Indian High Sea

The sea east of Lanka opens towards the Bay of Bengal. Along the island's shore lie the lagoon of Batticaloa and the country of Dighavapi, known for its Buddhist shrine and reservoir. In 1638 the Dutch captured the Portuguese fort at Batticaloa, part of a campaign undertaken with the support of King Rajasinghe II. The victors retained the coast, making these waters an approach to their new maritime possessions.