Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka
Region: Kilinochchi District
Geographic Coordinates: 9.400400, 80.399900
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Population: 103717
Language: Tamil
Kilinochchi is a town located in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, Approximately 330 kilometers away from Colombo. The town has a rich cultural and traditional heritage dating back to ancient times, With evidence suggesting it was once an important center for trade and commerce. During the civil war that lasted for over three decades, Kilinochchi served as the administrative capital of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). However, In recent years, The town has seen rapid development with new roads, Schools, Hospitals and other public facilities being built across the region.
The Kilinochchi Water Tower stands at 60 meters tall and serves as a symbol of resilience in post-war Sri Lanka. It was constructed by Japanese engineers in 2016 as part of Japan’s development assistance program to help rebuild infrastructure after years of destruction caused by war. Kilinochchi’s economy primarily relies on agriculture with crops such as paddy rice, Onions, Chillies along with fruits like mangoes and bananas being cultivated by local farmers. Additionally, Small-scale industries have emerged including brick-making units which provide employment opportunities to many locals.
Tourism is another emerging industry in Kilinochchi due to its rich history and natural beauty; visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Elephant Pass War Memorial or visit Mankulam Forest Reserve where they can spot various species including elephants, Leopards or deer amongst others. Kilinochchi is a town that has undergone significant changes over the years. From being a war-torn region to becoming a thriving hub of development and progress while preserving its rich cultural heritage combined with its natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for tourists seeking to explore Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.
- Iranamadu Tank
- Kilinochchi War Memorial
- Kanakambikai Amman Temple
- Kandasamy Kovil
- Thiruvaiyaru Sri Sambasiva Temple
- Elephant Pass War Memorial Cemetery
- Mullaithivu Beach
- Mullaitivu District Cultural Centre
- Pooneryn Fort
- Kokkuthoduwai Bird Sanctuary
- Kilinochchi is a rural district in Sri Lanka that has a variety of industries and businesses.
- The main industries include:
- Agriculture
- Livestock farming
- Fishing
- Handicrafts
- Construction
- Retail trade
- Tourism
- Agriculture is one of the major industries in Kilinochchi. Rice cultivation is particularly popular along with other crops such as vegetables, fruits, and spices.
- Livestock farming also plays an important role in the district’s economy with many cattle farms and poultry farms.
- Fishing is done on a small scale in Kilinochchi due to its several reservoirs and tanks.
- Handicraft businesses are also present in the region producing items such as pottery, baskets, and textiles.
- Construction activities have increased since the end of the civil war in Sri Lanka.
- There are several retail shops catering to local residents selling groceries, clothing, and household items, etc.
- Tourism activities have seen an increase with more visitors coming to see historical sites like Elephant Pass War Memorial or visit natural attractions like Iranamadu Tank or Kandavalai Lake Sanctuary Park, although it’s not yet considered a major industry for Kilinochchi.
- Civil War: Kilinochchi was a stronghold of the Tamil Tigers during the civil war (1983-2009). It served as their administrative capital and was heavily fortified.
- Prabhakaran: Velupillai Prabhakaran founded and led the Tamil Tigers, who controlled Kilinochchi for many years. He was killed by Sri Lankan forces in 2009.
- LTTE Museum: The LTTE built a museum in Kilinochchi to showcase their struggle for independence from Sri Lanka.
- Tsunami: In 2004, a devastating tsunami hit Kilinochchi and other parts of Sri Lanka, causing widespread damage and loss of life.
- IDP Camps: During the final stages of the civil war, thousands were displaced from their homes in Kilinochchi and surrounding areas and forced to live in IDP camps.
- Rehabilitation Centers: After the end of the civil war, several centers were established to help former Tamil Tiger fighters reintegrate into society.
- Vanni Raja Maha Viharaya: This Buddhist temple is located near Kilinochchi town center and dates back over 2,000 years.
- Elephant Pass Fort: This historic fortification played an important role in battles throughout Sri Lankan history.
While known for its connection to recent history due to its association with Tamil Tigers during civil war times, it should be noted that this town has been home to rich historical events dating back thousands of years beyond this period as well.
- Kilinochchi War Memorial Monument
- Kilinochchi Cultural Centre
- Mullaitivu Archaeological Museum
- Thirumurugan Temple, Kilinochchi
- Kandavalai Pillaiyar Kovil, Kilinochchi
- Iranamadu Tank and Reservoir
- Thunukkai Hot Springs
- Kanagarayankulam Bird Sanctuary
- Elephant Pass War Memorial Monument
- Chundikulam Bird Sanctuary
- Thai Pongal Festival: This is a harvest festival celebrated by Tamil Hindus in January to thank the sun god for a bountiful harvest.
- Navarathri Festival: This is a nine-day festival celebrated in October by Hindus to honor the goddess Durga.
- Maha Shivaratri Festival: This is a Hindu festival that celebrates Lord Shiva and falls in February or March.
- Vesak Festival: This Buddhist festival celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha and usually takes place in May.
- Independence Day Celebrations: Sri Lanka gained its independence from British rule on February 4th, 1948, and this day is celebrated annually with parades and cultural events.
- Christmas Celebrations: Although Christianity is not widely practiced in Kilinochchi, Christmas celebrations are still observed with decorations, caroling, and exchanging gifts.
- New Year Celebrations: The Sinhala-Tamil New Year falls on April 13th or 14th each year and is celebrated with traditional games, food, music, and rituals across Sri Lanka including Kilinochchi.
- Kool: A traditional Tamil dish made with a variety of vegetables and meat cooked in a spicy broth.
- Pittu: A steamed rice flour cake typically served for breakfast with coconut milk and curry.
- Parotta: A flaky flatbread made with maida flour that is often eaten with curry.
- Vada: Deep-fried lentil fritters that are popular as a snack or breakfast item.
- Biriyani: A flavorful rice dish cooked with spices, meat (usually chicken or mutton), and vegetables.
- Nila Restaurant: Known for its seafood dishes like crab curry and prawn masala.
- Jaffna House Restaurant: Serves authentic Jaffna-style food including crab curry, fish fry, and kothu parotta.
- Amma’s Kitchen: Offers vegetarian options such as dosa, idli, vadais along with non-vegetarian dishes like biriyani and chicken gravy.
- The Banana Leaf Restaurant & Cafe – known for their delicious biryani varieties
- Karai Kadai – serves traditional South Indian food like dosa, idli, vadas etc along with tasty curries
- Kilinochchi Central Park is a beautiful green space located in the heart of Kilinochchi, perfect for relaxation and recreation.
- Kanakapuram Waterfall, located about 15 km from Kilinochchi, is a stunning waterfall that offers great opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and swimming.
- Mullaitivu Beach is a popular beach destination located approximately 40 km from Kilinochchi, offering pristine waters and sandy beaches with plenty of water activities like surfing, swimming, and snorkeling.
- Kandasamy Kovil Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in the heart of Kilinochchi town that attracts visitors with its intricate architecture and rich history.
- Iranaimadu Tank is one of the largest reservoirs in Sri Lanka that provides an ideal spot for boating, fishing or just enjoying scenic views.
- Pooneryn Fort was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century as a strategic military outpost on the coast near Kilinochchi town; it’s now considered a historic fort worth visiting.
- Elephant Pass War Memorial Monument honors soldiers who lost their lives during Sri Lanka’s civil war between 1983-2009; it’s located on A9 highway near Elephant Pass Bridge.
- Vavuniya Park & Children’s Play Area are situated about 30 km from Kilinochchi town towards Vavuniya city center; this park features playgrounds for children along with walking tracks & benches to relax on while enjoying nature around you!
