Beruwala
A little fishery in the coastal stretch of
Sri Lanka 56 kilometers away from Colombo known
by the exotic name Barberyn in early 9th century
where Arab traders established the first Moorish
settlement on the island is Beruwala. Even today
Beruwala's population features a large segment
of Sri Lanka Moors, many of whom are gem dealers.
The main life occupation being fishing and secondly
gem business, Beruwala also boasts of a considerable
coastal trade of locally produced coir from
coconut and rope that is also exported to neighboring
countries.
With the advent of European colonial powers
in the island, and the consequent increase in
maritime activity, arose the need for lighthouses.
The British constructed the lighthouses that
survive today, most notably the Great Basses,
out to sea, which was built using blocks carved
in England and shipped to Galle, where a special
boat transported them to the reef.
Lighthouse keepers are some of the most colourful
personalities I have encountered in Sri Lanka.
As a traveler, I cherish the fascinating conversations
I have had with them. Indeed, lighthouse keepers
are some of the most engaging storytellers I
have met.
Recent times Beruwala has developed in to a
tourist resort that attracts visitors both local
and international. It homes many five star luxurious
hotels and resorts and spas that offer the best
service for a pleasant stay in. The Ayurveda
spas at Beruwala is a must to make your holiday
a memorable one. the hotel will also arrange
special excursions and trips to suite your styles
as well.
Lighthouses are usually remarkable buildings
in spectacular surroundings. The appeal of a
lighthouse is romantic, based on the maritime
setting of the structure, the purpose it serves,
and its majestic presence. Lighthouses are an
important part of Sri Lankan history, coming
into prominence during the colonial period.
The then Ceylon was on the spice trade route
and therefore lighthouses were essential. Whilst
continuing to be beacons of hope today, guiding
countless ships and fishing boats at sea.
There are nearly 14 lighthouses remaining in
Sri Lanka, the majority manned. They are
Dondra, Great Basses, Little Basses, Mutthuwaran
(at Batticaloa), Foul Point, Trincomalee, Mullattivu,
Point Pedro, Karitivu, Talaimannar, Colombo,
Hambantota, Galle and of course at Beruwala.
Though all are not opened or accessible for
tourist the following could be visited at allocated
times Dondra, Colombo, and Galle.
Barberyn Island, on which the lighthouse is
located, is one of the prettiest places you
need to visit on your travel to Beruwala. A
10-minute boat ride will take you to this island
an unexplored land away form the hustle and
bustle of people and traffic. It is a this green
island is a slice of paradise nestling in the
Indian Ocean – undisturbed my man. Three-quarters
of the island is covered with coconut trees,
plumeria flowers, mango and cashew trees. This
island also homes many exotic birds, reptiles
and insects.
The lighthouse, the light station, are an abandoned
building in the middle of the island, which
stores a small hut with a clay roof that used
to be a bar in British times, and a well. The
five-storey yellow lighthouse stands on a 30m
cliff. According to the keeper, the glass protecting
the tower is still the original material installed
by the British in 1928.
The visit to Barberyn Island is sure to be a
wonderful experience where you could enjoy the
flora and the fauna as well as explore the island
the light house to lean more of nature and how
man has succeeded in making it to suit his needs.
The Beruwala lighthouse is a special place with
many hidden treasures. It is a unspoken
island that speaks of a bygone era when keepers
lived in isolated stations and manned remote
lighthouses.
Though times has changes and cultures have evolved
Beruwala the fisheries village and light house
will continue to lure all visitors who seek
to gain knowledge of the then Ceylon and
the colonial history that makes Sri Lanka and
Beruwala a must visit when traveling to Colombo.
