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Batticaloa Lighthouse

Fl White 3s🇱🇰LKOperational

Location & Light Range

About Batticaloa Lighthouse

Also known as: Batticaloa (Mattuwaran)

Batticaloa Lighthouse, also known as Mattuwaran, is a white cylindrical masonry tower built in 1913. Standing 28 meters tall, its lantern and gallery are situated at a focal height of 27 meters. The structure is painted white and emits a white flash every 3 seconds, visible for nearly 15 nautical miles. The site is open to the public, but the tower itself is closed. It is located at the end of Bar Road, marking the northern side of the harbor entrance.

Why it matters: This lighthouse guides vessels entering Batticaloa's harbor. Its reactivation in 2008 after being inactive during a period of conflict demonstrated its necessity for safe maritime operations in the area.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W 3s
Focal Height
27m
Geographic Range
14.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1913

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
28m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white

Structure: round masonry tower with lantern and gallery, painted white

Location

Country
🇱🇰LK
Latitude
7.7548°
Longitude
81.6854°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Oluvil(30.8 km)
ARLHS No.
SLI-003
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Batticaloa Lighthouse at night?+
Batticaloa displays the characteristic Fl White 3s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Batticaloa Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Batticaloa Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is Kondavattavan at 28.5 NM to the S. Other ports served include Oluvil (30.8 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Batticaloa Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Batticaloa Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Batticaloa Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Batticaloa Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.