The area that comes under the purview of the old kachcheri in Hambantota will be developed as a tourist attraction.
Under the program, the ancient Martello tower, the ancient magistrate’s court building complex, the old Government Agent’s bungalow, the old gallows and the old light-house which are more than one hundred years old will be renovated.
The Martello tower is a creation of the colonial era when the British forces were in Hambantota about a hundred years ago. It was built by Goper, an engineer attached to the British army.
The Martello tower is 25 feet tall with a width of 40 feet. It comprises two stories and the ground floor was used as storage for arms and ammunition. The first floor was the residential area for soldiers.
The first ever fisheries museum was set up in the Martello tower when the former President MahindaRajapasksa was the minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. It functioned only for a few years. There is no museum now.
The old light house which is over one hundred and fifty years old, has been renovated.
The light house was used to show the direction of Hambantota to naval ships according to the chronicles. Since electricity was not available at that time, a kerosene lamp was the source of light. This too was built by a British engineer.
The old kachcheri premises and the government agent’s bungalow and the old courts complex which are over one hundred years old will also be renovated. Today, the District Secretary, W.H. Karunaratna resides in this bungalow.
The old district court complex premises remain overgrown with shrub jungle and the building complex is on the verge of destruction due to non maintenance. The old cremation ground of Britishers which is almost in the heart of Hambantota town is maintained by the Hambnantota Urban Council.
A new museum was set up in the old kachcheri building complex which is now known as Ruhunu Magampurra Museum where objects of historical and archaeological value pertaining to the Ruhunu Magampattu era are displayed. It was opened by the President Maithripala Sirisena.
The old gallows which is about one hundred and fifty yeas old and which was used to hang those condemned to death will be given a face lift according to the project managers of the program.