As it did on the 26th December 2004 when the tsunami broke through the lower gates of the Fort. The waves flowed out again very quickly and left no major structural damage.

Traders and colonialists have given way to an interesting mix of different cultures and religions: Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Sinhalese and Tamils live congenially side by side with a growing number of Europeans and other Westerners looking to be part of Galle’s community. The bells and chants of the respective religious rites mingle peacefully at various times of the day. The narrow streets of the Fort are lined with colonial buildings, each with a unique history.

The Fort Printers, for instance, is believed to have Dutch era foundations but the building was substantially enlarged in the British era after 1796, hence its high ceilings and windows designed to catch any cooling breezes. On the old main gateway of the Fort you will find the British crest set above the archway on the outside.