During the first week of May 2007, Sri Lanka’s Western Province was affected by flooding following heavy rainfall. The damage included the historic Malwana Fort, which is located on the Kelani River between the villages of Hanwella and Kelaniya. It dates from the presence of both the Portuguese colonialists and, subsequently, the Dutch East India Company during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The water had weakened the Fort’s walls and foundations so that immediate action was needed in order to prevent any further deterioration, which would have threatened the continued existence of this community heritage.
CER provided the sum of €23,262 to cover Malwana Fort’s emergency stabilisation. This donation was reserved for drawing up a list of the damage, reinforcing the walls and foundations, and constructing a drainage system so that the Fort would be eligible for further restoration in the future. The activities commenced in August 2007 and are being carried out by the National Trust of Sri Lanka.
CER provides emergency relief for cultural heritages that have been affected by man-made or natural disasters.
Cultural Emergency Response
Prince Claus Fund
Hoge Nieuwstraat 30
2514 EL The Hague
Tel. 31 (0)70 4274303
Fax 31 (0)70 4274277
E-mail cer@princeclausfund.nl
www.princeclausfund.nl
