Beruwala Light House

A Colonial Beacon on the Coast

Barberyn Lighthouse — commonly known as Beruwala Lighthouse — stands on a small rocky island just offshore from Beruwala, one of the oldest Muslim settlements in Sri Lanka. Built in 1890 during the British colonial period, the 34-metre white cylindrical tower was designed to warn ships of the rocky coastline along this stretch of the southwest coast.

The Island

Barberyn Island is a small, uninhabited rocky outcrop covered in scrubby vegetation. The lighthouse and its keeper's quarters are the only structures. The surrounding rocks feature interesting tidal pools containing small fish, crabs, and sea urchins. The island can be reached by a short boat ride from Beruwala fishing harbour — local fishermen will ferry visitors across for a small fee.

Photography

The lighthouse is one of the most photographed structures on Sri Lanka's coast. The best vantage point from the mainland is the rocky headland at Beruwala, particularly at sunset when the lighthouse silhouette is framed against golden skies. From the island itself, views back towards the mainland coast and Beruwala's fishing harbour are excellent.

Visiting

Beruwala is located approximately 55 kilometres south of Colombo on the coastal road. The town is easily reached by bus or train from Colombo (about 1.5 hours). While the lighthouse interior is not open to the general public, visiting the island and walking around the exterior is possible — arrange a boat from the harbour. The nearby Beruwala beach and Kechimalai Mosque (one of the oldest mosques in Sri Lanka) are worth combining into a half-day visit.