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6°0′59″N 80°14′25″E Edward's Pillar or Galle Tower is a masonry column, which was used as a trigonometrical altitude station, located on the summit of Rumassala Kanda in Unawatuna.[1]
The 15.3 m (50 ft) high column is located upon the hill, 80.4 m (264 ft) above sea level.[2] Originally painted white it also served as a leading navigational mark for vessels entering the western channel into Galle Harbour.[3][4] The pillar was erected in 1875 by W. Burton of the Ceylon Survey Department for trigonometrical work.[1] The station was originally recorded as "Top of Galle Tower or Gibson's Hill near Galle Harbour". Gibson's Hill, now known as Rumassala Kanda,[5] was named after William Carmichael Gibson, the first English Master Attendant of Galle Harbour, who resided on the hill.[1][6]
Some locals, incorrectly, believe that it was erected as a fake lighthouse during World War I or served as a military lookout.[7]
On 6 July 2007, it was formally recognised by the Government as an Archaeological Protected Monument.[8]
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