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Jaffna Obelisk Lighthouse

Fl White 15s🇱🇰LKOperational

Location & Light Range

About Jaffna Obelisk Lighthouse

The Jaffna Obelisk is a white concrete tower standing 6 meters tall. It emits a single white flash every 15 seconds from a focal height of 6 meters, with a geographic range of 8.9 nautical miles. This structure marks the narrow entrance channel leading to the harbor of Jaffna. The site is accessible by boat, but the tower itself is closed to the public. Its nearest port, Jaffna, is located 2.6 kilometers away.

Why it matters: The Jaffna Obelisk assists fishing vessels navigating the constricted entrance to Jaffna's harbor, ensuring safe passage for local maritime traffic.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Focal Height
6m
Geographic Range
8.9NM

Location

Country
🇱🇰LK
Latitude
9.6271°
Longitude
80.0327°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Jaffna(2.6 km)
Admiralty No.
F0878
NGA No.
27220

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6m
Material
concrete

Structure: white concrete tower

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Jaffna Obelisk Lighthouse at night?+
Jaffna Obelisk 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 Jaffna Obelisk Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Jaffna Obelisk Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Jaffna at 1.8 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Kankesanturai (11.5 NM N), Mannar (36.8 NM SSW), Talaimannar (36.8 NM SSW), Rameshwaram (47.2 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Jaffna Obelisk Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Jaffna Obelisk 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 Jaffna Obelisk Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Jaffna Obelisk 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.