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Dondra Head Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇱🇰LKOperational

Location & Light Range

About Dondra Head Lighthouse

Completed in 1890, the Dondra Head Lighthouse stands as an octagonal brick tower painted white. It measures 49 meters in height, with the light positioned 47 meters above sea level. The structure features a lantern and gallery. From its location on the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka, it emits a white light with a single flash every 5 seconds, visible for 18.2 nautical miles. The nearest port, Mawella, is situated 8.9 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the southernmost point of Sri Lanka, serving as a navigational reference for vessels in the Indian Ocean. Its opening as a tourist attraction in 2017 offers visitors a unique cultural experience.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
47m
Geographic Range
18.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1890

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Mawella(8.9 km)
ARLHS No.
SLI-001

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
49m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white
Material
brick

Structure: octagonal brick tower with lantern and gallery, painted white

Location

Country
🇱🇰LK
Latitude
5.9213°
Longitude
80.5942°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Dondra Head Lighthouse at night?+
Dondra Head displays the characteristic Fl White 5s. 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 Dondra Head Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Dondra Head Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Mawella at 9.1 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Koggala (16 NM WNW), Galle (22.7 NM WNW), Hambantota (32.8 NM ENE), Beruwala (49.4 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Dondra Head Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Dondra Head 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 Dondra Head Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Dondra Head 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.