Jaffna Fort was built by the Portuguese at Jaffna; Sri Lanka in 1618 under Philip De Olivera following the Portuguese invasion of Jaffna. It was captured by the Dutch under Raiclop Van Goins in 1658 who expanded it. In 1795; it was taken over by the British; and remained under the control of a British garrison till 1948. As the only large military fort in the country; due to the presence of only government and military buildings within its ramparts; it was garrisoned by a detachment of the Ceylon Army. Buildings inside the fort include the Governors residence; Queens House; Jaffna; the Garrison Parade Ground; Police quarters and several buildings from the Portuguese era.