Queen's Tower (Neduntheevu)

The Queen's Tower, also known as the Ariyamannai Lighthouse or simply the Neduntheevu Lighthouse, is a defunct lighthouse located on the island of Neduntheevu (Delft Island) in Sri Lanka. Neduntheevu is part of the Jaffna District in the Northern Province.

Constructed during the British colonial period, the tower is believed to have been named in honor of Queen Victoria. Its primary purpose was to guide ships navigating the Palk Strait, a shallow body of water between Sri Lanka and India. The Palk Strait presents navigational challenges due to its shallow depths and numerous reefs and shoals.

The Queen's Tower is a cylindrical brick structure. It is no longer operational as a lighthouse, having been replaced by a modern automated lighthouse on the same island. The older tower stands as a historical landmark, attracting tourists interested in colonial-era architecture and maritime history. It provides panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea. Over time, the structure has suffered from neglect and exposure to the elements.

The exact date of construction and decommissioning of the Queen's Tower is subject to some ambiguity in historical records. Local accounts and anecdotal evidence are often relied upon to supplement official documentation. Conservation efforts have been proposed to preserve the tower as a significant piece of Neduntheevu's heritage.