In order to improve VOC control over the hinterland of Colombo, on which it depended for its supply of cinnamon, the company built a string of forts along the River Kelani. Ruanelle was one of these forts. It lay in the heart of the jungle and was difficult to reach. The post was abandoned soon after it was built. A literary source identifying this location as a VOC post has not yet been traced. The images of this location featured in this programme currently serve as source.
