4 Pieces Of The Kingdom Of Jaffna.

The Nallur area was once the seat of the kingdom of Jaffna.

Now it’s the cultural heart of Jaffna and home to an astonishing density of kovils (including the Nallur Kandasamy Kovil). With the temple festival kicking into high gear—it ends on September 13 — this might be the best time to also revisit some of the historic sites associated with this ancient kingdom.

Note that we’re telling the stories of these places according to local folklore. There hasn’t been enough research to corroborate the community’s claims about them, but they’re fascinating nonetheless.

1. King Sankili’s Statue

Just a few metres away from the Nallur temple, on the Jaffna–Point Pedro Road, is a gold-plated statue of Jaffna’s last king. The old statue made of plaster of Paris was damaged during the war. The current statue was installed after the war ended in 2009. King Sankili II’s rule ended in 1619, when he was caught and executed by Portuguese invaders. According to local lore, he was not necessarily known to be a popular or benevolent ruler. There are contrasting stories on his claim to the throne and whether he was the previous king’s nephew or his illegitimate son.

Either way, he is said to have come to power by killing the legitimate heirs, and annoying the colonial government in Colombo by beheading 600 of Mannar’s local populace who had converted to Christianity. Sankili II is thus better known for the historical fact of being the last king of Jaffna than for his popularity.

2. Palace Arch

The royal palace that Sankili took over has long since been destroyed except for one solitary remnant – the arch to the Palace Gate. That arch alone is still standing – the sole testament to a bygone age, of palace intrigues and forgotten history.

3. The Queen’s Bathing Tank

According to folklore, the many queens of the Jaffna kingdom and their attendants had a private bathing tank (no longer private) known as the Yamuna Aeri, located behind the palace. Local legend has it there was once a tunnel leading from the palace to the tank so that the ladies, who probably practised purdah could not be spotted by the common people. This tunnel was visible until recent decades, but fears that it could be misused by the LTTE led to it being sealed by the Army.

4. Manthiri Manai / Minister’s Mansion

Known in Tamil as the manthiri manai or minister’s mansion, this building is in better shape compared to the palace structure. A picturesque and old-worldly home, now overrun with unseemly graffiti, it seems increasingly out of place in urbanised Nallur.

A visible throwback to a bygone era in Jaffna’s history, it is also full of quiet—albeit filthy—nooks, that make it the venue of choice for young lovers. There are rickety steps leading to a possible upstairs, but they are best left unexplored given the general state of disrepair.


The history of the ancient kingdom of Jaffna is obviously deeper than these four pieces, but if you’re wondering around Nallur it’s a compact way to get a sense of what once was. When you’re done you can visit the dueling ice cream empires nearby.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Arabia’s Oasis of Flavours – Cinnamon Red

Cinnamon Red Colombo’s top tier fine dining Flavored restaurant has introduced an incredible range of

Highlights Kamu

The weekend Lunch Buffet at Movenpick

Movenpick boasts of its location in the heart of Colombo, its 219 spacious, luxury hotel

Highlights Kamu

High tea with a stunner view at Cinnamon Red

Shamrina Carim An eclectic delicious high tea platter awaits you all 7 days from 3

Kamu

A warm breakfast at Hilton Colombo

Graze Kitchen being called out one of the finest and elite restaurants in Colombo, makes

Highlights Kamu

Cinnamon Red introduces a Vegetarian/Vegan Buffet

Cinnamon Red, one of the most popular hotels in Colombo introduces a fully Vegetarian/Vegan Buffet.

Highlights Kamu

Ramada High Tea buffet – 2023

High Teas are quite the “Fash-un” these days, and we are stepping into a trendy

Kamu

Trending.

5 Spots to experience an Iftar Buffet – 2023

The holy month of Ramadan is approaching in a few days. It’s that festive time

Highlights Trending

Ramada Colombo Celebrates 49 Remarkable Years of Exclusive World-Class Hospitality

The iconic star-class luxury hotel, Ramada Colombo, is owned by the American multinational-World’s largest hotel

Trending

Let Her Shine on 8th March at Ramada Colombo.

Celebrate Women’s Day with entertaining evenings, pampered stays, special giveaways, and great dining offers. Show

Trending

Quickee- not just another Online Store

Whether you are a busy, working parent or an individual who balances many things during

Highlights Trending

Savour a Plant-Based Feast Every Full Moon at Cinnamon Red Colombo

Colombo, Monday 27th February 2023: Many are the benefits of adopting a plant-based diet. Historically

Trending

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Fcode Labs

Sri Lanka’s technology industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, positioning the country as

Highlights Trending

Yamu Guide.

6 Trusted Pet Food Brands you should know

For awhile, Petmart has established itself as the premier pet shop in Sri Lanka. It

Highlights Yamu Guide

6 Pet Essentials from Pet Mart

Coming home to a devoted friend is the best feeling in the world. A pet's

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Places to eat Rice & Curry

By RR Yes, pizzas and burgers are amazing but truly nothing can beat a good

Highlights Yamu Guide

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Quickee this year!

It's easy to get caught up in the everyday hustle and bustle of life, where

Highlights Yamu Guide

7 Places to Hike in 2023

Have you ever thought of arranging a travel bucket list to climb a mountain this

Highlights Yamu Guide

Yamu’s Top Restaurant Picks for 2023

New Year, New Reviews? Say “hell yeah”! We have sorted out a few restaurants that

Highlights Yamu Guide