5/5 Dilon F. 6 months ago on Google
The
Jaffna
Clock
Tower,
standing
tall
in
the
heart
of
Jaffna,
northern
Sri
Lanka,
is
a
remarkable
testament
to
history
and
resilience.
This
elegant
clock
tower
has
a
rich
heritage
dating
back
to
the
19th
century.
The
origins
of
the
Jaffna
Clock
Tower
can
be
traced
back
to
a
special
occasion.
It
was
constructed
to
honor
the
visit
of
Albert
Edward,
the
Prince
of
Wales,
to
Sri
Lanka
in
1875.
Upon
the
announcement
of
the
Prince's
visit,
the
Jaffna
Prince
of
Wales
Reception
Committee
was
formed.
Remarkably,
they
successfully
raised
over
Rs.
10,000
for
a
special
fund
dedicated
to
commemorating
this
royal
visit.
A
portion
of
the
fund
was
allocated
to
acquire
a
silver
casket
and
a
set
of
jewels,
presented
to
the
Prince
of
Wales
during
his
visit
to
Colombo
on
December
1,
1875.
However,
the
story
didn't
conclude
there.
A
balance
of
Rs.
6,000
remained,
and
it
was
decided
that
this
sum
should
be
used
to
construct
a
lasting
memorial
to
the
Prince's
visit.
In
July
1880,
at
a
meeting
held
in
the
Jaffna
Kachcheri,
it
was
resolved
to
use
the
fund
to
construct
a
clock
tower
on
the
Jaffna
esplanade.
Additional
contributions
from
the
local
community
raised
a
further
Rs.
4,000,
transforming
this
dream
into
a
reality.
The
tower's
design
was
the
work
of
government
architect
J.
G.
Smither,
and
the
clock
itself
was
donated
by
Governor
James
Longden,
with
the
clock
bell
proudly
displaying
the
date
1882.
Throughout
its
existence,
the
Jaffna
Clock
Tower
faced
its
share
of
challenges.
It
endured
severe
damage
during
the
tumultuous
times
of
the
late
1980s.
However,
in
a
heartwarming
display
of
international
cooperation,
the
tower's
fortunes
took
a
positive
turn.
During
a
visit
by
Charles,
the
Prince
of
Wales,
to
Sri
Lanka
in
1998,
the
British
government
generously
offered
assistance
in
restoring
the
tower.
Their
goodwill
was
further
exemplified
by
a
donation
of
Rs.
1
million
towards
the
restoration
work.
The
tower,
standing
as
a
symbol
of
historic
ties,
was
reborn
and
proudly
reopened
by
British
High
Commissioner
Linda
Duffield
on
June
19,
2002.
In
2013,
the
Jaffna
Clock
Tower
underwent
another
phase
of
renovation
as
part
of
the
Jaffna
Town
beautification
project,
ensuring
that
this
remarkable
structure
continues
to
grace
the
city
with
its
presence.
The
Jaffna
Clock
Tower
is
more
than
just
a
timepiece;
it's
a
living
testament
to
history,
generosity,
and
resilience.
It
invites
all
who
visit
to
pause
and
reflect
on
the
enduring
connections
that
bind
people
and
nations
together.
This
iconic
structure
stands
tall,
not
only
marking
the
hours
but
also
marking
the
indomitable
spirit
of
those
who
have
contributed
to
its
legacy.
