Dawson Tower
Dawson Tower, is located on Kadugannawa in the Kadugannawa Pass next to the Colombo - Kandy Road, the first modern highway in the island. Work began on the Colombo - Kandy Road in 1820 under the direction of Captain William Francis Dawson who died during the project. The Dawson Tower was erected in memory of Dawson.
Dawson Tower | |
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Dawson Tower as of January 2013 | |
General information | |
Status | Preserved |
Architectural style | Monument |
Location | Pahala Kadugannawa |
Country | Sri Lanka |
Completed | 1832 |
History
Under the direction of Governor Edward Barnes, Captain William Francis Dawson initiated the construction of the Colombo-Kandy road project in 1820. Unfortunately, he died on 28 March 1829, before the completion of the construction work. It is said that he had been bitten by a venomous snake. Dawson Tower was erected in 1832 as a posthumous memorial to Dawson’s exemplary service to the country.[1]
The tower location was selected as it was few metres away from the Kadugannawa pass which stands witness to Dawson’s technical expertise and engineering skills.
Images
References
- "Kadugannawa the gateway to Kanda Uda Rata". ft.lk. 29 July 2017. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
- Dawson Tower notes