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Galle Lighthouse

Fl White 15s🇱🇰Galle, LKOperational

Location & Light Range

About Galle Lighthouse

Also known as: Galle (Pointe de Galle)

A cylindrical, white, cast iron tower measuring 26.5 meters in height, with its light set at 28 meters above sea level. The structure, completed in 1939, features a lantern and gallery. Its light displays a white flash every 15 seconds, visible for a distance of 14.9 nautical miles. The lighthouse is open for public visits and is situated 0.7 kilometers from Galle port.

Why it matters: This navigation aid directs maritime traffic toward the historic port of Galle, a center for commerce and tourism in Sri Lanka's Southern Province. Its location within Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adds to its landmark status.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Focal Height
28m
Geographic Range
14.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1939

Visiting

Open to public
Yes

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
26.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
cast iron

Structure: round cast iron tower with lantern and gallery, painted white

Location

City
Galle
Country
🇱🇰Sri Lanka
Region
Southern Province
Latitude
6.0245°
Longitude
80.2195°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Galle(0.7 km)
ARLHS No.
SLI-018
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Galle Lighthouse at night?+
Galle displays the characteristic Fl White 15s. 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 Galle Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Galle Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is Galle at 0.8 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Koggala (7.2 NM ESE), Beruwala (30.5 NM NNW), Mawella (30.8 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Galle Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Galle 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 Galle Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Galle 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.