Galle Harbour is a natural harbour, located in Galle, on the south-western coast of Sri Lanka. Currently Galle port serves as one of the most active regional ports in the country. It is also the only Sri Lankan port that provides facilities for pleasure yachts. International yacht societies have recognized Galle Harbour as one of the world's best attractions for yachting.
History
Galle Harbour was a major harbour in the country, which was in use even during the pre-Christian times, and gained importance after the 12th century. By the 14th century, Galle Harbour was the most important harbour in Sri Lanka, and retained its importance until 1873 when an artificial harbour was built in Colombo. After the construction of Galle Fort in the 17th century, Galle Port was a major port in the Indian Ocean for more than 200 years, which was an important anchorage for boats and ships traveling between Europe and Asia. When the British colonial government constructed breakwaters in Colombo Harbour in the late 19th century, much international marine traffic shifted to Colombo from Galle. Thereafter, Galle Port became a secondary port of the country, though it still handles some ships and boats.
Development project
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority has planned to develop the existing Port of Galle to accommodate the increasing demand for freight handling for Sri Lanka as well as an international regional destination. This is planned with the construction of a deep waterpassenger vessel terminal and breakwaters, dredging of entrance channel and basin, and other facilities at the port of Galle to contribute to the economic development of the country. Some of the facilities provided at Galle Port were damaged during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The proposed development also expects to provide a fully fledged yacht marina for the Galle Port to facilitate the calling yachts, as well as to attract more yachts. SLPA expects to provide berthing facilities to passenger vessels of 300 m in length and cargo vessels of 200 m in length which have a depth of 10 mand 10.9 m respectively with this project. This will be achieved by constructing breakwaters to cover the effects of waves in the Galle bay area.
Galle harbor is a popular site among the local and foreign maritme archeologists who are doing research about the ancient naval transportation. Many ship wrecks during the colonial rule of Portuguese, Dutch and English can be seen in the sites around the bay of Galle situated in close proximity to the Galle harbour. Notable ship wrecks in the area includes "The East Indiaman Avondster", the VOC shipwreck Hercules, Dolfijn, Barbesteijn and the Geinwens. The marine archaeologists of the Maritime Archaeology Unit of Central Cultural Fund established in Galle has been conducting many archaeological explorations in the Galle harbour area. Sri Lanka's first underwater museum is also located at a depth of around 50 feet in the Galle Harbour area providing a unique sightseeing experience for the marine archaeology enthusiasts. It was established by Sri Lanka Navy in June, 2020. The sculptures in this museum is expected to form an artificial coral reef over the time, which would enhance the marine life of the Galle harbour area.
