Jaffna has been identified as the second Dutch settlement among its colonies located outside the main Dutch fortification in the area.

This was revealed by Archaeology Director General Dr. Senarath Dissanayake who was on recent observation tour to Jaffna. The archaeological value of the Jaffna town is very high and the Jaffna Fort occupies an important position, he said.

"There are 31 archaeological monuments identified from inside the Jaffna Fort. Among these are ruins of key buildings of the Dutch period and Chinese and Roman coins, he added.

"Renovation programmes are continuing under the guidance of the Archaeological Department and the Dutch government. Queens House, the Dutch Church and the Jaffna Fort are the main sites focused under the restoration programme, Dr. Dissanayake said.

50% of the conservation programme has been completed. The Netherlands has spent Rs.64 million and the Sri Lankan government spent Rs.40 million for this work, he said.

The world’s first Dutch settlement is found in South Africa.