Arippu Dutch Fort

Mutharipputhurai, Sri Lanka

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Arippu Dutch Fort, located in Mutharipputhurai near Mannar, Sri Lanka, was originally built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and later handed over to the Dutch in 1658.

The fort is a small, nearly square bastion with two bastions and served as a strategic defense and administrative center. During British rule, it was converted into accommodation for officers overseeing local pearl fisheries, an important economic activity of the area.

The fort is historically notable as the place where English sea captain Robert Knox reached after escaping 19 years of captivity under the Kandyan kingdom. Known also as Allirani Fort due to local legends about a Tamil queen named Alli Raani who once ruled the region, the fort today stands in ruins, reflecting layers of colonial history by Portuguese, Dutch, and British occupations.

It was later abandoned during civil conflict but remains an important heritage site illustrating the island’s colonial past and maritime economy.