The Galle Heritage Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Archaeology and UNESCO heritage engineering specialists officially unveiled the completed conservation and structural stabilization of the historic ocean-facing ramparts at the Galle Fort World Heritage site today, October 2, 2026.

Constructed by the Portuguese in 1588 and extensively fortified by the Dutch East India Company throughout the 17th century, the colossal coral-stone and granite ramparts of Galle Fort have withstood centuries of relentless monsoonal wave impact and saline atmospheric weathering. Conservators concluded an 18-month restoration program targeting the ocean-facing Star, Moon, and Sun Bastions, where subterranean tidal scouring had caused micro-fissures and stone displacement along the massive outer perimeter wall.

Employing traditional conservation techniques, stone masons utilized historically accurate lime, sand, and egg-white mortar compounds—completely avoiding modern Portland cement which traps moisture and accelerates coral stone decay. Divers and marine civil engineers reinforced the underwater stone footing blocks with underwater non-shrink grout, while specialized surface biocides were gently applied to remove destructive lichen and vegetative roots without abrading historical stone engravings.

Galle Heritage Foundation Chairman Nandana Gunawardena stated that preserving the structural integrity of Galle Fort protects an irreplaceable living cultural monument that continues to serve as an active administrative and residential township. New eco-friendly, low-level amber pathway lighting and multilingual interpretive plaques have been installed along the panoramic rampart promenade, offering visitors breathtaking sunset views of the Indian Ocean while ensuring world-class preservation standards.