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Colombo Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 10s🇱🇰LKOperational

Location & Light Range

About Colombo Lighthouse

Also known as: Colombo (Galbokka Point)

A cylindrical stone tower, 15 meters tall, stands at Galbokka Point on the Colombo waterfront. It displays a black and white checkered pattern and rises from a 1-story stone building, topped with a lantern and gallery. The light, positioned at a focal height of 26 meters, emits a white flash every 10 seconds and has a geographic range of 14.5 nautical miles. This lighthouse became operational in 1952. The structure is located 1.9 kilometers from the nearest port, Colombo.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels into Colombo's harbor, a major center for Sri Lankan trade. Its location at Galbokka Point clearly marks the port entrance for maritime traffic.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
26m
Geographic Range
14.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1952

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Colombo(1.9 km)
Admiralty No.
F0804
NGA No.
27332
ARLHS No.
SLI-005
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5148027 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
black and white checkered pattern
Material
stone

Structure: round stone tower with lantern and gallery, rising from a 1-story stone building

Location

Country
🇱🇰LK
Sea Region
historic fort at Galbokka Point south of the harbor on the Colombo waterfront
Latitude
6.9363°
Longitude
79.8408°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Colombo Lighthouse at night?+
Colombo displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 10s — 3 white flashes every 10 seconds. 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 Colombo Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Colombo Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is Colombo at 1.1 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Beruwala (29 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Colombo Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Colombo 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 Colombo Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Colombo 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.