[1][2] The Dutch generally built forts along the coastal areas to protect strategic harbours and anchorages from other colonial forces, such as the Portuguese.

They did however construct some forts inland, primarily to defend the coastal lowland areas from attacks by the Kingdom of Kandy.

Katuwana fort was built approximately 40 km (25 mi) from Matara, in the Kandyan foothills at the northern limits of the Dutch East India Company's territory.

In 1761 during the 'Matara Rebellion' the fort was captured by Kirti Sri Rajasinha's Kandyan forces and partly destroyed.

[3] Following the anexure of the Kandy Kingdom by the British in 1815 the fort lost its strategic value and was abandoned.