The Galle Heritage Foundation, in collaboration with the Department of Archaeology, initiated specialized conservation treatments across historic coral-and-shell merchant buildings inside Galle Dutch Fort today, September 22, 2026.

Conservators are utilizing traditional slaked lime and coarse sand mortars to repoint deteriorating exterior joints along Leyn Baan Street and Pedlar Street, ensuring compatibility with historic building materials. Experts noted that traditional breathable lime renders allow monsoonal dampness to evaporate naturally without trapping moisture, preventing structural decay within centuries-old colonial architecture.