to see all the different shapes and sizes of fish on the little stalls.  Outside is a huge area with masses of different fish being dried in the sun.  You are almost certain to get a fisherman come over and explain all about the dried fish, interesting to listen to but of course they will expect a tip at the end.