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Kankesanturai Lighthouse

Fl White 15s🇱🇰LKOperational

Location & Light Range

About Kankesanturai Lighthouse

Also known as: Kankesanturai (Kankesanthure)

This octagonal masonry lighthouse, painted white, was constructed in 1893. Standing 22 meters tall, its light is situated at a focal height of 25 meters. The light emits a white flash every 15 seconds. The structure includes a lantern and gallery. Restoration efforts have returned the lighthouse to operational status, allowing it to once again aid maritime safety. The site is accessible to the public, though entry into the tower is not permitted.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for navigation along the northern coast of Sri Lanka and for vessels approaching the port of Kankesanturai. Its octagonal masonry tower with a lantern and gallery is a distinctive architectural feature.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Focal Height
25m
Geographic Range
14.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1893

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
22m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white

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

Location

Country
🇱🇰LK
Latitude
9.8161°
Longitude
80.0450°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Kankesanturai(1.1 km)
Admiralty No.
F0872
NGA No.
27224
ARLHS No.
SLI-012
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Kankesanturai Lighthouse at night?+
Kankesanturai 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 Kankesanturai Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Kankesanturai Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is Kankesanturai at 0.6 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Jaffna (9.7 NM S), Mannar (47.2 NM SSW), Talaimannar (47.2 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Kankesanturai Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Kankesanturai 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 Kankesanturai Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Kankesanturai 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.