Colombo Lighthouse, Colombo

Colombo Lighthouse, also known as the Galbokka Lighthouse, was officially opened in 1952. It replaced the older lighthouse and clock tower that had been in use since 1857 during the British colonial period. The new lighthouse was built to support growing sea traffic and modern navigation needs at a time when the port was becoming busier. Its role was to guide ships safely through nearby waters, especially at night or during poor weather.

The lighthouse is recognized by its black-and-white checkered pattern on the seaward side. It stands on a concrete base about 12 meters high, decorated with four stone lion statues. The design focuses on visibility and strength rather than ornament. Located in a high-security area near naval facilities, the tower cannot be entered or climbed, though the space around its base is often open for visitors to view and take photos.

For decades, the lighthouse helped guide merchant ships, passenger vessels, and naval traffic through busy sea routes. Today, its surroundings have changed. Because of the Port City land reclamation project, the lighthouse is no longer on the shoreline. It now looks over reclaimed land and new construction instead of the open sea. Despite this change, it still reflects the long role of maritime trade and coastal development in shaping the island’s past and future.