
Fort resident and community organiser

- 73 Pedlar Street
I love the Fort and the whole Galle area – I enjoy knowing so many people by name. We are like one family. Even during the 1980s when there were political problems in the country, there was unity here.



Adapting to Fort life
My father bought this old Dutch house in 1979. When we first moved here, we didn’t like the Fort because it was undeveloped and there were lots of cows wandering the streets. Many of the houses were in disrepair and the rooms were dark. However, over time we came to realise this is a fine place to live, mainly because there are so few problems. People live together peacefully as one community. Even if we leave our front door open and go out for a few hours, the house will be safe.
Cultural roots
My wife, two children and I lived in the US for 13 years but once my father passed away, we returned to Sri Lanka. Compared to the US, we have much less material comfort, but we feel it’s important our children understand their culture and roots. Once they have that grounding, they won’t be lost in the world.
A safe haven
Even during the 1980s when there were political problems in the country, there was unity here. While there was a curfew in Galle, residents played cricket on the ramparts. More recently, when there was unrest outside the Fort, we had our children’s friends to stay. For Sri Lankan New Year and Ramadan we have always shared foods; people are very close. We all know each other by name; it’s not like other places where people are scattered. If something happens, we get together. We look after each and everybody. We have a community vigilance service among Fort residents but there are very rarely problems here. We are like one family.