Jaffna Fort bell tower and Dutch church ruins: coral stone masonry and VOC garrison history?

The historic Dutch church inside Jaffna Fort, constructed in 1706 by the VOC, stands as a poignant reminder of colonial military architecture. Built in a simple rectangular hall design with thick coral-limestone block masonry walls and heavy timber truss roofs, the church was severely damaged during modern civil conflicts before undergoing meticulous restoration by the Central Cultural Fund. Conservators utilized traditional slaked-lime mortar and salvaged coral rag blocks to stabilize standing gable walls without introducing incompatible modern Portland cement.