OLD PARK IS NOW A fancy modern park with playgrounds, fast food outlets, and well-curated jogging paths. But tucked away in a corner you’ll find the forgotten ruins of the Old Kachcheri. Vines and plants now look like integral parts of this beautiful example of Neo-Renaissance architecture, and moss adorns the Roman arches wrapping around the central yard. The crumbling roof now invites the elements to destroy the interior rooms. A kachcheri is a district secretariat that functions as a liaison between the central Sri Lanka government and its activities at district level. Within its own district, a kachcheri also implements government projects, collects revenues, and organizes elections. Expectedly, a bureaucratic branch of the government of this magnitude requires a large facility to accommodate it. Jaffna, being the capital city of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, is also home of the local kachcheri. Prior to delving into the Old Kachcheri buildings, it’s necessary to become familiar with Jaffna’s tumultuous colonial past. Portugal conquered the island in 1619, and the Dutch eventually took over in 1658. The final twist in the colonial saga occurred in 1796, when the British gained control of all the Dutch possessions in Sri Lanka. It was the British Government Agent Percival Ackland Dyke that bought the 27-acre property and commissioned the building of an administrative center. The administrative center became Jaffna Kachcheri, now known as the Old Kachcheri. History was not always kind to the Old Kachcheri, which went from being targeted by rival armies to being abandoned. The presence of a huge building tailor-made for administrative purposes didn’t escape the attention of the country’s armies. Starting in the late 1970s, the Sri Lanka Army was based at Old Park and made full use of the Old Kachcheri buildings. As the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a militant Tamil organization, seized Jaffna in the late 1980s, they also used Old Park and Old Kachcheri as military and police headquarters. When Sri Lanka regained control of Jaffna in 1995, an army camp was briefly stationed at the kachcheri, but after the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War the building was evacuated and abandoned. Disintegration that began through human agency is now carried out by nature. Vegetation is taking over buildings, and the weather is slowly but surely grinding the building to oblivion. Know Before You Go There are rumors that renovation works may begin, but to date nothing has started.Mines still represent a danger in and around the immediate area surrounding Old Kachcheri. De-mining was undertaken, but the property hasn’t been declared mine-free as yet. Caution recommended.

Dutch Kachcheri Building is a historical landmark which is situated along the Kandy Road in Jaffna. What remains of it today are the ruins of a building constructed during the Dutch rule of Sri Lanka. The Kachcheri, which is the principal government department that administrates a district in Sri Lanka, was in operation until 1990 which is when the LTTE terrorists captured it to make it the LTTE Police Head Quarters. The building dates back to the mid-18th century, but due to the effects of the brutal war with the LTTE, the building has lost its original details. The huge wall with arched entrances remain as ruins today and has been named as an archaeological monument by the government of Sri Lanka.

😃 Me and my friend enjoyed our visit here! ✌️ Lots of interesting architecture with nature now growing and spreading throughout the ruins here, cool to just walk around and check it out, a peaceful and fascinating place :)

Old Dutch secretariat office. What a wonderful architectural building. A must see in as part of Jaffna heritage

This abandoned ruin must have been a magnificent building. It was the District Secretariat (Kachcheri), a government administrative building, that was occupied by rival armies during the civil war and abandoned in 1995. I couldn't find an entrance to the property.

Absolutely stunning place. Quiet ,less crowded and beautiful. A masterpiece of dutch architecture in ruins but an absolutely breathtaking view. Has not been visited by many and no facilities or tourists / visitors available. Just by the road side, walk in and enjoy.

Nice location, Old building, good photo location. Should visit

This building is now abandoned. Walls are damaged and about to fall. People visit here to see the architecture of this old building. Nothing displayed about this building here. This artifact should be maintained.

One of the oldest attractive place

Very old castle. Not recommended to go inside since it's old and damaged.

Dutch Kachcheri Building is a historical landmark which is situated along the Kandy Road in Jaffna. What remains of it today are the ruins of a building constructed during the Dutch rule of Sri Lanka. The Kachcheri, which is the principal government department that administrates a district in SL, when the LTTE terrorists captured it to make it the LTTE Police Head Quarters. The huge wall with arched entrances remain as ruins today and has been named as an archaeological monument by the government of Sri Lanka.

Amazing site with fascinating dutch architecture. Not crowded, quiet and peaceful. Just by the Kandy road in Jaffna. Walk in and enjoy.

Beautiful huge monastery. Left to fall apart although some maintanance is probably taken. It’s quite a large site. Interesting to see the ruins that remained. Free to walk in.

There is a board in the entrance which says you need to have GA's permission to enter. I don't see any renovation work going on as well. But yes pictures sneak up from Instagram (snapshots) as well as in travel blogs from foreigners. I don't think this is acceptable to keep it blocked for very long time without doing anything progressive.

You will need an autorisation to go there, but the fence is open. Beware of dogs

good customer service

This is a good place to visit if you are in Jaffna. The built was marvelous and we can wonder around and in the structure remaining.

Abandoned place.. Restricted area.

The Dutch Kachcheri Building, also known as the Dutch Period Museum, is a historical structure located in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The term "Kachcheri" refers to a government office or administrative building in Sri Lanka. The Dutch Kachcheri Building is believed to have been constructed during the Dutch colonial period, which lasted from the 17th to the 18th century. It served as the administrative headquarters for the Dutch East India Company in Jaffna, overseeing the Dutch colonial administration in the region. The building exhibits a combination of Dutch and local architectural influences. It features a distinctive colonial-style design with high ceilings, spacious rooms, and thick walls made of coral and limestone. The exterior of the building showcases Dutch gables and other architectural elements typical of that era. Today, the Dutch Kachcheri Building is a significant historical landmark in Jaffna. It has been converted into the Dutch Period Museum, which houses artifacts, exhibits, and displays that provide insights into the Dutch colonial history of the region. Visitors can explore the museum to learn about the colonial period, view historical artifacts, and appreciate the architectural heritage of the building.

Dutch Kachcheri building. Ancient building. Looking magnificent