The underground drainage system at the UNESCO‑listed Dutch Fort in Galle, regarded as one of the finest sewage and rainwater management systems built during the 17th‑century Dutch rule, is currently undergoing cleaning and restoration.

The system, designed to automatically flush itself twice daily by harnessing the tidal and wave movements of the sea, was constructed in a strong arch shape using black stone and bricks. 

Officials note that it stands as a clear testament to the advanced Dutch urban engineering technology of the era.

Over time, the network had become blocked due to the accumulation of sand and debris. 

The Galle Municipal Council has now launched active efforts to remove the obstructions and restore the system to its original condition. (Newswire)

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Member of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Secretary of the CPC Committee of Xizang Autonomous Region, Wang Junzheng, engaged in an observation tour of the Galle Fort today. 

The visiting Chinese delegation led by Wang Junzheng arrived at Galle Fort this morning (24 Dec) and carried out the inspection of the fort walls under tight security.

Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage and several others also participated in the tour. (Newswire)

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A group of bystanders have risked their lives to rescue a young couple who had been swept into the sea from the rocky edge behind the Dutch Hospital building at the Galle Fort.

The incident was captured on video by one of the people present at the scene.

According to reports, the couple were on the rocky edge behind the Dutch Hospital at Galle Fort last evening when, suddenly, a strong wave pulled both of them into the sea.

The officer in charge of security and administration at the Dutch Hospital, who had witnessed the incident, had jumped into the sea to rescue them. 

He then alerted nearby patrons at surrounding tourist establishments, who joined him in a strenuous effort to save the couple.

The rescued couple, who are residents of Ahangama and Lanumodara, were thereafter admitted to the Galle National Hospital. (Newswire)

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Eleven staff members, including the manager of the Indian Hut restaurant in Galle, have been remanded until April 28 in connection with an alleged assault on a group of customers, police said.

The incident occurred on the night of April 16, when a dispute over food escalated into a physical altercation between restaurant employees and a group of diners.

Six individuals, including a 28-year-old man and two minors aged 17 and 14 from Colombo, sustained injuries and were admitted to the Galle National Hospital.

Following investigations, police identified and arrested 11 suspects linked to the assault. They were produced before the court and remanded until April 28.

Further investigations are being carried out by the Galle Police. (Newswire)

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