Genge Lake Resort

Kalpitiya Dutch Fort & Lagoon

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This fort was designed by the Dutch. Construction began in 1966 and ended in 1976, indicating the amount of work that must have gone into the fort. During the Dutch era Kalpitiya was an important location because it commanded the entrance to the adjacent Puttalam Lagoon, which was a key area for cinnamon cultivation. The fort has only one entrance, which faces the lagoon. The pediment is in the shape of a “pandol” (an ornate Sri Lankan decoration) with a belfry at the top. A historic emblem depicts two elephants (representing strength), and a palm tree (depicting the fertility of the region).