දෙමල හැඩ ගත් පැරණි සිංහල ගම්-නම්  - මුල් පිට
Traditional Sinhala place names in Sri Lanka and their Tamilized forms.


Sri Lanka satellite photo

A quick read TABLE OF SINHALA PLACE NAMES
AND TAMIL FORMS. කෙටි ලැඉස්තුව
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email: chandre.dharma@yahoo.ca     contact name: Prof.. Chandre Dharma-wardana.

What this is all about

Sri Lanka was called Lanka, ලංකා Tambapanni, Sinhalé etc., in ancient times. The Tamil name Cinkalam சிங்களம் is used in early Tamil literary works. The name Lanka, used in the Epic chronicles, was adopted in to Prakrit with the addition of a leading vowel which could be "a, e, (h)e, or i". Thus the form Lanka → Helanka හෙලංකා appears in Sinhala Prakrit (language of the common people) as the abbreviated form Hela, හෙල. Sinhala Prakrit itself became known as "Elu", or "Hela-basa" හෙලබස. Similarly, the name Lanka → Ilankai was adapted during the Cankam period into Dravidian languages, giving its Tamil form Ilankai, இலங்கை. This is further clarified by noting that eighteen countries are mentioned in early Tamil literature, clearly distinguishing "cinkalam" from "Tamlaak(h)am", viz., cimkaḷam, conaakam, cā vakam, cīṉam, tuḷuvam, kutakam, konkanam, kanna-tam, kollam, telin(g)kam, kalin(g)kam, vaṅkam, kaṅ- kam, makatam, kaṭāram, kavuṭam, koklam, tamilakam;   சிங்களம், சோனகம், சாவகம், சீனம், துளுவம், குடகம், கொங் ;கணம், கன்னடம், கொல்லம், தெலிங்கம், கலிங்கம், ;வ ங்கம், கங்கம், மகதம், கடாரம், கவுடம், கோசலம், தமிழகம்.   A detailed discussion of if "Tamilakam was a cohesive unit or not" may be found at Attempts to identify early DRavidian-Tamil kingdoms. Hawaii University, Asian Perspectives, Volume 42, Number 2, Fall 2003, pp. 207-223
Attempts The early Pali writings of Sri Lanka also mention similar names for kingdoms located in the subcontinent. The name Taprobana is attributed to Megasthenes in the 4th century BCE. Ptolemy's map used the name Taprobane, establishing that in the 1st-2nd century CE the country was known to the West as Taprobane. However, the name Salaka was also used in Greek, at the time. `Taprobane' is believed to be derived from `Tambapanni', a name allegedly given to the island by Founder-Prince, Vijaya, because of the golden brown sands of the coast near Mannar (Manthota) where he landed. The Romans used names like Salendiv (Cerendiv) closely related to the Greek name Salaka. Arab traders (circa 7th century) used the name Serendib. Subsequent names, e.g., 'Ceilao', "Ceilan", `Ceylam', Ceylan', Zeilon, and Ceylon are adapted from "Serendib". Fra Mauro's 1459 map uses the name `Ceylam'. The Frenchman Sier Sanson's 1652 map uses 'Ceylan'. The Dutch map of 1681 uses the name Ceylon and Conde Uda to refer to the kingdom of Kandy (Conde). The name "Sinhalé" was used when Kandasamy was crowned "Sri Wikrama Rajasinghe". The 1815 treaty between the English and the `Adigars' of the Kandyian kingdom use the name Sinhalé therein. `Andra- Tamil' (andara demala, Telegu) was a language of Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe's court, and as many as 1/3 of the Adigars (Chiefs) signed in Andra-Tamil. Rajasinha himself is presented as a cruel `Malabar Ruler' in the treaty. In modern parlance, the English were brought in by the Kandyans to establish "human Rights"!

Delegated rule and Colonial rule.
King Panduwas Dev (Pandukabhaya, 4 century BCE) had divided the country into three provinces, viz., Phiti rata or Raja rata, north of the Mahaweli Ganga and Daduru Oya, Rohana or Ruhuna being south of the Mahaweli and extending up to Kalu ganga, while Maya rata extended from the Kalu Ganga to Deduru oya. These kingdoms were governed by Yuvarajas (Viceroys) to whome power was delegated by the King. Th concept of "devolution" did not exist as there was no written constitution, as is the case even today in Britain. The vicedroys were subject to the King of the whole Island who also was gradually recognized as the protector of Buddhism, and guardian of the tooth relic of the Buddha. However, when ever the King of Lanka was weak, the three "kingdoms" functioned as quasi-independent units fighting each other for hegemony, often allying with Indian regional princes in the Chola, Pandyan or Northern India. The Hill country, or Malaya rata, and large parts of the wet zone effectively remained inaccessible to the ancients until steel implements became more common circa 10-12 century.
The Portuguese had captured most of the Western maritime provinces as well as areas near Gokanna, i.e., Trincomalee (named Triquillemele in De Queyroz) and Madakalapuwa, i.e., Batticaloa (Battacilow in William Broedelet's 1692 map). The Portuguese Captain Major Philippe de Oliveira had captured the Northern peninsula (Jaffnapatuna) and its ruler Sankili-II ( Cankili Kumaran) in 1619 CE. In this the Portuguese were supported by low-caste tamils who had been converted to Christianity already during the co-habitation of Sankili-I with the Portuguese. However, Mudliyar Attapattu who had been dispatched by the King of Kandy (Senerat) with an army of 10,000 defeated the the Portuguese soon after, as documented then by Joao Ribeiro and more recently by Tikiri Abeysinghe, (Jaffna under the Portuguese ISBN 955-1131-70-1). The Jaffna Peninsula was finally recaptured in 1621 from Sinhalese rule by the Portuguese General Constantino de Sa de Noronha.
Although Denmark had signed a treaty with the King of Kandy for building a fort in Batticaloa, the Dutch overcame them. The Dutch replaced the Portuguese as the Colonial power, due to events in Europe and as a consequence of treaties made by the Sinhalese king who hoped to use the Dutch to displace the Portuguese. The Dutch did not honour the treaties, tricked the king and in their hay day ruled most of the maritime provinces of Sri Lanka. With the rise of British power in the 18 to 19th century, the Dutch were replaced by the British as the colonial masters of the Dutch possessions, and finally the whole of Ceylon in 1815. The fall of the King of Kandy was due to intrigues among the ministers against a king who had become a harsh and suspicious ruler, as well as due to the actions of British envoys like O'Doyle who fanned the intrigues. The British signed a treaty with the Kandyan Adigars (minsters) handing over Sinhalé to the British in return for their guaranteeing various rights including the primacy of Buddhism. It soon became evident that the "Kandyan convention" was a sham which was not being respected by the British. The 1818 rebellion as well as other uprisings were brutally suppressed by the new British rulers using genocidal measures. The Kandyans were dispossessed of their land which was rapidly converted to coffee plantations, and subsequently to tea. Although the rulers did not introduce opium to control the subjects as they did in Burma and China, the British opened up taverns and introduced a culture of alcoholism in to a largely teetotal Buddhist and Hindu society. The British established five provinces in 1833, instead of the three kingdoms (Pihiti, Ruhuna and Maya) and a second-rung feudal hierarchy based on the Rata. The second rung of Aristocrats ("rate-maththayas") were supported against the upper rung (Adigars) by the British who wanted to split the Sinhalese ruling class. The ancient subdivisions known as Korales were largely retained. Later, these five provinces were extended to nine provinces.

Ethnicity and the North
In 1700 CE the population in te Jaffna Peninsula has been estimated to be about 30% Sinhalese, 40% Muslim and 30% Tamil by the English writer Percival who lived in Jaffan at the begining of te 19th century. Captain Percival's account gives a detailed picture of the population in 1800 CE, with a majority of Muslims. The demographic character of the Jaffna peninsula (JP, ancient Nagadeepa, Weligama of the `Sigiri Griffiti') changed dramatically since the 18th century, as recounted by Philip Baldeaus when some 10,000 slaves were initially brought in from Kerala, Malabar and Nagapattinam to set up the Tobacco plantations. The major land owners mentioned in the Dutch deeds (Tomes, or "thombu", nos: 3553-4404) in the mid 18th century are Vanigaratne Manamperi Mudliar, Seneviratne Kahanduwa Mudliar, Amarakone Mudliar, Ratnasinghe, Seeman Fernado and others. Their lands were taken over and ultimately fell into the hands of successful Malabar tobacco farmers some of whom had found favour with the colonial powers, as may be concluded from the Dutch Land deeds. The slaves (who were brought chained and with an iron ring - villa or Valayam- around their necks) had been freed of the ring (villa) and accepted as "free". An unsubstantiated claim asserts that they were known as "Villabhayas", "Villahala", and "Vellahalar". However, as they were already engaged in agriculture, it was easy to assimilate themselves to the Vellalar (வேளாளர்) caste, contributing to making this a majority caste, unlike what it is in Tamil Nadu where the vellalas are a minority. Many aspects of the rise of the landed Vellalar gentry of today can be gleaned from A genealogy of the residents of Manipey and related inhabitancies (re-edited by P. Tambimuttu, 1991). They became the leaders of the Tamil nationalist and separatist movement based on a land claim for an "Exclusive Tamil homeland" named Eelam in the North and Eastern provinces. Their place was usurped by the LTTE who assassinated the landed upper-caste Tamil political leaders. The historian K. M. de Silva has provided an excellent analysis of the false claims of the Tamil nationalists in The "traditional Homelands" of the Tamils: Separatist Ideology in Sri Lanka : a Historical Appraisal, ICES 1995. These land claims and a demand for maximum devolution continue to be the basis of the confrontaional poltics of Tamil and Sinhala nationalism even after the elimination of the LTTE in 2009.
The work of the British civil servant J. P. Lewis, A manual of the Vanni District, Ceylon states, Ceylon Civil Service also explains how the demographic character of JP changed, and how the Vanni population of Muslims and Sinhalese decreased dramatically in the 19th and early 20th century in favour of a Tamil speaking population. The ethnic cleansing of JP by the LTTE in the 1990s is well documented.

The 1948 declaration of Independence from the British was signed only in English, by the Duke of Gloucester and D. S. Senanayaka. In 1972 the name Ceylon was changed to `Sri Lanka' (English and Sinhala) and Ilankai (இலங்கை) in Tamil. The Tamil form `Thiru Ilankai' is not used.
Text of the 1815 Kandyan Convention, U-tube by Bandara.   Kandyan convention of 1815 by Wimalaratne, 2015

Origins of the Sinhala Language.
The origins of the Sinhala language are probably linked to the Magadhi of the Asokan (northern) Parkrit ( written in early-Brahmi script), and Pali, while Tamil is linked to a southern prakrit (with a very similar Brahmi script). However, the two forms of Brahmi, and their Prakrit forms are themselves close. Even the word "Dameda", or "Damila" (Dravidian) probably signified a geographic location (southern), i.e., south of the Vindyah mountains, as viewed by the northern Sanskrit writers. This was also the usage of Pali writers, and the first mention of tamils (as dameda), be it in India or Sri lanka, is in fact found in the Mahawamsa in its reference to Senaka and Guttika, two horse traders who became powerful enough to rule in the 3rd century BCE for a whole decade. The Sinhala ethnic identity probably did not evolve until the war between Dutu-Gamunu and Elara (circa 1st to 2nd century BCE). The Tamil ethnic identity did not arise until the early sangam period (this view seems to be held by I. Mahadevan). The existence of place-names like Nagarjuna konda (i,e., kanda, කන්ද, hill) in South India, and Sinhala-prakrit artifacts in South India imply that there was considerable cultural exchange across the Palk straits (Seth-Samudra yaaya මූදු යාව see discussion under Palk Strait). Nevertheless, the Palk straits shielded the Island sufficiently to create unique biological species, a unique "Sinhala language" (see James W. Gair and others) as possibly a local Tamil culture. Jayakumar, and also Mahadevan have discussed 2nd BCE Sinhala influences extending into South India itself. Prof. Karthigesu Indrapala's book (The Evolution of an Ethnic Identity , Chennai 2006) discusses the rise of ethnic identity among Tamils and suggests that there were small but significant Tamil settlements in ancient Lanka, especially at a number of maritime port cities or "patunas" (Pattanam).

Brahmi and Sinhala scripts, click below
Brahmi.Script Early Brahmi scripts: 3rd cen BCE to 1st cent CE/
Later Brahmi scripts: 2nd cent BCE to 4th cent CE/
Transitional Brahmi: 5th cent to 7th cent/
Medieval Sinhala Script: 8th cent to 13th cent/
10-13th Cent. Magha Invasions,Oriya,Malayalam.
Modern Sinhala: 12-14th cent and after, influence
of Tamil, Telegu, and Western Languages.
Tamil, Malayalam and an older Sinhala Na (න)are
shown on the bottom right of the figure.
(Figure, Courtesy of Prof. Anand M. Sharan,
Memorial University, NFd, Canada)

Story of Brahmi Script. A presentation from Manipal University, India ;  : Nothern Brahmi ;   Southern Brahmi.
The early scripts with linear strokes were used on stone or pottery. As writing on palm leaves (Ola leaves) became prevalent the script form was modified to curves as palm leaves were easily torn by straight cuts. Sanskrit books ("grantha") were written in such curved letters and the script form became known also as the "grantha script". It was adopted into Dravidian languages as well, when ola-leaf books came into use.

Caste, race and ethnicity
It should be noted that race or ethnicity , as understood today was of little consequence in ancient times, when it was the caste that was most important. The Brahma was believed to have created "castes" and not ethnicities. Thus kings always married other "Kshatriyas", irrespective of ethnicity. The Vijaya legend says that he sent off Kuveni, his first Lankan queen and got himself a Kshathriya queen from Madura. The name "Ku-veni", or "koo-varni" means "dark-coloured". Instead, Vijaya got himself a "fair-skinned" north Indian princes from Madura. This may confuse some since Madura became a part of the Chola kingdom, and that Vijaya called for a Chola princess after rejecting Kuveni. In reality, many south Indian kings sought North Indian brides as they were fair-skinned. The females of the court of Madura were most likely to be from North India. The story of Pandukabhaya suggests that the lineage of the queens of Vijaya and Pandukabhaya were related to the Sakyas clan, i.e., the same clan a s that of Prince Gauthama. Furthermore, the ruling class in Madurai in the 5th century to 1st BCE were more likely North Indian Rajas linked to the Mauryas. The Sakya clan was also close to the Kirat people.

Pre-Buddhist and Buddhist ancient Lanka
The pre-Buddhist people of Lanka may have been even North Indian Kirat-Yakkas, or other unknown groups. Yakka place-names like Alavakkaisirukkulam attest to this. Totemistic tribes who worshiped the image of the serpent, the Nagas have left their history in many place names like Nallur, i.e., "Nak-(p)ur", and in "God Natha", absorbed in to Buddhism and Hinduism as well. The various Dravidian peoples who lived just across the Palk straits, as well as many other peoples who sailed on the silk route must have become residents in the Island, largely in the Manthota area, the Northern sea route, and ports on the maritime regions right round the Island. The name Ra-vana, usually attributed to a specific legendary king who appears as the Villain in the Ramayana, surely is a generic name meaning Raj of the Vana or "king of the forest" equivalent to the Elu form Raa-vanaa", or Ravana. Hence the "Ravana" of the Ramayana is simply a forest king who resided in the Vanni. If he were a Dravidian ethnic, his name would have been Kattukolan, KattuRajan or some such equivalent old-Tamil form rather than a name typical of Asokan prakrit.

Asokan Brahmi (closest to what may be called Sinhala Prakrit) script has been found in the 3rd century BCE stone inscriptions of Sri Lanka. The study of toponyms also shows the cultural closeness of these two language groups (Tamil prakrit and Sinhala prakrit), immensely influenced by Sanskrit (in this document we use the name 'Sanskrit' to include all proto-forms related to the language of the Rig Veda, and not just the systematized form dating after Panini). The North and East of Sri Lanka were populated by people who were largely Sinhala-speaking Buddhists till about the 12th century. The place names in the whole country were mostly Sinhala names. South Indian invasions led to a gradual modification of the original place names which acquired a Tamil garb, as stated by many scholars like Paul E. Peries, Horsburg, J. P. Lewis, S. Paranavitana, Dr. K. Inthirapala, Ven. E. Medhananda and others. K. Velu Pillai in Yalpana Vaibhava Kaumudi devotes a whole chapter to Sinhala place names in Jaffna.

Buddhism flourished in South India during the time of Buddhagosha (author of Visuddhi-magga); and Lanka too had Buddhist Tamils as a small but important minority, with many of them resident in Anuradhapura.   Read also Tamil Buddhists in Ancient Jaffna?

A rich tapestry of place names.
Here we focus on the old Sinhala names of the tamilized Place names in the North and East. The existence of multiple place-names for a given location testifies to the rich cultural tapestry of the nation. This centralized list and maps would make it convenient for writers, artists, scientists, engineers, politicians - anyone- to use the Sinhala names when ever this is appropriate, in an entirely voluntary manner, thus helping to maintain and revive the increasingly forgotten cultural heritage of the country.
Read more details.



The existence of place names in both languages attests to the easy co-existence and close cultural affinity of these two communities which lived in peace. This can be true of the whole country, even today, when ethnically biased programs and racist politics are defeated.


Tamil place-names in Sinhala-speaking parts of Sri Lanka, Geography Professor Kularatnam's article: see
'Further to Professor Kularatnam's article on placenames'


See TOPONYMICS
Visit English Place-Name Society
Visit Links to international Toponymic sites
Go to World Gazetteer and google-earth site for Sri Lanka
Google Maps, Sri lanka high lights
Current Maps, North & East
Link to Proloy's map of Taprobane circa 150 CE
Discussion on Taprobane The Island of Taprobana by Bandu de Silva
Link to Old Dutch maps
Link to political map
Link to SL-Maps and postal codes
Link to
World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka Link to List of mosques in Sri Lanka






THESE HISTORICAL AND ETYMOLOGICAL ANALYSES NEED FURTHER SUPPORT BY MORE RESEARCH

You need Sinhala, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and other fonts (unicode UTF-8) to read some entries.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z



A
Achchankulam (Mannarama [Mannar} district )
ATTANAVAEVA,  ⚓name
Meaning: There is no "achchan" listed in the usual Tamil dictionaries and Lexicons; however, close forms like 'accan' may be listed. 'Achchan' means "brother", (also father etc.) in Malayalam, and may be the source of the sinhala slang word "machang". However, there is no contextually useful meaning in it for a place-name. On the other hand, the sinhala word "Attana" refers to a plant species (Latin Dathura Alba, or Datura metal, Tamil "Umaththai"). Its occurrence in Sinhala place names is well established. The plant and seeds contain the alkaloids Hyoscine, hyoscyamine, norhyoscyanine and atropine. The plant as a whole is a narcotic, and the Tamil name "Ummaththai" is probably derived from the Sanskrit/Pali word which means (causing) "madness", or "ummmada" in Sinhala. It is poisonous. Its use in Ayurveda is well established.
Map
LTTE-ARMY flash point
අත්තනවැව
Achchelu, Achelu(Yapanaya [Jaffna]) ATHURUELIYA   ⚓name
This is a common sinhala place name. "Athuru" mean "nearby" in the present context (also, it may in other contexts mean "supplementary", or "inter-mediating"). "Eliya" implies an "open place", a "cleared place", or a region held as a "common". In other contexts it may mean "a source of light". hist: Ancient Buddhist shrine and Dagoba, referred to by de Queyroz
Map
map
අතුරුඑලිය
Achchuveli, Achuvely (Yapanaya)
ATHURUVAELLA   ⚓name
The etymology of this place-name is similar to that given in preceding discussions. "Vaella" means "shore", or a "sandy place". This name is often found in southern maritime areas in SL. This is a location of ancient Buddhist ruins; de Queyroz, discussing the fall of Jaffna says "It remained under the Portugezen sway for upwards of 40 years, wrested from the Emperor by Philippo d'Olivero when he defeated the Cingalezen forces near Achiavelli (Achuvely) by the great pagoda".
Map   map
typical news
අතුරුවැල්ල
Adaichakal (madakalapuwa[Batticaloa])
HADUGALA   ⚓name
'Adai, Adicha, or related stubs do not occur in the Tamil Lexicons. There is a small Tank here; Map
හඩුගල
Adaikkalamoddai, Adaikkalmottai, Adukkalmoddai (Mannarama [Mannar])
HADUGALMOTTE   ⚓name
'Motte ← Modde ← Made' signifies a muddy, swampy place. The Latin word for 'marsh' is 'madeo', while Skrt. 'manda' means slime. In Tamil, Ala, Alaru Alakkar, Ceru etc., are used for mud.
See MAP
හඩුගල්- මොටේ
Adampan, Adampanai, அடம்பன் (Mannarama [Mannar])
AADAMPANA, AETTAMPANA   ⚓name, RAAMAPAENNA,
Meaning. Tamil "Pan" by itself seems to have no immediate meaning, however, "pampan", and the sinhala "paalama" (පාලම) both means 'bridge'. On the Indian side, a very long bridge connects to a small island known as Pamban. This bridge has a part that can be raised for tall marine vessels to pass through. Pamban-India bridge

The place name Adampan may have been inspired by "Adam's bridge" (Irama cetu, or Rama cetu, Hindu name of the ridge of rocks crossing the Palk's Straits (Gajaba mooduyaava, මූදු යාව see discussion under Palk ...) and connecting Dhanuskodi (India) to Talaimannar (Lanka). However, the name Adampan is found in several places which are far away from "Adam's bridge", e.g., in the North Vanni, and in the Trincomalee district (near Gomarankadavala), and hence it cannot be positively connected with Adam's bridge. Note that the old names "Rama bridge" (irāma;-cētu; இராமசேது in Tamil consistent with the Tolkkappiam rules), or Ramasethu රාමසේතුව , was replaced by "Adam's bridge" in 1804 by the British surveyor James Rennel. He was the first Surveyor General of British India. 'Siripada', (or 'Adams peak'), known also as 'Vishnupada' in the Mahabharata was also renamed "Adam's peak" by Rennel. "Setu" means bridge in Sanskrit and other source languages.

It has sometimes been claimed in some Internet blogs, without much foundation, that the Tamil word "Adampu" has been used for "bin-thambura", a creeper which grows by the sea shore, and found almost every where in the costal regions of SL. The well-known Tamil name for "bin thambura" is "attukkal". The place name "adampana" is not found in any early records, but came in during the British era. All these suggest that the place-name is unlikely to have originated from the construed name "Adampu". We believe that the old name is "aettampana". "Aettanpana', or "Aththampana" where "attana" or "Aththana" (Bot: Datura alaba)is well known. The word "aththana" occurs in plant names like Rukattana (bot: Alstonia scholaris), "Kaulaththana etc., and are well recognized plant species. See also Kok-attana-kulam, Kokattanakulam or Kokkachchankulam

Rama Sethu
Another Discussion on Ramasetu
See reg. kobbekaduwa
Map1   map2
UTHR report  : Map of Army action in 2008 near Mannar
Rebuilding and demining after the war, 2010
ආදම්පන,   ඇටිටංපන
රාම පැන්න  රාමසේතු
Adampan (Giranikke[Killinochchi])
AETTAMPANA
See previous discussion under "adampana" in mannar. Regional map
ඇටිටංපන
Adampantalavu, (Mannarama)
AETTAMPANTALA   ⚓name, AADAMPANTHALAVA, RAAMANTALAVA
Read the discussion under "Adampan". Map
ඇටිටංපන්තල ආදම්පන්තලාව රාමන්තලාව
Adampanmodddai (Giranikke [Killinochchi])
ATHTHANAMADE;   ⚓name
Read the discussion under "Adampan", regarding the plant "aththana", and the etymology of the word "mada", "moddei" and the english "mud" under the entry "Athimottai".
අත්තනමඩ
Addalaichenai, Addalachenai, ApdalacChena (Ampare)
ADDARAHENA   ⚓name, ATTAALAHENA?
Meaning: In Tamil "Addalai" has no immediate contextual meaning; it may have originated from the sinhala "addara" = "near by" , or "attaala" = "scaffolding". The sinhala, word ``attaala'' is related to the Sanskrit and Pali words for "scaffolding". It may mean a raised hut usually made of wooden beams, bamboo etc. But the common tamil usage for the latter is `Paran', and "addalai" may be a form which is not current. However, the word order is incorrect as "attaala" or "addala" is not used as an adjective. Thus "Addarahena", a common place name, is the most judicious choice for the origin of this name, while "attaalahena" is not prevalent and etymologically unlikely.
The remaining part of the name contains 'Chennai'. It is from the Sinhala "hena", i.e., 'slash-burn' cultivation plots. In Tamil 'Chenai' may mean 'army' and does not fit into the context here. Map
UNICEF-tsunami
FYI-war
අද්දරහේන
Adappankulum (Mannaram [Mannar])
AETAAPAENNAVEVA   ⚓name
This literarily means, in Sinhala,"The Tank into which the elephant jumped". "Aetapan" is may also be a type of grass or reed (but not identified). map
ඇතා පැන්නවැව
Addaippallam,Addapalam (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
HADIPAALAMA   ⚓name
This may mean "old bridge", or "strong bridge", "wide location" etc.   Map
හැඩිපාලම
Adiyakulam (mannaram [Mannar])
AADIYAVEVA   ⚓name, Aadiyakulama
"Aadiya" (vaeva) refers to "ancient", or "original" water reservoir.
Map
ආදියවැව
ආදියව
Aiyakerni, Aiyankerni (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
Aiyankernitalawai
AADIKAENNA   ⚓name, AADIYAKURANA
AADI-KANI-TALAVA
"Aiya" in Sinhala and Tamil means "elder brother". The "Ai" sound has descended from the Sanskrit "Aadi", which means "earlier" or "elder". The "ai" form is found in Tamil, with the advent of the chankam literature, and thus both Sinhala and Tamil have Sanskrit as the source language for this word. The word is also used for local village gods, as in "Aiyanayaka deviyo". "Aiyanaar" ஐயனார் in Tamil, a usage found only after the 8th century CE.
The remaining part of the place name contains "Kerni"; it is from "Kaenna", i.e, the sinhala "kaeneema" or "digging". A possible, but less favoured analysis is that "aadi" in "Aadi-Kaeni-talava could also refer to mendicant beggars known as "Anndi".
ආදිකැන්න, ආදිය කුරන
Aiyamperumal, Sinna Aiyamperumal (Giranikke [Killinochchi])
AADIYAMPIRUMA   ⚓name, AADIYEPIRUVALA
Hist.  : Although one has no definite evidence, there is a possibility that this was named after the Chola Perumal, from Chitambaram. He had a tiger inscribed on the flag which is called Puliyan; his place in Tamil Nadu was called Pulyannur. If the place name was after the Chola Perumal, normally inscriptional evidence would exist. Read also, the write up on "Aiyakerni". It could also mean the the "bog" (vala) filled in olden times". The existence of a "sinna" Aiyamperumal, i.e., the smaller bog ("kudaavala") suggests that this probably has little to do with the Chola from Chitambaram.
ආදියපිරුම
ආදියෙපිරුවල
Aiyanatidali,Aiyan-kuda (Sri Gonakanda[Trincomalee])
AADYANTHUDA   ⚓name
Read also, the write up on "Aiyakerni"
Map
ආදිය තුඩාව
Ayittiyamalai, Aithamalai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
ADIHITIKANDA   ⚓name
Read also, the write up on "Aiyakerni". There is an Army encampment here. Map
අදිතිය කන්ද
Akattikkulam (Mannaram [Mannar])
AGASTHIVAEVA   ⚓name
'Agasthi' is an agate-like stone. 'Agasthiya' is also an Indian mythical sage, mentioned in the Rig Veda. map
අගස්තිවැව
Akattimurippu(Mannaram [Mannar])
AGASTIKANDIYA, AGASTHIMURAYA   ⚓name
Etymology The word "Agasthi" was discussed in previous place names. In effect 'Agasthi' is an agate-like stone. 'Agasthiya' is also an Indian mythical sage, mentioned in the Rig Veda.
The remaining part of the placename, "murippu" is common in place names and needs discussion. Thus "murus" in Latin, meaning "wall", "fortification", or 'defensive rampart', is found in many indo-European languages (cf., "mur" in Fr.). However, "murippu" or a related form is not found in Dravidian sources or in south Indian place names.
Hence "murippu" may be from the sinhala "muraya", "muraparva", for "defensive wall". The sinhala and Tamil forms may also have come from a pre-Sanskrit (e.g., Etruscan) language of the Persian Gulf, via the ancient sea routes which touched in Mannarama (Mannar). The Etruscan word for 'wall', mor, mur, mvr was also used for the dam (sinhala 'Kandiya' or Vella', වේල්ල) used in irrigation works. These dam sites were also used as locations for guard houses or watch stations (murapala). [See Mel Copeland on Proto-Indo-European languages].
There is an ancient tank here at Agasthimuraya. Read Kamalika Pieris, on water management in Ancient lanka
The name "Musalipattuva", or "Muhalapattuva" has also " been suggested as an old placename, perhaps applicable to this area. Musala refers to "crocodiles" in Sanskrit, and may have given the name. See also, the entry under "Musali", or Muhala.
Map
අගස්තිමුරේ
Akkaraipattu (Ampare)
AKKARAPATTUWA   ⚓name , EGODAPATTUWA
Meaning: Tamil "Akkarai" may mean 'that side', Opp. ikkkara or 'this side'. The Sinhalese 'ekara'=egoda and 'mekara'=megoda, have similar meanings. 'Egodapattuwa' would be good sinhala usage. The 'Deegavapi' chaitya, usually attributed to Saddhatissa (137-119 BC) is claimed to be this dagaba. There are ancient ruins, a medicine trough and ruins of an ancient hospital. This area is part of the old 'Digamadulla' region. See the entry under DIGHAVAPI (Theekavapi).
The Dutch initiated irrigation projects here (and in Urubokke, Pollonnaruwa). map
UNHCR-tsunami
අක්කරපත්තුව,    එගොඩපත්තුව
Akkarativu(Ampare)
EDODADOOVA   ⚓name
This is close to Thoppigala and has been an LTTE camp.
එගොඩදූව
Akkarayankulam (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
IKIRIYAN VAEVA   ⚓name
This small tank is at the border of Mooladoova and Giranika districts.
ඉකිරියන්වැව
Akkuranai (madakalapuwa [batticaloa])
AKURANA   ⚓name
Similar place names found in the South. No equivalent forms in Tamil. Clashes between LTTE and Karuna group during the civil war.
Map
අකුරන
Aladikattaikatu,Aladikaddaikadu (Mannarama [Mannar])
AERATI-GAETA-KADUVA   ⚓name, AERATKATUKALÉ
Disc. 'Kaddai' has no meaning in T., 'Kaddu'and 'Kadu' taken as Kaatu, i.e., T., காட்ட€; , implies 'forest' as in Sinhala 'Kaele'
කැලේ or 'kaduva' or 'katuva'. 'Gaeta' in S. is the 'bitter' young stage of a fruit, may signify 'Kashta' in Sanskrit. Then T. 'kattaikatu' and S. 'gatakaduva' have similar meanings. Map
ඇරටිගැටකඩුව
Aladikulam(Mannarama [Mannar])
AERATIVAEVA   ⚓name
ඇරටිවැව
Aladiwembu, Aladivembu, Alayadi Vempu, Aliadi vempu (Ampare)
AERATIKOHOMBE;   ⚓name
Discussion: Kohomba in S., Vembu in T., and known in India as the Neem tree (Azadirachta Indica ) is a hardy tree with extensive medicinal
and phyto-chemical significance, currently an object of 'bio-piracy' by interested western pharmaceutical companies.
See neem revolution   Map
ඇරටිකොහොඹෙ

Allagalla(Vannimava[Vavuniya])
(vanni128   ⚓name) No Tamil form available; listed here as an ancient Buddhist site. Remnants of a 120 ft circular stupa on a large stone hill. There is a stone inscription, old bricks and other artifacts strewn all over. Labeled #128 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
අල්ලගල
Alaikallupoddakulam(Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
ALAGALPOHODDAVAEVA   ⚓name
map
අලිගල්පොත් වැව
Alankeni, Alankerney, Alankemi (Giranikke [Killinochchi])
ERANKURANA   ⚓name
  Regional map
එරන්කැන්න,   එරන්කුරන
Alankulam (Giranikke[Killinochchi])
ERANVAEVA   ⚓name
Map
එරන්වැව

Alankulam (Sri Gonakanda [Trincomalee])
ERANVAEVA
(vanni144   ⚓name)
There are two such 'Eranvaeva' sites in the same region. This an ancient Buddhist site included in the list by Archaeo. Dept., Somasiri, 1982. Labeled #142, 145 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
The site named as "near the 5th mile post" in the Archaeological dept list is labeled #144 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
එරන්වැව
Alamapia, Alampil (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
VAELLAMPILA   ⚓name, VAELLAMPIHILLA
Meaning: Tamil "Alama" has no immediate contextual meaning, 'Pil' and 'Pila' are not in the tamil lexicon. The Sinhalese version has a clearer meaning. This location is said to be an important LTTE training encampment. map
Asiatribune
වැල්ලම්පිල
ALavakka(mannarama [Mannar])
ALAVAKA   ⚓name
The name is associated with an intermittent stream. The canal of the 'Giants tank' (Yodaveva) at 'Thekkama'or 'Tekkam' is 'Alavaka'. [see under TEKKAM for Dekgama or thekkama, දෙක්ගම තෙක්කම]
Yodaveva construction is ascribed to king Dhatusena, and Parakramabahu, I. Reg. pre-Buddhist links, See write up below for 'Alavakkaisirukkulam'
ආලවක
Alavakkaisirukkulam (mannarama [Mannar])
ALAVAK-AASEERAVAEVA   ⚓name
Meaning:     'Alavaka-Aaseerva' is 'salutation' to
Alavaka, a 'Yakka' king. 'Alavakka' and `Kasaputta' are place names of the Bulis and
Kalaamas ( of the Kalaama sutta).
Discussion.   Alavaka is a 'Yakkha' mentioned in the Sutta Nipata, Samyutta Nikaya (Alavaka sutta). It is possible that one branch of the "Pre-Aryan" 'Kirat' people of Nepal possibly migrated to Lanka and were known as the Yakkha. (see 'Kirat Vansavali. The Political History of India', H. C. Ray Chawdhary). The Buddhist Lichchavis were probably Kirat people. The Kirat king Jatidasti ruled in parts of Modern Nepal during Buddha's time. Map
ආලවක් ආසිරි වැව
Allai (SriGonakanda [Trincomalee])
SERUVILA-ALLA   ⚓name
Seruvila is the historical name; part of Kavantissa's domain
Meaning: Place where the yam 'Katuala' is found c.f. 'Alla Govi-Janapadaya' in Mooduthara (Muttur), Dehiwatte, Somapura etc. This irrigation area was set up by constructing an anicut across the Veharagala (Verugal) river, a tributary of the Mahavaeli Ganga.
Hist. See G. D. A. Perera's article linked under 'Sampur'.
"Allai veva" should be rendered "serupura". The place previously known as "Ali-oluva" (Ali Oluwa), and part of this area are now known as "Seru-Nuvara". An inscription of King Dappula IV found here refers to 'Kaudulu vehera'. Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara (2 nd Cent. BCE) is a UNESCO Protected site. World-H heritage Page   Calgary Buddhists to build houses for Seruwila IDPs
Many ancient artifacts and ruins are found, and also encroachments where unauthorized kovils have been built.
Abandoned stupa at Allai and Kovil built in an archeological area (pictures from the 1980s)
සේරුවිල- අලපේ
Allaipiddi, Allaippitti (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
ALAPITIYA   ⚓name
Meaning: Tamil Lexicon does not list a "Piddi" Also, பிட்டி,  'pitti' does not provide a useful meaning. The Tamil pitti is usually associated with "bhittika" or "wall" in Sanskrit. Hence its use in Sri Lankan Tamil has been identified as originating from the Sinhala word "pitiya".

The Sinhala word has a clearer contextual validity.
history1
Typical war report
In 2018, aSino-Lanka Archaeological team started its first mission in various sites in the Jaffna area. The Allaippitti site in Kayts was excavated while a test-trench was dug inside the Kayts Fort. Quite a number of Chinese ceramics were found at the Alapitiya site, providing significant evidence of the trade links between Sri Lanka and China. The excavated artefacts are mainly Chinese ceramics, together with a few local and Southeast or South Asian pottery. The Chinese ware can be dated to the second half of the 11th century and early 12th century, in the late Northern Song dynasty in China.
Alapitiya is located in Urathota (Kaytes Island) see Jaffna map1
අලපිටිය
Alaveddi, Alavetti, அளெவட்டி (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
AELAVEDDA   ⚓name
Meaning: Tamil "Veddi" or Vetti have no immediate contextual meaning listed in the standard Tamil Lexicons. The Sinhala "Vadda" in this instance is "approach", path or passage, from "Vadeema", and would agree with the Tamil 'Viti'. 'Ala' in tamil could mean 'muddy', while the sinhala 'aelavaedda' could mean a path defined by (occasional) flow of water. more commonly, 'mud', muddy' in T. is சேறு.
Map
ඇලවැද්ද
Alavedduvan (Giranikke [Killinochchi])
ALAVAEDDUVA   ⚓name
Map
ඇලවැද්දුව
Alavi(Yapanaya [Jaffna])
ALAVIYA   ⚓name
Birth place of G. G. Ponnambalam
1948 elections
ඇලවිය
Alayadimaduchchenai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
ARATUMADUHENA   ⚓name
Map
ඇරටුමඩු හේන
Aliavalai, Aliyavalai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
ALIAVALA   ⚓name
Meaning:   'Alia' in S. is Elephant, 'vala' is pit. Tamil for elephant is "Yanai". 'Ali' has no contextual meaning in T., but 'valai' is 'place'. Map
අලියවල
Alipalai, Aliyapalai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
ALIAPAELA   ⚓name
See remarks under 'Aliavalai'; in S., 'pala' is place.   Regional map
අලිපැල
Aliyansaintakulam (Mannarama [Mannar])
ALISATHUVAEVA   ⚓name, ALIANSANTHAVAEVA
Meaning:   In S., it means 'the tank dedicated to elephants'. No clear meaning may be attributed in Tamil. Map
අලිසතුවැව
Aliyadiwembu, Aliyadivembu, Alayadivempu (Ampare)
AERATIKOHOMBE;   ⚓name
Wembu, vem,bu is the 'Kohomba'(Sinhala), or Neem tree.
ඇරටිකොහොඹෙ
Aliyarvaddai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
ALIYAVAEDDA   ⚓name
The AE rhymes with the A in HAT Meaning:   In S., 'Vaedda' could mean 'forest' or 'entered (arrived)', c.f., Pali "Vattani". 'Alia' in S. is 'elephant, 'Aliyar' is dialect for 'big elephant'.
Map
අලියවැද්ද
Alkaddiveli, Alkaddiveli Kulam (Mannarama [Mannar])
ALAGEDIVE'LLA   ⚓name, here E' is long, as in BEijing
Map
අලගෙඩිවේල්ල
Alaikkalluppoddakulam (Vannimava [Vavuniya])
ALAGALPOTHVAEVA   ⚓name
Map
අලගල්පොත්වැව
Allaippiddi (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
ALAPITIYA   ⚓name
ven. E Medhananda cites this place as an ancient Buddhist site
අලපිටිය
Amarivayal (Puhulmotte [Pulmoddai])
Amariyal Kulam
AEVARIVATTA   ⚓name
Meaning:   'Aevari' is a Sinhala short-form derived from 'Nil Averi', or Indigo, a blue-dye producing plant. Latin (botanical) name is Indigofera suffruticosa, Indigofera tinctoria<, pea family. The place name 'aevarivatta' exists in the southern provinces.
In T., Neela Amari is the name for blue indigo.
Map
ඇවරිවත්ත
Ambantativu, Ambanttativu (Puththalama [Puttalam])

SAMBANDA-DOOVA   ⚓name
Meaning:   'Sambanda'(සම්බන්ධ) means attached or nearby in Sanskrit, Sinhala and and indeed absorbed into Tamil as well. This is the island closest to the Kalpitiya (Galpitiya) jut-out, being less than a kilometer away. Map Part of the post-war tourist development project: Sri Lankan government to lease out 10 more islands in the Kalpitiya area for tourism
Stage II - Kalpitiya Integrated Tourism Resort Project (March 2010)
සම්බන්ඩ දූව
Amirthakaly, Amirthakalai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
RASAKINDALE   ⚓name
Meaning:   In S. and T 'Amurtha' is 'sweet, food of the gods'; Also Sinhala 'Rasakinda' is Tinospora Cordifolia , It is called 'Shindil-kodi' as well as Amirthavalli in Tamil, Heart-leaved moonseed in English, and 'sarakpunka in Sanskrit. Thus 'Rasakindale' stands for a 'forest of Rasakinda'.
The LTTE-Tamil poet Kasi Ananthan (Kaathamuthu Sivananthan) who glorified killing and blood came from this village. Ananthan heralded that "traitors" should not die a natural death, and wrote of "Oru Senkalam Aadi (dancing in the battle-field of Blood). Even after the den of the LTTE leaders in 2009, Anandan lives in South India and moves with the LTTE-Tamil Nadu political fringe.
රසකිඳෙල
Ammivaittan (Vavnimava [Vayniya])
AMBAVATHTHANA   ⚓name
Disc.:   'Amba' in S., 'Amiram' and 'mangai' in Tamil, is 'mango'. "Mangifera Zeylanica" is endemic to Sri Lanka and is a threatened species. See Ceylon Mango
Map
අඹවත්තන
Ampakamam (Giranikke [Killinochchi])
AMBAGAMA   ⚓name
'Amba' is Mango, and 'gama'(S), signify 'village'. In Tamil, 'kamam', கமம், implies 'tillage' or 'cultivation, in Tamil Nadu, but used for village in the N & E Sri Lanka, the usage probably originating in Sinhala.
Map
අඹගම
Ampalavanpokkanai (Mooladoova [MUlaitivu])
UPULVANPOKUNA   ⚓name
In Tamil 'Ampalavaanan' is sometimes a name for Siva. The 2009 LTTE last stand and the No Fire Zone in 2009 (NFZ) included this area.
see Manukfarm or Menik farm and Upulvan in the safe zone   Map
උපුල්වන් පොකුන
Ampan (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
ANGPAANA   ⚓name
Map
අංපාන
Amparai, Ampari
AMPARE, AMPARA, AMBARA   ⚓name
Ampara is also the name of the administrative district.
Meaning. In Tamil "Amparai" may mean " rock", or mica.
Hist. Ambara-gama, part of Kavantissa's domaine. 'Ampara' is most probably derived by tamilization of 'Ambara', b → p. The "ambagaama" mentioned in the chronicles (Cv .lxx.321) is modern Ambagamuva, and not Ambaragama. "Ambalala" and Ambamaala Vihaara., in the Ruhuna, are mentioned in Cv.lxxiv.58, and Cv.xlv.55. 'Ambara' in Pali & Sanskr. means "horizon", and may aptly describe the open-sky of "Ambaranagari". "Ambara" also refers "garments, clothes" as in "Shethambara", "haridambara", etc. Whether "Ambaragama" produced clothes and garments in antiquity is not known. The name may also be from "Amba-ara", i.e., "amba-river", but we have found no records. It is the Gal Oya river which flows by Ampara, as seen in map2 given below.
In spite of the well established inscriptional and literary history of this town, tamil nationalists have claimed this to be a "traditional Tamil village" with the name "Ampal Eri". There is no evidence supporting this claim, and in fact most Tamil writers use the form "Amapari".The sinhala name-boards were correctly restored in 1964 when Mr. Olcott Gunasekera was the Government Agent of the area.
map1  map2
asiatribune  lankatruth
The town itself was populated (during the Eelam war-CFA perid) with a large number of NGOs and INGOs.
See city map with NGOs who agreed to be shown.
A movie named "Gamini" was located in the Amapara area and based on the Eelam war. The film was directed by Sarath Weerasekera, a Member of Parliament who was a Rear Admiral in the Navy during the Eelam wars. This was filmed in Gonagala, a village setting in this area. Gaminiඅම්පාර
Amplanthurai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
AMBANLANTHARA   ⚓name, AMBALANTOTA
Meaning: Tamil "Ampalan", is not in the Tamil Lexicon, 'Thurai' is related to Skrt. 'Theetha'. The Sinhalese version is a typical place name;
'thara' and 'thota' often interchange in such place names.
tamilnet
Map
අම්බලන්තර
Amutankulam (Mooladoova [Mullativu])
AMUDANVAEVA   ⚓name
Map
අමුදන්වැව
Anaicoddai, Anaicottai, Anaikoddai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
AENIKOTTE   ⚓name
Meaning: Tamil, அணை, 'Anai' and Sinhala 'A`niya' may mean 'dam'. 'coddi' may be a tamilization of Kotta=Kotuwa (fort) in sinhala, or 'Kottai' in Tamil.
Map
ඇනිකෝට්ටෙ
Anaipanthy (yapana [Jaffna])
HAANAPANDA   ⚓name
Disc. Unlike in 'Anaicoddai', or anikotte, here 'anai' is related to ploughing, or 'hanava' in Sinhala; see under 'Anaippapan'. terrorism
Map
හානපන්ද
Anaippapan (mannaram [Mannar])
HAANAPAMANA   ⚓name
Disc. The Sinhala meaning is clear. Even in Tamil, "anaippu", ்அணைப்பு , could mean the extent of land that can be ploughed in a day.
Map
හානපමන
Anaisuddapottanai(Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
HAANAKUDAPATANA   ⚓name
See disc. under Anaipanthy and other 'Anai-'.
Map
හානකුඩාපටන
Analaitivu (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
ANNALADOOVA   ⚓name, INNLADOOVA
Meaning: Tamil 'analai' has no clear meaning; 'tivu' in T, 'diva' in S, and 'dweepa' in Skrt. The Sinhalese 'annala', 'innala', or 'ran-ala' are types of yam. Hist: The form Annelletivo, is given in Dutch records.
historical Notes
map
අන්නලදූව
Anaitivu (SiriGonakanda[Trincomalee])
ANIYADOOVA   ⚓name
Disc. This is located on a branch of the "galoya", near Verugala. 'Aniya' here means 'dam' or 'vella' (වේල්ල), unlike in 'Anaippapan'. Map
ඇනියදූව
Anaiviluntan(mannaram[Mannar])
HAANAVILTANNA, ALIVILTANNA   ⚓name
In Malayalam 'Aana' can mean 'Elephant', leading to a Tamil 'aani' in addition to the 'yaanai'. See disc. under previous 'Ani-' names. map
අලිවිල්තැන්න
Analkaddimady(Puhulmotte[Pulmoddai])
HAKKATUMATIYA   ⚓name
This is located between Puhulmotte (Pulmoddai) and Gokanna(Trinco). Disc. 'Anal,anar' in T. could mean neck, jaw etc.
'Kaddimadi' has no clear tamil meaning. 'Hakkatu' are (elephant)jaw bones in Sinhala. Map
හක්කටුමැටිය
Anandamkula, Anandankuli(Mooladuva [Mullaitivu])
JAANAKAPURA   ⚓name, Janakapura
This is near Welioya (Manal aru) which is at the intersection of Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, Vavniya and Anuradhapura districts. Aetha-aetunu-weva ( Ehawetunuweva ) was also a village in this area where the people were massacred in cold blood by the LTTE, 1986. Map
ජානකපුර
AndiyapuliKukulam (Vavnimava[Vavniya])
AANDIKOTIVAEVA   ⚓name
Disc. 'Aaandi' or Andi, [Kannada. and Malayalam. āṇḍi, Tamil: ஆண்டி āṇṭi] are a non-Brahmin Hindu mendicant group, usu. dressed in yellow in India. In the Hindu system, their "low caste" stigma prevented them from becoming "Kururaals" in accredited Hindu Kovils. The place-name could have also arisen from "andun-koti-vaeva" as well, where "andun" refers to a black colour.   Map
අඳුන් කොටිවැව

ˡඩි කොටිවැව
Aanthikulam, Aandikulam, Andikulamm Antikulam (Anuradhapura)
Sinhala: AANDIKULAMA
This is another example of a reference to a village for its saivite mendicants (lower caste) who had settled in the location to provide occult services like fortune telling, invoking divine blessings etc. to predominantly Buddhist local residents. In the Hindu system, their "low caste" stigma prevented them from becoming "Kururaals" in accredited Hindu Kovils. Descendants of such groups have actually become nominally ritualistic "Buddhists". Aanthikulam in Anuradhapura became prominent when it received the patronage of political leaders during the presidency of Gotabhaya Rajapaka (2019-). It is alleged that the Sandlewood Park built near the parliament of Sri Lanka was based on a suggestion by "Gnanakka"; here the name literately means: "the elder sister who has wisdom". She may be considered a contemporary "Aandi" medium practicing today.
අඳුන් කුලම
Andimunnai, Aandimunai (Halaawatha [Chilaw])
AANNDIMUNNA   ⚓name
Disc. 'Aaandi' or Andi, [Kannada. and Malayalam. āṇḍi, Tamil: ஆண்டி āṇṭi] are a Hindu mendicant group, usu. dressed in yellow (in India). Many such mendicants may have come by sea and the area south-east of Galpitiya (Kalpitiya) has several place names involving "Aandi". The word "Munna" is a frontal projection ("muhuna") or abutment of land into the sea or lake.
People smuggling starting from the Halavatha (Chilaw) coastal area
ˡඩි මුන්න
Andankulam(Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
ANDUNVAEVA   ⚓name
Disc. 'Andan' → 'Anthan' in Tamil, and "andha" (Sihala, Sanskrit etc.) can have several meanings, e.g., Yama, blind man, dark/black, etc. This village is located by the sea, south of Mooladoova
Map
අඳුන්වැව
Aninchiyankulam(Giranikke[Killinochchi])
PANNIKKIVAEVA   ⚓name
Disc. 'Aninchi-' has no Tamil meaning
'Pannikka' refer to a caste designation and 'Aninchiya"
may have arisen from it
In the 'Panniki' caste are mahots, see 'Panichankemi'
Map
පනික්කිවැව
Annammakulam (Mannarama [Mannar])
MAHAMAATAVAEVA   ⚓name
map
මහමාතාවැව
Antonimelingikulam (Mannarama [Mannar])
ANDUMILINDUVAEVA   ⚓name, ANTONIMELINGIVA`VA
Disc. Antoni Melingi could be a Slavic/Turkish/Greek name
At present we have little information on this toponym, except for a
suggestion that this is a "Europeanization' of "Andumilindu' vaeva.
map
අඳුමිලිඳුවැව
ඇන්තෝනිමේලින්ගි වැව
Addalachchena, Addalahena(Ampare)
ADDARAHENA   ⚓name
n.b., See previous entry for Addalahena
අද්දරහේන
Appakkuttikinattadi (Manaaveva[Mankulam])
MAHARATHGINIVAADIYA   ⚓name
Disc.- 'Maharathgini' is a fish known as 'Pterois muricata',
and means 'great red fire'; It is brilliant red with black spots.
In Tamil, the name 'tappakkutti' is used for the fish.
The tamil adaptation of Sinhala 'ginivaadi' gives 'kinattadi'
මහරත්ගිනි වාඩිය
Appalamthurai(Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
AMBALAMTHOTA   ⚓name
An LTTE base till recently (2007).
අම්බලන්තොට
Araly, Araly point (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
AERAELLA   ⚓name
Meaning: No clear tamil meaning;
'Arali' in T., may be 'knot, crushed stone, seed, sea, tubercle or twist.
sO if we look for other sources, in S. it may be from aari-yaala, a typical place name, where 'aari', or 'ari', means 'earlier', olde, or even Arya.
map
birdwatching
War Eelam wars, Kobbekaduwa's death etc.
ඇරැල්ල
Arichchal, Periya-Arichchal, Sinna Arichchal (Puttalama)
ARAKGALA   ⚓name, Maha-arakgala, Podi-Arakgala
These are two islands at the tip of the Kalpitiya (Galpatuna) Lagoon. The names Ahungala (close to Galle), Arangala (close to Balapitiya), and Arkgala (Kalpitiya) are related names given to islets or sites on the western shore of Sri lanka. See discussion regarding Kalpitiya
ඇරක්ගල
Arippu, Arippuva (Mannarama [Mannar])
HARAPURA ⚓name, URUWELA  
Meaning: Tamil 'arippu', அரிப்பு, may mean
'Sifting, separating', but has no useful contextual meaning.
Sinhala '...pura'--> 'puva' endings relates to a town.
The Prakrit/sanskrit usage of "haara", and "Haaragitika", for perals. or bead of pearls, suggests that this may have been Haarapura, consistent with the existence of a pearl fisher in this area mentioned even in the Pali chronicles (n.b. the common sinhala word 'muthu' for perals is also linked with the Sanskrit "muktha" for pearl).
The place-name 'Uruwela' has been mentioned in Mahavamsa reg. pearl fishing.
history
Arippu Bridge, shortest land route to Mannaram from Puttalam opened, 2011 October
හාරපුර
හරිප්පුව,   ඌරුවෙල
Arippu (srigonakanda, [Trincomalee]))
HARIPPUWA   ⚓name, HARISPATTUWA
Meaning see notes on 'Arippu' in mannar district.
Note that the AGA division of Seruvila in located in SERUNUVARA,
called Arippu in Tamil.
MAP
fyi
හරිප්පුව
Ariyalai ((Yapanaya [Jaffna])
ARIYALA   ⚓name, Ariyagala, adhiyala
Ancient archaeological site close to Jaffna.
Meaning: Tamil. "yalai" has no immediate meaning,
The Sinhala word. "yala" is typical place name, 'Adhi'=old
'Sihalavaththupakaranya' and 'Rasavahinya' mention an "ariyagala"
which is probably in Nagadeepa. However, Ariyala or Adhiyala
may have been "ariyagala", an old place name.
"Nagadeepa" most probably was the whole of Jaffna and not just the Island Nainativu.
n.b., Ellawala Medhananda favours 'Ariyagala.
Leading terrorist leaders like "Colonel Charles" and Colonel Bhanu were from Ariyalai. Colonel Bhanu played a leading role in the LTTE capture of Elephant Pass in 2000 from the GOSL army.
map
hindunet
අරියාල ආර්යගල

Ariyamadu(Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
ARIYAMADUVA   ⚓name
Labeled #53 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dept. Somasiri, 1982
Map
ආරියමඩුව
Arugam (Bay) (Ampare [Amparai])
ARUNAGAMA   ⚓name, ARRUNAMAGAMTHOTA ARAGAMA
Disc. The name "Arunagama" is found in literary records, circa 1766 AD,
with references to 'Tissanaga Mudiyanse', a Vedda chief. This town may be the eastern-most point in Sri Lanka, and "aruna", or "dawn" occurs first here! In fact, the easternprovince should be called the "aruna palaatha" insted of "naegenahira palaatha". (also ack., comments from Prof. Meegaskumbura).
A village donate to a temple is known as 'aaraamagama'
10th century piller inscriptions near Kondavatavana ruins have used
the shortened "aaragama" to refer to an "aaraamagama" there
Karanda oya falls into the sea at aaragama
Legend. Arugam-bay could be aragamthara → Araganthara
"Aragama", which means "that village",
as pointed out to King Kavantissa.
Also Saigama, where "Sai" -> six -> "Aru" in T.
> Both are unsubstantiated, "Jana Pravada".
The 'gama' in S. is never used as such in T. where it becomes 'kamam'.
Meaning. 'Ara' in S., and 'Aru' in T. refer to a water stream.

Today Arugam bay is an internationally known surfing destination. It was strongly affected by the 2004 Dec. 26th Tsunami.
Return to Arugam bay by Ratnatunga.   Tsuanmis in Sri Lanka
අරුණගම, අරුණගංතාට
Arugampuleliya (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
ARAGAMPULELIYA   ⚓name
The name is insignificantly tamilized
අරුණගම-පුල්එලිය
Arukarkudah(SriGonakanada[Trincomalee])
AARAGALTHUDAWA   ⚓name
A branch of the Galoya flows into the ocean here
Map
ආරගල් තුඩාව
Arukuveli (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
ADDARAVAELLA   ⚓name
Disc. In S., refers to the 'beach nearby'
This is also consistent with a similar meaning for 'Arukku' in T.
Map
see Jaffna map1
අද්දරවැල්ල
Arumugathanputhukulam, Arumukattanputukkulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
KANDAKUMARAVAEVA   ⚓name
Meaning: 'Arumugathan=six faces' is 'Lord Murugan' in Hindu lore
'Kanda" in S. is 'Skanda", and 'Puthukulam' is 'kumaravaeva'
instead of 'newtank'='puthukulam' in T.
fyi කඳකුමාරවැව
කන්ධ කුමාරවැව
Aruviaru, Araviaru (Mannaram)
MALVATHUOYA   ⚓name
Meaning T. 'aruvi'= 'falls', but today there are no
important falls in this waterway. This is the second longest river in SL.
The river is mentioned in the Pali chronicles and
connected the old capital, Anuradhapura to the ancient port, Mantota; Its waters were used to irrigate the flower gardens of Anudhapura, the Maha-Mevna Uyana etc., and the name "Mal-vathu Oya" may have originated from that practice. (see also "R. W. Ievers, 1899. Manual of the North Central Province. Govt. Printer. p. 277) Even Tissa weva should be considerd an urban reservoir fulfilling the urban functions of Anuradhapura in its prime.
its earliest name is "Kadamba" Nadiya.
Robert Knox calls it Malvatu oya (Mannar).
Malwatu Oya Soya (Sinhala) - A Journey to the Heart of Civilization of Lanka by Sinharaja_tammita Delgoda and associates is a video and book Launched in 2019 and chronicles 102 miles of a canoe trip starting from Arippu (Harapura).
history
මල්වතුඔය
Asikulam (Vavnimava, [Vavniya])
AADHIVAEVA   ⚓name
No clear meaning in Tamil
map
SPUR
ආදිවැව

Atambagaskada(Vannimava[Vavniya]) Etambagaskada
ATAMBAGASKADA   ⚓name
"Aetamba" is a type of mango found in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. "Atambagaha-kada" means "forest (kada) of aetamba trees".
This is an ancient Buddhist site. There is a "Kiriviharaya", and a "Samudraramaya" near here. The ruins include a shrine room, remnants of a square building, many stone pillars, and destroyed brickwork. There is part of a stone sculpture and signs of a much larger Buddha statue. The destruction of the Buddha statue and other artifacts (7-8 th century CE) during the Eelam wars and due to treasure hunters is evident. The present-day temple itself
has several archaeological objects, including a Samadhi statue, and inscriptions
of the 7-8th CE. Limestone Buddha at Atambagaskada.
The temple named "Samudraramaya" has recently (2011) been the center of attention of politicos and renovations Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne last week visited the Sri Sudharmarama, Etambagaskada, Vavuniya to open a new bell tower constructed by the Army and participate in religious ceremonies. Here the Prime Minister unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion. Viharadhipathi Ven. Etambagaskada Kalyanatissa Thera and Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thera look on - Daily News 2011
Labeled #97 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
ඇටඹගස්කඩ
Atchuveli ((Yapanaya [Jaffna])
ATHURUVAELLA   ⚓name
'Atchu' or 'Achchu', no clear contextual meaning in Tamil
'AthuruVAELLA' is common sea-side name in Sinhala
see entry under Achchuveli. Buddhist ruins. Phillipus Baldaeus-(a Dutch who in Jaffna for 9 years) records a great pagoda in Atchuveli, where the Portuguese army beat the Last Sinhala army unit in the peninsula.
අතුරුවැල්ල
Athimottai, Attimottai, Attimoddai (Mannarama [Mannar])
HASTHIMOTTE;   ⚓name. AETHUMOTTÉ,
Meaning: Tamil for elephant is "Yanai", or "Gajam" from the Skrt. 'Gaja'.
'Athi' could be vaguely connected with a 'fig tree' in
Tamil or Sinhala ('aththikka' tree) but this is not a
species found here
'Motté' ← Moddé ← Madé signifies a muddy, swampy place.
The latin word for 'marsh' is 'madeo', while Skrt. 'manda' means slime.
Ancient Buddhist ruins, see p.78 E Medhananda(2003)
Map
හස්තිමොටේ
Athiyamalai,Ayittiyamalai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
HASTHIYAKANDA   ⚓name, A`THKANDURA
Meaning: See discussion under Athimottai
Map
හස්තිකන්ද
Attanakkallai (Anuradhapura)
ATHTHANAGALLA, Hattha-Vanagalla, Hasthikchci Hasthikuchchi (see write up under Hasthikuchchi, near Galigamuwa). The Athtnagalla Vihara is famous for its association with the legendary `Bodhisatva king' Siri Sanghabo who reigned from 300-302 CE, is recounted in the 13th century Pali literary work known as the "Hattha Vanagalla Vihara Vamsa". Article on Siri Sangabo and Atthanagalu vamsa The pious king renounced throne when faced with an uprising engineered by his ambitious younger brother Gotahbaya, and became a forest hermit. However, Gothabaya placed a ransom on the out-going king's head. When a wondering peasant came across the hermit, the peasant told the hermit ex-king about the ransom on his head. The legend states that the ex-king offered his own head as a gesture of `daana' (selflessly giving to others), a concept that is an important part of the Buddhist ethic which aims to extinguish selfish greed. However, similar legends of pious kings who become hermits and donate their head are found in several classical traditions of Asia minor and India.
හස්සංගල්ල
Atumagaskodai, Athumagaskotai, Atumagaskoda (Vannimava [Vavniya])
ATUMAGASKADA   ⚓name, ATUMAGASKADA
Meaning: ATUMANG-ASAKADA → AETUMANG-ASKADA → ATUMAGASKODA ``Aetu manga'' in sinhalese is the `path' taken by elephants. The name probabaly means the village near the path of the elephants. Compare Alimankada (elephant pass);
This is a small village about 7 km towards the North of Vannimava (Vavniya). Development in the area after the war, a report in 2012
ඇතුමංගස්කඩ
Ayiniyankankani Alavakkai (Mannarama[Mannar])
ALAVAKA   ⚓name
This is very close to 'Alavakkaisirukkulam' and the whole
area was probably originally known as AALAVAKA
This is of interest in regard to possible pre-Vijayan North Indian
contacts with Sri lanka. See under 'Alavakkasisirikkulam'
Map
ආලවක
Azhiyanilai,Aliyanilai (Gantale [Kantalai])
AADININDAYA   ⚓name
Disc. 'Aziyamarutal' in T. means 'Property given in Perpetuity
In Sinhala., 'Aadinindya' implies an old 'nindagama'
This is close to the north of Somawathie Chaitya Sanctuary. Hotel construction near Somaathie, 2010
ආදිනින්දය
B
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Bakkiella, BAKKIAELLA (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
BAKKIAELLA   ⚓name
Disc. This place name has not changed.
බක්කිඇල්ල
Bandarikulam, Pandarikulam(Vannimava[Vavniya])
BANDARAVAEVA   ⚓name
Dis.- 'Bandara', probably from the Sanskrit. 'Bhaandara'.
Located a few kilometers west of Vannimava, on the Mannar road.
Constant clashes between LTTE and SL army.
See
Youth gangs name after tamil films.
බන්ඩාරවැව
Baron's cap(Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
TOPPIGALA   ⚓name
see
Kudumbimalai
තොප්පි ගල
Batticaloa,  மட்டக்களப்பு (Madakalapuva [Batticaloa])
MADAKALAPUVA,   ⚓name Madakalapuwa, Puliyandoova
Meaning. The english name "Batticaloa" has arisen from the Dutch usage 'Matecalou'. The tamil "Mattakkalappu" has no contextual sense, ("Chuttakuli"could make sense). However, more recently, a superfical and completely unconvincing new "Tamil etymology" has been claimed where it is stated that
"the word Mattakkallpu consists of the Tamil words "Mattu" Matta -derived from "Mattam" means 'flat' and geographical name KaLappu. Mukkuwa named this place as KaLappu-Mattam or boundary of lagoon later it became Matta-Kallappu or Flat Lagoon".
A book published in 1962 and sourced to unknown authors is given as the authority for the above "etymology". A first reference to "Dennis McGilvray" who is an author known to have been paid by Muslim groups to create a Muslim history for Kuragala is given as the other anchoring reference. McGilvary's attempt to fabricate history has unfortunately failed due to the accurate accounts given by British archeologists. See
Essays on Kuragala, BBS by D. Ratnavalli
Furthermore, Dennis McGilvary says nothing to establish the claim that the place name is derived from "KalappuMattam. Instead he gives the place name as having arisen from the meaning "Maddy swamp" consistent with the sinhala. Neither the Madras Tamil Lexicon, nor the Cologne Sankrit-Tamil dictionary lists kallapu as a tamil word. It does not occur in any place name in Tamil Nadu or Inidan coastal regions which were the native regions of the Mukkavas. Perakam and Kodai are the words used in tamil for swamp. Furthermore, Kaayal, poli, ali, vaayakkal are the words used in Tamil for lagoon, and the form "Kalapuva" has no tamil etymological basis that we could confirm. This placename is in fact a classic example of tamilization from the sinhala as already noted by a Tamil author in 1834.
Simon Casiechetty, in The Ceylon Gazetteer , 1834 (rerpinted, Navrang,1989), explains the etymology. In Sinhalese, "Madakalapuva" means "muddy-lagoon", and also gives a history of the Mukkavas of batticaloa.

The city has five parts: Pulliantivu (Puliyandoova), Koddamunai (Kōttamunna), Arasady or Arasay (Bodhiseāya), Kallady (Galadiya) and Putthur(Buthpura or Aluthgama).
The name "Bodhisaeāya" is in keeping with "Arase" in tamil having a meaning which connotes the Bo tree, Ficus religiosa. The airport is in the "Aluthgama' area. The Lady Manning bridge, possibly th longest bridge in Sri Lanka, and connects Arasay and Kallady. Hist. Dutch VOC representative Spilbergen arrived here in 1602. The Dutch captured Batti. from the Portuguese in 1638. The Batticaloa fort was built by the Portuguese in 1628 and was the first to be captured by the Dutch (18 May 1638). It is one of the most picturesque of the small Dutch fort of Sri Lanka, it is situated in an island, still in good condition. Portuguese had a tiny fort at Tanavare near Batticaloa (there is a map of it but there are no remains of the fort). During King Senerath's time, the viceroy of Digamadulla, Medivaka Kumara Banda ruled from Madakalapuva. This was a part of Digamadulla, in the Ruhuna Kingdom of King Kavantissa. Dagoba chatra stone and asana (1st century?) found inside the Dutch fort.

Methodist Central College of Batticaloa, founded in 1814. The Wesleyan mission established schools here (1834) with the intent to convert the Vedda population to Christianity. See K-M. de Silva: "Social policy and Missionary Organization in Ceylon": 1840/1855. A Brief account is given in: Bandu de Silva on Veddas.

Terrorism: First armed attack on the Army, during 1956 riots, in Batti.
Ethnic Clensingby the LTTE: year 1981 census 10,000 Sinhalese; year 2000 census 150 Sinhalese.
see Spur website on Ethnic cleansing in Sri Lanka.

The Muslims of Madakalapuva are descendents of Moor refugees settled there by King Senerath 1n 1626, when they were expelled by the Portuguese from the south-west maritimes (see de Queyroz, vol. 2 , p 745)
Muslim's role in facing the LTTE, Island newspaper, 6-sept-2009

Tamil caste system: Differs significantly from that in Jaffna or in the Tamil Nadu
See caste descriptions under Jaffna entry at 'J'
Those shown below in bold are only found in Batti.:
    Vellalar, Cirpatakkarar, Mukkuvar, Kariyar, Tanakkarar, Kaikkulavar
     Canar Pallar, Vannar, Ampattar,Vanniyar, Kollar, Tattar,
    Taccar, Kataiyar, Vetar etc.
The castes are again divided into seven fold "kutis", and sometimes into 17-fold subcastes-"ciraikkutis". Temples are linked to "kutis' and the pre-brahaminic Hindu practice, with many Murugan temples, common in the Batti region differs from Jaffna.
The Vanniyar caste is found in Tamil Nadu, but not in Jaffna.
The 'Kurukkals' of Vedda shrines are known as "Puccariyar or Teyvanthu kuniavar."
The gods worshiped in Vedda shrines are:
"Chenpaganachi, Chenpagavanniyan, Veda Teyvam, Kappan Teyva Chenai Vairavar", as well as: "Narasinga Vairavar, Sudalai Vairavar, Veerapathiran, Pathia Kali." 'Sudalai'→'Kudala' is an evil spirit haunting burning land (e.g, Chena).
The younger Veddas worship Hindu gods like Pilliyar, Murugan, and Mari Amman.

Karuna's Politics is a natural result of the long-standing differences between
Jaffna and Batticaloa Tamils
On 24 Dec 2005 Joseph Pararajasingham, pro-LTTE TNA parliamentarian who refused to support the Karuna group after their split with the LTTE leader Prabhakaran was shot dead at St. Mary's church by two gunmen at early-morning prayers. He entered parliament in 1990.V. Muralitharan alias Colonel Karuna, as well as Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan have been implicated.
Wiki article on Madakalapuwa
gives completely false etymology with no supporting literary or archeological evidence. Its correct etymology was given by CasieChetty already in the the Ceylon Gazetteer 1834. Map of the east coast
මඩකලපුව
Bedirekka (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
BAEDIRAEKKA   ⚓name
Disc. This is near Mahaoya and the place name has not changed.
See
Map
බැදිරැක්ක
Berawa Munmari(Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
BAKKIELLA,   BERAVA MULVERIYA   ⚓name
Disc. A 'hena' area of the Drummer caste, cultivation by seeding before the rains
see also Mavadimunmari (MAHAVA`DI MULVA`RIYA) further north, near Mahaoya
Map
බෙරවමුල්වේරිය
Brynthuraichenai(Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
BINTHARAHENA   ⚓name
Map
බින්තරහේන
Butthankalai, Buddhanakalai, Putthankalai (Ampara)
BUDDHANGALA, ⚓ Buddhanagala, KARAJIKA-GALA
Disc. see Putthankalai බුද්ධංගල
C
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Chadayantalawa, Chadayantalava (Ampara)
DADAYANTALAVA   ⚓name
"This means "Hunting plane" and the sinhala "The-ද" has become Tamilzed to "Cha". The name "Dadayanthalaava" was correctly used even in 1948
දඩයන්තලාව
Chaddi, Chaaddi, Catti, சாட்டி (Jaapanaya [Jaffna])
VAADIYA   ⚓name
This is a small coastal location on the Urathota (Kayts Island) shore. "Vaadiya" is used to designate a hut or encampment associated with fishing or agricultural activity. By extension, it can apply to a tract of land used in farming, pasturage etc. Thus we have "parana-vaadiya" (Old-encampment), and "Thanamal-vaadiya" (Tract of flowering-grass), "Kurakkan-vaadiya"(chena of Millet) etc, in various parts of the country including the eastern province.
--
The very small old-town area near the Bentota tourist complex, (southern province) was originally known as "Vaadiya" as it started as an oyster-fishery complex (but inhabited by social groups not associated with fishing "castes", as well as sinhala families with Dutch names, e.g., van de Bona). In the early part of the 20th century "Vaadiya" in Bentota had a small "Rest house" and the "main street" itself was known as "Vaadiya". A remarkable Dutch church which existited till 1960, and used as a school, was unfortunately demolished by a government which had no sense of historical monuments. A Buddhist temple on a hillock (Udakotuva Vihaara) is of historical significance, but has no known ancient artifacts. This temple, and the more celebrated "Yaathramulle temple" a few kilometers away, had monks who taught Wilhelm Geiger, Rhys Davis and other western Pali pioneers.
--
It should also be noted that the form "kumburu-kattiya" may be used for a "tract of paddy land", and "kattiya" is probably derived from the Pali (c.f., Kottaasa). It means a tract or division (of land in the present context). Thus "chaddi" could also be related to "kattiya". The root of the word in Dravidian etymology may well be in the Sanskrit from of "Kotthaasha". Interestingly, the usage of the word சாட்டி cāṭṭi; in Tamil is more commonly for "Land lying fallow after a crop" (see Madras Tamil Lexicon, p 1356). The place name "Chaddi" in Urathota shore is mostly likely derived from වාඩිය, i.e., the location of a fishing encampment.
වාඩිය
Chalai Challai (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu]
THALAAVA   ⚓name, TALAWA
This is south of Punnainiravi and north of Chundikulum
Note that the tamil "thillai" is used for a type of mangrove, Excoecaria agallocha but we believe that this is not the basis of this toponomy. The word may also have come from the Sanskrit "Saila", i.e., stone, or from the sinhala "Daella", squid shells. But 'Thalaava' is toponymically our preferred choice for this location. [On the other hand, the place named 'Galle', the capital of the southern province may have arisen from 'Saila→Gala→Galla', ගාල්ල.] See
map of Punnainiravi and Chalai
තලාව
Challi-munai (Gonakanna [Trincomalee])
Sailamunna, GALMUNNA   ⚓name
'Challi' is from the Sanskrit 'Saila', sinhala 'silaa' for stone. The word 'Gal' may have also originated from 'Chall(i)→Gal', while a Sumerian source has also been proposed! The stones may be limestone, coral stone etc. Similarly, there is a Challik-kalappu or "Galkalapuva" (stoney lagoon) in the same area.
ගල්මුන්න
Challik-kalappu (Gonakanna [Trincomalee])
GALKALAPUVA
ගල්කලපුව
Challitivu (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
GALDOOVA, Sailadoova
This was originally a small group of reefs and rocks, now damaged and also enlarged into an islet during the 2004 Tsunami. It represents a very fragile eco-system, and is located in the Madakalapuva lagoon. It should not be opened up for tourism.
ගල් දූව
Chalampan, Chaalampan (Mannaram[Mannar])
SAALAPANA   ⚓name , SAALAVANA
Disc. The Sal tree, Bot., shorea robusta is a timber tree with fragrant flowers
and 'canon-ball' like fruits.
Botany Page
Sal is either the "cannon ball tree", or the related north Indian diperocarpaceae referred to as 'Salva', 'sakhu', 'shal' and also 'kandar' Sanskrit and pali names are also Saala. The names 'saala', and also 'Sal' are used in Elu-Sinhala, modern Sinhala and in north Indian languages. In Tamil Nadu, 'chaalamban' is a soft-wood tree, '. The 'Sal' tree itself is called 'Kungkiliyam' (p 954 of the Madras Tamil lexicon). See also Kunturukkam, p996 of MTL. Thus the use of 'Chala' in the place name clearly supports the derivation of the Lankan-Tamil form 'chaala' from the sinhala 'saala'. The tree has a special place in Buddhist belief and lore, as Prince Siddhartha Gautama, the future Buddha, ia claimed to have been born in Lumbini park, (in modern Napal), under a Sal tree. Similarly, the Parinibbana (passing way) is said to have taken place in a grove of Sal trees in Kusinara (Kushinagar) of the Malla kingdom. The Sal tree when tapped, yields white opaline resin which is burnt as incense in Hindu/Buddhist religious ceremonies. It is also used for caulking boats. The seeds are used for oil extraction. The hardy wood does not take a polish and is used in heavy construction. An oil obtained from the sal fruit is used in lamps. The Sal tree is an object of worship among Buddhists and Hindus. The tree "Vateria indica", Skrt. 'Sarja', is known in Tamil as Kundirikam or 'kungilium', dhup-maram, and may be confused with the "sal' tree. Map සාලපන  
සාලවන
Chalampan (Chinnach-), (Periya-) சாளம்பன் (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
SAALAVANA (kuda) (Maha)
SAALAVANA   ⚓name for this entry
See Disc. under 'Chalampan' in Mannar.
සාලවනය (කුඩා-),
(මහ-)
Chalampaikkulam (Vannimava[Vavniya])
SALGASVAEVA   ⚓name
See discussion under
Chalampan
Map
සල්ගස්වැව
Chalampakerni, Chaalampaikkeani (Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
SAALAKAENNA   ⚓name
See discussion under
Chalampan
There is also a'Saalahena', i.e., 'Chalampaicheannai' in this area.
'SaalaKaenna' is a dug-out region, near a forest of Sal trees.
Sal is either the "cannon ball tree", or the related north Indian
diperocarpaceae referred to as 'Salva', 'sakhu', 'shal' and
also 'kandar'
'Kaenna' is from the sinhala 'kaeneema', to dig.
Map
සාලකැන්න
Chammalai (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
GAMMALE   ⚓name, Gammmalé
The word " malé " has been used since ancient times in Sinhala to indicate hilly or mountainous regions. Thus "Kothmalé" is referred to in the story of Prince Gamunu (later Dutugamunu), 2nd century CE. The word is derived from the Sanskrit use of Mleccha, and Pali Milakkha to mean barbarian or hillman , (e.g., p. 533 of the Pali Text society dictionary). See also Geiger, Pali Grammar p622, Milaaca [by-- form to milakkha, via milaccha → milacca → milaaca".
The above usage in Pali and Sanskrit, for hill tribes ("non-Aryans=barbarians"), suggests that the word "malé", or " malaya " found in modern and old Sinhala for "hilly region" probably came from these source languages. The form "malai" found in Tamil dates to the Changam period, and may have also arisen from Sanskrit sources.
The contention by T. Burrow and M. B. Emeneau, (A Dravidian etymological dictionary, Oxford 1961, p. 314) that malai is an original Tamil word, because it occurs in Sangam poetry, is untenable as the Sanskrit sources are older. Karthigesu Indrapala's claim (p 375, The Evolution of an Ethnic Identity, Chennai 2006) that "some of the early geographic names in the Pali chronicles also seem to indicate the influence of Dravidian languages", is also based on the erroneous Burrow-Emmaneu* etymology of "malaya", and possibly "pattana" (see entry under "Yapapatuna").
---------------
* Burrow, Thomas & Emeneau, Murray B., 1984: A Dravidian Etymological Dictionary. Oxford
----------------
This village is part of the Weli-oya development area
ගම්මලේ
Chammanthurai, Samanthurai, Sammanthurai சம்மாந்துறை (Ampara)
SAMANTHARA   ⚓name
See discussion under: Samanthurai
සමන්තර
Champoor, Sampur சம்பூர் (Gokanna [Trincomalee])
SOMAPURA   ⚓name
See entry under Sampur
සෝ මපුර
Champuththurai, Camputurai (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
JAMBUKOLA   ⚓name
This is on the mainland near the causeway to Karainagar.
Disc.-The name suggests that this may have been the
'Jambukola' of the Mahavamsa. Kankesanthurai is also a candidate
for the Mahavamsa port. See entry under
Kankesanthurai
ජම්ඹුකෝල
Chamalankulam (Vannimava [Vavniya])
SAMALAN-VAEVA, see under samalankulam
හල්මිල්ලවැව
Camulaiyativattai, ChamulaiyadiVaddai, சமுளையடி வட்டை (Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
HALMILLAVATTA
Disc.- 'Halmilla' is sinhala for 'Berrya cordifolia' and
is close to the Tamil name 'Chamandalai' for this valuable timber tree.
හල්මිල්ලවත්ත
Chandilipai(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
See Sandilipai
සන්දිලිපේ
Chandrapuram (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
CHANDRAPURA
චන්ද්ර පුර
Chankanai, Sankanai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
CHANDANA
'Chandana' means Sandalwood in literary S., from Pali.
See Gomarankadawala regarding "Sandun Kumara" cult
See Old Dutch map, Changana
Base Hospital
map
චන්දන
Chankattarvayval(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
SANGATARAVYA
Disc. -'cankattaar' in Tamil refers to 'Buddhist and Jian fraternity
of monks, c.f., Madras tamil Lexicon, p1222
'Sangataravaya' would be the side, or promenade allocated to the monks.
Compare also with the name "Hanguranketha ← Sanga-sathu-ketha"
See Jaffna area Map.
සංගතරවය
Chankaththanai, Chankattanai (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
SANGASTHAANA
This is close to Chankattarvayval and was probably a
part of a larger Buddhist complex. See entry under 'Pachchilaippalli'
(Paththirapahala) which is nearby.
'Thaenna' is a common sinhala ending for 'place', location
In pure tamil the usage is '(s)thaanam', and the form 'thanai'
found only in Sri Lanka is probably a sign of adaptation from Sinhala.
සංගස්තානය
Chavakachcheri, Chaavakachcheari சாவகச்சேரி (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
JAAVAKACHERAYA, Chavakachcheriya, Javakachcheri
Sinhala Meaning. Area where Javanese people lived, "Java town"
According to the Mahavamsa, Chandrabhanu, a Javanese ruler from
Tambralinga invaded SL in the 13th Century CE. His armies landed in
Gokanna(Trinco), and used blow pipes and poisoned arrows, and ruled Jaffna
for three decades. Tambralinga is in the south isthmus of Thailand,
close to Malaysia. Jaffna or Japané was a main Javanese settlement left behind by Charndrabhanu. The largest Buddhist shrine to God Natha was in Chavakakachcheri (Javakachcheri). It was destroyed by the Portuguese. Natha, or "Naaka" was the God of the Naga people who lived in Nagadeepa, the ancient name of the Jaffna peninsula as found in the Pali chronicles.
See entry under Jaffna.
See w and Why the LTTE Evicted Muslims from the Northern Province 25 Years ago in ?Black October 1990?. Dutch Map, Chiavagacherij, Chavakgatzeri, Chawagacheri
see Jaffna map1
Politics.There was a noteworthy Muslim presence in Chavakachcheri. Some 500 Muslims were expelled on 25th October 1990 with just two hours notice by the LTTE. They were a part of the
85,000 muslims expelled from the North. By the year 2000 most of the city had been destroyed by the war.
See muslim expulsion
S. Kadirgamar on the "Final Report of the Citizens' Commission on the Expulsion of Muslims from the Northern Province by the LTTE in 1990
D. B. S. Jeyraj on the eviction of Muslims and Ethnic Clensing by the Tigers on the 25th anniversary of Black October, 1990
The Northern Provincial Council established in 2013 after the elimination of the Tigers, and controlled by Tamil politicians like Wigneswaran have resisted the return of the displaced Muslims.

This is the birth village of Thamilselvan, spokesperson of the LTTE since
the demise of Anton Balasingham. Tamilselvan was killed in Nov. 2007 in an air raid.
TNA Parliamentarian Nadarajaha Raviraj, an ex mayor of Jaffna and leading lawyer was a native of Javakachcheriya and resident of Colombo. Raviraj was elected to the Jaffna Municipal Council in 1997, and elected to Parliament in the 2001 and re-elected in 2004; only candidates sanctioned by the LTTE could contest in these elections. He was gunned down in 2006 as he left for work from his home in Colombo, when his Guard, Sargent Lokuwella was also killed.
. V. Kumaraswamy was the first MP of this seat in the first general election, 1947.
ජාවකච්චේරිය
Chavatkaddu, Chaavatkaddu, Cavarkattu" சாவற்கட்டு (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
JAAVAKADUVA
Disc.- This was another area in the peninsula where
the Javanese people inhabited, and developed a tradition of boat building.
Boat building has existed here even in recent times.
See also entry under place name 'Chavalkaddu'
ජාවකඩුව
Chavangkoddai (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
JAAVANG-KOTTE, Ja-kotte
This is a fortification associated with the Javanese. Charndrabhanu II used this fortification to fight the Magha.
Seee entry under Chavakachcheri
ජාවකෝට්ටෙ
Chavalkaddu (Mannaram[Mannar])
HABALKADUVA
This is a ferry point, and 'habal' in Sinhala is "Oar'
In tamil 'cavalakkaarar' is a ferryman.
Caaval is a male cock and 'caavar-kattu' is a cockfight ( see p1339,
Madras T. lexicon), but there is no tradition of cock-fighting here.
See under Chavalakkadai for other details of the word "chaval" and Saevul.
හබල්කඩුව
Chavalakkadai, Chaavalkkadai(Madakalpuva[Batticaloa])
KUKULKADE, SAEVULKADE (anchor name)
'Chaaval' or Chaval is a rooster in Malayalam and Tamil, 'Kukula' in Sinhala (kukkuta in Pali). The Malayalam word has been admitted to sinhala in the form "saevul", as in the "Saevul sandesha" of Alagiyavanna Mukaveti (Alagiawanna Mohottala, 17th century). The earliest literary use of the word "saevul" in sinhala is probably found in Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula's 15th century work, composed during the time of Parakramabahu VI, named "The Nightingale's Message (or Epistle-Poem)" Salalihini Sandeshaya;   verse 25 line 2, "rane- yataga savulindu dada ga_lapa-ya".   Sri Rahula and others
See also entry under 'Chavalkaddu'
Map
කුකුල්කඩේ
සැවුල් කඩේ

Cheddikulam, Chettikulam, Vettikulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
HETTIAEVA, GEDIWEWA
Labeled #110 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
For label no: 111 click here
For label nos: 112, 113 click here
For label nos: 114,115,116 click here
Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dept. Somasiri
Galara (Kalaru) stream and several private lands are included in this
list. Some 500 acres used for tobacco farming contain ancient ruins,
remnants of a large stupa, old bricks, stone pillars etc.
Refugees from Eelam-iv rescued from Nandikaidal, at first stationed at the Menik farm area (ancient Mahathagama) were resetlled in this region. Unfortunately, the water in this region is very hard, full of fluoride, and the settlers have been affected with fluorosis and chronic kidney disease of unkown aetiology (CKDu).
Meaning Tamil, 'cheddi'=community
In Sinhala and in North Indian languages, 'Hetti' or 'Chetti' referred to a merchant community cited even in the Pali texts
Type of report filed with Canadian Govt reg. army checkpoint
හෙට්ටිවැව
Cheddipalayam, Chettipalayam (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
KADAPEELIYA, KADAPALA
Meaning S. 'town area' ; T. could mean'community place'
Tsunami
කඩපල
Cheddiyakurichchi, Chettiyakurichchi (Giranikke, [killinochchi])
HETTIYAKULISSA
Meaning:   Kuliya, Kulissa or 'pattuwa' in S., and 'Kudiyiruppu' T. are
words which may mean 'quarters', or 'ethnic area'

The word `Kuli' was used in old sinhala for hamlet or village. 288 the verse (9th century), Sigiri Mirror-wall "I am Gunakara (of) Ambagam-kuli (of the) Northern Province"
Clear map of area near Yapana lagoon
හෙට්ටිකුලිස්ස
Cheddukulam, Chettukulam (Mannarama)
KEHETUVAEVA
See military Action-2008 map near Mannar
කෙහෙටුවැව

Chelleivillu (mooladoova[Mulaitivu])
SAALIYAVILA
Labeled #31 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
සාලියවිල
Chemmani, (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
THAM-MAENNA, THAM-MANNA, DHAM-MANNA
This is located past Nallure (ancient Naagapura), close to the entrance to the A9 highway which had been destroyed by the LTTE and rebuilt after 2009.

The word "cem-mani", and its modified form "chem-mani" means in Tamil red bead, or by extension a neckless of red beads. It could also mean "red eyes" or a "reddish cricle around the eye". They do not seem to make much sense here as a place name.

The alternative suggestion is that it is a corruption of the sinhalese place name "Thammaenna", or "Thammanna" "Dam-maenna". This refers to the dark brown (tham තම්, dam= "coppery coloer") colour of the soil.
The place name "Tham-maennaava" often rendered in English as "Thammannava" (North Western province), north of Maho and south of Galgamuwa is a classic example of the name. The historical name "Thamba-panni"( from "Tamraparni") is associated with Vijaya, the legeandary founder of Sri Lanka. The Greek name "Taprobane" for ancient Lanka is derived from "Tambapanni". The word parnivarni, vannamanna together with "damthamleads us to Thammanna, and "Tammaennaawa".

Cemmani hit the news when a Sri Lankan soldier accussed of raping and murdering the family of Krishanthi Kumaraswamy attempted to implicate others and made sensational allegations of a grave of mass murder in 1998. Site of mass grave of 15 bodies, although 200 were climed by Tamil Net in 1998
The New York Times, 29-08-2001 carried a write up where the role of the LTTE is not even mentioned. Seven military personal were indicted finally indicted. Althoung only 15 odies were found when the site was exhumed, tamil politicians continue to claim that this is a mass grave with 300-400 bodies as a part of confrontational activism.
Ironically, ex-JVP activists like Lionel Bopage (who has himself lived in the shadow of accusations of being a dealer of JVP terror squads) have also written about "mass graves" (and posted them on Research Gate) to atatck the Sri Lankan government.
තම්මැන්න
Chempankundu(yapanaya[jaffna])
Dambapakutaya, Thambapaakutaya, KUMBURUKANNIYA
Now included in the Killinochchi administrative region. This is located between Punranna(Poorneryn) and Palaava(Palavi)

For a discussion of the old sinhala words "Thamba, Dmaba", "Thamra" etc., see above, under Chemmani"
'Kanniya' is a small tract of land.
'Kundu' in Tamil could mean the same thing, but 'chempan'
usually means "brown-cow" செம்பன் in Tamil. It is likely to a Tamil adptation from the old sinhala "Tham-pa" or "copper colured" Perhaps 'Kumburu'→chumpuru' etc., ?

see Jaffna area map   Regional map
තඹපාකුටය
කුඹුරුකන්නිය
Chempian aru, Chempiyan pattu (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
THAMBARA PATHTHUVA, SEMBIAN-oya, SEMBIANPATTUWA, Choranaaga oya, choranaga pattuva
Meaning The Cembians are a caste associated with the Vanniyars (Vanna-kula) of Chennai. The forms 'Chempian, chempiyan', may also be a name of a queen, 'Sembian Devi', wife of Gandaraditya Chola (10th Cen.)
However, Tambra in Tambraparni is (according to Rasanayagam) equivalent to "Chembu" in tamil, "Chempian pattu is `Tambarapattu'. Furthermore, the Chola King Karikala is said to have been named `Chembiyan' after his uinvasion of `Tambraparni'.
This name would have been instated in the 15th century or afterward.
The ancient name is believed to be 'choranaga oya'.
තම්බර පත්තුව
සෙම්බියන්ඔය, -පත්තුව
Chenaikudiyiruppu (Ampare)
SENAAKUTIYA
Meaning: In Tamil, it could mean army quarters,
agreeing with the Sinhala 'Senaakutiya'
සේනාකුලිස්ස
Chencholai, Sencholai, Naddalamottankulam (Mooladuva [Mullaitivu])
HENDOLA, Hengolla
See also entry under Vallipunam, the location of the Tiger torture prison and Victor-I base.
This area (in the aluth-kulissa or puthukudiruppe district) is also called Naddalamottankulam (Naaatu-maetta-vaeva) "Hena" is "chena", i.e., slash and burn cultivation area. This location came into the news after air strikes (August 2006) on an LTTE facility, claimed by the LTTE and certain international observers to be an orphanage, while the Govt. claimed it to be a black-tiger training facility. It has clearly been both, i.e., an orphanage where the orphans get trained for war. The songs of the orphanage, "Sencholai Padalkal" reveal much more:

The tomb shall wait for me
Flowers as offerings shall there blossom
A memorial for me who turn into a myriad atoms
The burning embers shall watch over me.
The poet then describes a variety of possible deaths awaiting her -such as shells and bullets. It then runs:
The poison (cyanide) I bore since I became a Tigress Shall also await me.
The hawk and the hound to taste my flesh Shall stalk the field where I do battle.
...All these will I endure for my land
To me a grateful nation shall arise./i
(name of poet) Uthayaletchumi. See section 6.5 of the UTHR(J) report no: 13, UTHR-#13
See also 'Choncholai'
Unicef: Bombed orphans were not Tamil Tigers ?
හේන්දොල
හේන්ගොල්ල
Chengalniravi (Sri Gonakanda [Trincomalee])
HEN-GAL-NIYARA
Disc.- 'Hen', or 'chena' is where 'e' is as in 'Pain'
Ancient Buddhist site; in the list by Archaeo. Dept.(Somasiri), 1982
හේන්ගල්නියර
Chenkaladi Chenkalady .(Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
SINHALAVAADIYA
Meaning Sinhala meaning is evident; in Tamil it could mean
'red foot print'
Army camp during LLTE wars
Note that there is another place known as 'Sinhalavadi' about 15 km
south of Chenkalady, and also a village known as "Chiththandi" (Hik-kanda") close by.
The stretch of road from Bibile to Chenkaladi was developed by two local construction companies, under three phases; 29km from Bibile to Padiyatalawa, 30km from Padiyatalawa to Tampitiya and 27.7km from Tampitiya to Chenkaladi.
It was built at a cost of Rs. 7,200 million and said to have been funded by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), and completed on 28-12-2021.
Map of Chenkaladi=sinhalawadiya
Map of Sinhalavadi
සිංහලවාඩිය
Chenmalai(Mooladuva[Mullaitive])
HENKANDA
'Chena' or 'Hena" is a burn and slash cultivation.
Today it is a sea-tiger LTTE base.
හේන්කන්ද
Cherukkandal(Mannarama[Mannar])
SERUGANDARA, SERUKADOLA
This name may probably be attributed to a type of
mangrove, botanical name Kandelia rheedii.
or Rhizophora mucronata and Rhizophora candel.
The word 'kandal' may also be a tamilization of 'gandara',
that is, the watery edge or swamp, where gan(ga) =river and 'dara' is
related to 'addara', i.e., neighborhood.
සේරුකන්දල
සේරුකඩොල
Chilarattai(Mooladoova[Mullaitivu]),br> THALAARADDA
Disc.- See also, Chilavathurai, Chilaw etc
The name may have come from 'Thalarattha', a red-coloured flat stoney
region or field.
තලාරද්ද
Chilavathurai, Silavaturai (Mannarama [Mannar])
SALAATHARA, HALAAWATHARA, THALAWATHOTA
Meaning: 'Halaawa' or 'thalaawa' may mean flat region; See Chilaw.
'Halawathara' or 'Talaawathora' (c.f, palaathota) is a flat region with
access to the sea or a lagoon or river.
In Tamil, 'Chilaw' may mean 'district.
According to historical recodes, Cholas landed in 'Salawattota' in 1190 A.D.
It may also refer to a grove of Saala trees.
Historical Notes
කිරවතර,   සලාවතර
Chilaw, Chilapam (Puttalam)
HALAWATHA, SALAVATHA
English. Chilaw ↔ Halawatha, probably from Halawthara or 'Salawthota'
According to historical recodes, Cholas landed in 'Salawattota' in 1190 A.D.
Thus the basic name existed in ancient times as well.
'Sala' may refer to "sal trees", or "jaala" Sanskrit, water.
The historic Munneswaram Temple is near Mee Oya (Mayavan aru)
Animal sacrifices are carried out in Hindu Bhadrakali festivals here. The sacrifices of some 400 goats and other animals in August 2010 led to near-universal condemnation, even by some Hindus.

The name "Munneswaram Sivan Kovil" reflects the name of the local deity Muniandi, which may be a corruption of "Mul-Kgnaathi", (මුල් ඤාති). This is also found in the Tamil as முன்னடியான் (munnatiyan) i.e., ancestors. Indeed, ancestor-worship is a standard part of cults of primitive societies in all cultures, and it has been assimilated to the Bhardakali and Saiva traditions which arrived later. A Buddhist temple, a Bo tree, as well as Buddhist practices also existed in the precincts. The Kokila sandesha, written during the time of King Parakrama Bahu VI of Kotte (1412-1467), mentions the temple. The temple was razed to the ground by the Portuguese in 1587 and was rebuilt in the eighteenth century by Kirthi-sri Rajasinghe. The Sinhala-Buddhist-Pattini rituals (e.g., shooting the mango or "Amba-videema") probably going back to the time of Gajaba, and other festivals which lasted well into the 19th century were increasingly replaced by Saivite Hindu festivals with the rise of Saivism (c.f., Arumugam Navalaar movement) in Tamil society. Unlike at Katharagama, this temple is controlled by Tamil kururals. Buddhist temple style Hevisi drums were also phased out and processions of 63 Saive Munis and Natesar were added only in 1947. See Munneswaram Kovil
and the Book by Rohan Bastin,The domain of constant excess: plural worship at the Munnesvaram temples (2002).
Recent Eelam-nationalist writers have claimed that "Munnai in Tamil means 'ancient' and Easwaram or Eachchram the Temple of Siva. It is claimed that is is one of the five ancient (pre-christian) Hindu temples. However, as far as we know, there is no archaeological, inscriptional or historical evidence supporting that claim. In fact. there is reason to believe that a Kaii-Pattni temple came into being here mainly to support the visiting sea-faring fishermen of various ethnicities. The arrival of the Cholas in the 12th century marks the true beginnings of the Hindu (Saiva) temple here. Wikimapia
හලාවත
Chinabay, China Bay (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
CHEENABOKKA
Largest Air Force base, EP
චීනෙබාක්ක

Chinapuvarasankulam, Chinnapoovarasankulam (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
PODI-SOORIYAVAEVA
Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
Labeled #74 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
පොඩිසූරියවැව
Chippittidal(Sri Gonakanda[Trincomalee])
SIPPITHUDUVA
'Sippi' are a type of clams 'Anandara Granosca'. However, the word
'sippi' is used in Sinhala, and 'Chippi' in Tamil, rather indiscriminately
to indicate the shells found on the sea shore or lagoon banks.
Map
සිප්පිතුඩුව
Chiraddikulam Chiraddikkulam (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
HEERATI VAEVA
Heerati Oya/vaeva are mentioned in connection with King Mahasena (275-301 CE). Heerati Oya, Ambanganga and Kalundewa Oya are parts of the Mahaveli (C system) project. "Heeratiya" is also a known place name. Chiraddikulam (Heerativaeva) is in the Maanthé (Manthai) East GS division and closer to Mannarama than to Mooladoova. This area is a part of the ebb and flow of the civil war. Capture of Strategic Base   Map, please enlarge as needed by clicking.
හීරටිවැව
Chirutivu, Sirutivu (Japanaya [Jaffna])
'HIRIDOOVA'
Small island between Mandadoova (Mandaitivu) and Jaffna peninsula.
හිරි දූව
Chiviyateru(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
SEVYACHERIYA, CIVIYACHERIYA
Dis.- A settlement for the caste of servants('sevya', Skrt.) or Palanquin
carriers. However, Tamil lexicons (MTLp1449) identify 'civiyaar' as a fisher caste;
but this is probably not known in the Jaffna peninsula.
see Jaffna map1
සේව්යචේරිය
Chulipuram (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
CHULAPURA
Ancient Buddhist site.
Meaning Sinhala, 'chula' means small; Tamil 'chuli' may
mean 'to mark with a circle'
Victoria Collage, where Appapillai Amirthalingams studied and entered University is located here.
Mili. SL Naval base
චූලපුර
Chundikuli, Chundikkuli, Chundiguli, சுண்டிக்குழி (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KUMBAKULIYA, කුම්බකුලිය
sundakuliya
Meaning: 'Kuli' in T. and Kuliya (e.g., in Kuliyapitiya) in S. refer to a
dip, i.e., a place of lower elevation. It could mean a set of dwellings (kuti).
The word `Kuli' was used in old sinhala for hamlet or village. 288 the verse (9th century), Sigiri Mirror-wall, "I am Gunakara (of) Ambagam-kuli (of the) Northern Province

"Chundu" சுண்டு in Tamil means "flick" jerk; 'chundi' itself has no meaning
in a toponymic context. The Sinhala "kumba", from "jalakumba", a plant
similar to "nidi-kumba", L Mimosa pudica but grows in marshes, in
aquatic environments. It is in Tamil: kotinetti , or 'Kunti', சுண்டி,
Latin.,Neptunia Oleracea has other names. If the original name was in
Tamil, the form 'Kuntikkuli' would have probably remained without distortion.
However, the Sinhala name "Kumbakuliya" was susceptible to easy change
to the form "Chundikuli" without change of the meaning.
A local variant in the pronunciation of the name "Sundekuli" may point
to a Kannada influence, as Neptunia Oleracea is "sunde" ಸು ನ್ ೆದ in K.
See Dutch Map, Sundecouli
hist., dutch Choendikoelle, Walligammo palatha.
Chundikuli Talks, 13th Const. Amendment
n.b. There is also a Chundikkulam, NE of Talawa(Chalai)
Map
කුම්බකුලිය
Chundikkulam, Chundikulam(Mooladuva[Mullaitivu])
KUMBAVA`VA
This is just noth east of Talawa(Chalai)
See disc. under Chundikuli
කුම්බවැව
Chungkankeani, Chunkankenni, சுங்கன்கேணி (Madakalapuva [Batticaloa])
HUNGAKAENNA
Disc.- 'Hunga' in sinhala is a type of catfish, (Silurus fossilis)
known for its sting. Chunkan ← Hunga, and 'Kaenna' is from the
Sinhala 'kaneema' to dig, and means a 'pond' or a dug-out quarry.
හුන්ගන්කැන්න

Chulanaga Lena, Culanaga Lena(Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
CHULANAAGALENA
NO tamil form known. It is an ancient Buddhist site
Labeled #63 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
චූලනාග ලෙන
Chunnakam (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
HUNUGAMA, HUNNAGAMA
Meaning: The ending "kam" is a typical sinhala to Tamil toponym. See the article by Tambimuttu regarding etymology.
Hist: Buddhist ruins, Nampotha, Portuguese and Dutch references.
map
හුනුගම
Chunnavil (Mannarama )
HUNUVILA
This is located on the Mannarama-Punranna (Poonaryn) road. See the article by Tambimuttu regarding etymology.   Regional map
හුනුවිල
Colombuthurai(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
COLOM(B)THARA
see Jaffna map1
Boats going to Colombo (Kolomba, port of the Kelani which was another Naga capital of ancient Lanka), from the Nagpur, modern Nallur (ancient Naga capital of Nothern Lanka) probably took off from this location. According to the the 13th century Sidath sangarava, the name of the capital, `Kolomba' is itself said to mean `ford' or `harbour' while also claiming that the etymological origin (nishpanna) is not clear. However we believe that the name `Kolomba' arose from `Kelanithota → Kolon-the' → Kolomba'. i.e., `Kelani-thota' simply means the `exit-port' or `door of the river Kelani'. With time, the river-mouth silted and has moved somewhat further North, leaving `Colombo' behind. `Kelani' was an ancient Naga capital, prior to the alleged invasion of the Sinhlala clan of Vijaya.
කොලොන්තර
Cotiaar, Koddiar, Koddiar bay(Gonakanna [Trincomalee])
Koti-aara
Koti may refer to "tigers", or to Aponogeton natans, a type of aquatic plant Kekatiya
Koddiyar Bay (Koti-are bokka) is around 12 km south of Trincomalee town. The Mahaveli, which is the longest river in Sri Lanka, flows out into the Indian Ocean at Koddiyar bay, at 5 or 6 different points. Robert Know, the fammous English sailor and author was forced to land here in November 1659 when his ship was damaged by a strom. He was helped by the local sinhalese people to repair the ship. However, when the kings Minister (Disawa) arrived, Knox is said to have been very arrogant and not respectful. This led to his arrest by the king who ruled from Kandy. Robert Knox wrote the book "A Historical relation of Ceylon" during his captivity. See also under Tamarind in Tamarind Tree

The only bridge in the area (2010) is the Kinniya Bridge. Ferries have to be used to cross at other points. Link to Dev Wijewardane's take on Koddiyar Bay
කොටිආර
කොටි-ආරෙ බොක්ක

D
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Danakiriyai(Ampara)
DANAKRIYA
This is south of Punnainiravi and north of Chundikulum
The Kotavehera, Wevagam (Vaevgam) Pattu, Danakiriya, is located here,
and consists of a dagaba on a square platform and a structure with stone pillars.
දනකිරිය
Delft, Neduntheevu (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
NEDUNDUVA
Hist. Baldaeus,1658, Nindundiva, Dutch VOC records Nedointivo
The name 'Delft' was given by the dutch Governor (of the VOC 1678-1681), Rijckloff van Goens. The Sinhalese names 'Diveldoova', and 'maedundoova' have been applied to this island by fishermen. It is conjectured that the word `maedun', from the sinhala "maedha", මැද, which has the same Sanskrit/Pali roots as the English word "middle", indicated that the island (doova) is located more or less at a middle distance from the island of Rameshwaram and the Jaffna peninsula.
The Tamil name may have also come from the same roots, and in fact, the stem நடு Natu in tamil is used in Tamil words like naá¹­uttiá¹­á¹­am to indicate a "middle location".

There is a Baobab tree here, just like in the Maanthota (Mannar) area. The island, 12km by 8km, is accessed by boat from the Kurikattuvan (Kiri-Kaudwa) Jetty. in Uruthota (Kayts), and has some 6000 civilians, mostly fishermen.
During Portuguese times, the name "cow island" was used, and the ruins of a Portuguese fort exists. Herds of wild ponies, first introduced during Portuguese times, are still found in the island.
Mr. D. T. Devendra, during a visit to Maedundoova (Delft) in the 1940s, discovered a mound which on closer examination turned out to be a Dagoba. Other ancient ruins have also been noted. Chola remains of Hindu sites ( a 12-meter long, 3 meters, wide temple) from the 11th century have also been found in 2010. No recent archaeological work has been done.
During the LTTE war, this was a naval base
history of the region U-tube visit to Delft
මැදුන්දූව
නැදුන්දූව

Dollar farm(Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
PAERAKUMPURA
The "Dollar farm" was renamed "Paerakumpura ~1984 (but this is not confirmed.). Part of ancient "Maha-thalitha-gama"
These areas were subject to LTTE attacks on settlers in 1984 and rival colonization efforts by the government and by the LTTE. See Malinga Gunaratne's book For a sovereign State (Sarvodaya Vishvalekha Publication 1988)
These lands contain ancient Buddhist archaeological sites, as cited in the (Somasiri) archaeological Commissioner's report, 1982.
A 1000 acre farm, full of ancient Archaeo. artifacts. A tank, now known as "Navalaamkulam" is in it. Below its bund. There are parts of Buddha statues, Stone SriPada, flower tables etc.
A stone Sri Pada (foot print) of the Buddha, found at Dollar Farm (ancient Mahathalithagama Area)
There are Buddhist artifacts along the bund, up to Mirisvadia. There are at least 20 other locations of archaeological interest inside the farm region. No excavations and investigations have been done.
This, the "Kent farm", and many villages in the area between Marithimepattu and Padaviya are part of the Welioya (manal Aru) Mahaweli development project. See under Manal Aru for maps, details etc.
This area was used in 2009 to house the IDPs who were rescued from Nandikadal (Nadee-Kdola) human shield of the LTTE. In ancient times, the Maha-thalitha-gama area was also used to assemble Tamil civilians during the time of king Sena I, by the victorious invading prince Sri Vallabha of the 9th century CE. Manik farm and Dollar farm area, the Maha-Thalitha-gama of Sri Vallabha, 9th century CE.
Map  
Label 65 in Vanni Buddhist sites map

This area also falls within the ares used for temporarily settling IDPs after the Eelam wars. See under Menik farm, or Manuk farm.
පැරකුමිපුර
Devipuram (Giranikke[Killinochchci])
Devipura
This is a village near Killinochchi, the earstwhile admistrative capital of the LTTE.
Heavy artillery and air strikes on LTTE artillery pieces, positioned on the Vanni east front, including Vallipuram and Devipuram, had caused a massive number of deaths among civilians during the latter part of the Eelam-iV war, as revealed in the book Oru Koorvaalin Nizhalil, the biography of high-ranking LTTE fighter, viz., Subramaniam Sivakamy alias 'Col' Thamilini. The LTTE had deliberately located such weapons among civilians to discourage attacks on them.
දේවිපුර

E
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Eachchantivu(Madakalpuwa[Batticaloa])
ISSANDUVA
map
ඉස්සන්දූව
Echchankulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
ISSANVAEVA, (EKIRIYANVAEVA)
ඉස්සන්වැව
Echchilampattai, Ichchilampattai (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
AEKIRIYANPATTUWA
Meaning. 'Echchilam' has no clear meaning in T.,
'pattai' in T. may mean 'path', 'pattuawa' in S. is a 'place'
n.b. Aekiriyan-kumbura exists in Madakalapuwa district
'Aekiri' may be refer to a type of Melon or gourde. There is a cave inscription by Chora-saakya here.
The name "Dehiwatta" is also used today for this location. See Map
ඇකිරියන්පත්තුව දෙහිවත්ත
Eichchantive, Ichanative(Sri Gonakanda[Trincomalee])
ISSANDOOVA
Disc.-Iccan, ichchan and similar forms have no tamil or malayalam meaning.
see Map
ඉස්සන්දූව
Elalai, Erlalai(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
ERALLA
Disc. The word has no Tamil meaning, while '-Velala-' is the
most common occurrence of -elala- form in the Tamil Lexicon
It is common to add an 'i" to tamilize a sinhala name
War Assisinations
Map
එරැල්ල
Elephant Pass, Anairavu, Anaiyiravu (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
ALIMANKADA
Alimankada sign post and picture - Eelam war-IV.
Alimankada sign post and picture - 2014.
This is the small land link between the ancient Nagadeepa (today's Jaffna Peninsula), and the Vanni. Elephants captured in the Vanni were transported north via this land link and exported to Dambadiva (India) even in pre-christian times. The name Ali-mankada simply means "elephant-corridor". It has always been important militarily. The Dutch built a small fort overlooking the land-link, but this was destroyed by the LTTE during the Eelam wars, with "Colonel Bhanu" of the LTTE boasting about it.
The EP strip was of strategic importance to both the SLA and the LTTE as it linked the Vanni mainland with the Jaffna peninsula. Both the Jaffna-Kandy A9 road and the much debilitated railway line to Jaffna ran through EP, and the narrow strip of land was in a sense the gateway to Jaffna. At the time, the SLA held the Jaffna peninsula, comprising Waligamam (Waeligma), Thennamaratchchy (chena-muraekiya) and Vadamaratchchy (Vaedi-murakiya) area.
The EP military calamity of Dec. 1999 took place during Eelam War III when Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga served as the President (April 1995- Nov 2005). The Sri Lanka Army couldn’t have held the EP camp after the LTTE captured their sole source of drinking water, the wells at Iyakachchi, and immediate withdrawal became inevitable. Both top officers and many of their men suffered from severe dehydration and not so much from enemy fire. How the LTTE Captured Elephant Pass Army Camp 15 Years ago Through an "Encircle and Enfeeble' war Strategy, by DBS Jeyaraj, 27 April 2015 Island article by SDhamindra Ferdinando, 08-11-2023 on EP debacle Debacle at Elephant Pass
අලිමන්කඩ
Eluthumadduval, Illidematual (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
LANDE`MADUWA
Disc. name given as "Ilondi Matual" in Dutch VOC records.
According to Paul E. Pieris (p. 15 of The Kingdom of Jaffnapatam, the Portuguese 'floral" mentions this village “In the time of the native Kings the inhabitants of Pachchilapalai and Illidematual used to go to the Vanni to cultivate camas (from the sinhalese gama) there and would pay to the renters from ten to twenty lachas (from the sinhalese Laaha, a measure of grain, and also the corresponding area covered by sowing the grain) of foodstuffs for each cama, in accordance with its size.

In the book:
'Caste of the Tiger: Dalits among Sri Lankan Tamils' by Ravikumar
(Translated from Tamil by R Azhagarasan) in HIMAL South Asia, August 2002
and reviewed also in the Sri Lanka Island of 26 August 2002.
"In 1981, the UNP leaders, who shout themselves hoarse about democracy,
summoned their military thugs and burnt down the Jaffna library, the biggest
library in Southeast Asia. About the same time, caste fanatics in a small
village, Ezhudumattuval, near Jaffna, threatened Dalit children at a school,
seized their books and notebooks and set them afire."Why did Tamil society
choose to condemn one incident and remain silent on the other?"
- Dominic Jeeva, Dalit author from Jaffna
Regional map
ලන්දෙමඩුව
Eluvaitivu, Ezhuvaitheevu, எழுவைதீவு (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
ELUVADOOVA or eluwaduwa Even today goats exist in Pulundoova(Paruththith-theevu)
which is uninhabited and very close to Eluvaitivu.
'Ealakam' in Tamil could mean 'Goat', while 'Elu' is a mast or tower.
එලුවදූව
Eluwankulam (Puttalama)
ELUWANVAEVA
එලුවන්වැව
Eluwankarai, Eluvankarai(Madakalpuva[Batticaloa])
Eluvanvaella
Disc.- There is a suggestion that this comes from "Eruvan vaella"
එලුවන්වැල්ල
Erataperiyakulam, Iratperiyakulam, Eraperiyakulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
DEMAHAVAEVA, RATAMAHAVAEVA
see entry under Iratperiyakulam
Tamil:, 'erataperiyankulam' could mean 'two-big-tanks'.
දෙමහවැව
Eravur, Eraur (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
SERAPURA
n. b. '(v)ur', '(p)ur' or "poor" is tamilization of "pura", or (p)'oor" is Tamil 'ur'=village.
"Era(a)" is modified from sinhala "(S)era", a waterfowl (Jacana)
This area was also known for people who made a living by catching elephants. Just as in the Vanni, they are known as "Panikkara". The word "Panikkar" comes from "Vannikar", i.e., a person who lives in the "Vanni", or "vannikaaraya" in Sinhala. The word "Vanni" is from "Vanaya", or "forest".

Sri lanka's Rs. 1000 note has a picture of a Tusker Elephant, and of "Panikkar Lebbe" who caught it in 1925 in the Eravur forest and trained it. He gifted it to the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maaligava) and this tasker, named Raja, took part inn the August Procession of the Dalada Maligava (Esala Perahara) for many years. The presend-day Dlada Maligawa in kandy was built by the last King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1760-1832), who was captured by the British on 2nd march 1815 near Teldeniya and died in captivity near Vellore, India. Last King of Kandy
War. Murder of 127 muslims in August 1990 by the LTTE as part of "Ethnic cleansing".
Map
සේරපුර
Erlalai, Elalai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
ERALLA
see Elalai
එරැල්ල
Erukkalampiddy (Mannarama [Mannar])
HIRIGALPITIYA
'Hirigal' is a type of stone formed by sedimentation, found in
this region. 'Hirigalpitiya'→ 'Erukalampiddy' would be a 'quarry'
for such stone commonly used as a building material.
'Erukkulam-' in Tamil could also refer to a dung-manured field.
Alternatively, the 'giant Varaa' (Sinhala) shrub, 'Suryapathra' in Skrt.,
'Giant Milkweed' in English, is also called 'Erukku' in Tamil.

During the "ethnic cleansing" of the so-called "Tiger homeland" by the LTTE in October 1990, some 300 tiger cadres encircled Erukkalampitty on Oct 21st 1990 and robbed the Muslims of cash, jewellery and valuable electronic goods. Around 800-850 houses were targeted, and Muslims were driven out under gunpoint. They had to move south of Vannimava (Vavniya), to the Government controlled areas. On Oct 26th 1990 the LTTE again "invaded" Erukkalampitty and seized all the packed belongings of Muslims, and all Muslims'had to leave empty handed, while those who showed even the slightes resistance were executed. Unfortunately, civil society activists in the South, the UN and "human rights" organizations remained silent as they were "trying to bring the Tigers to the negociation table" and had no wish to criticize them!
හිරිගල්පිටිය
Erumaitivu (Giranikke [Killinochchi])
MAHISADOOVA
This is a small island, next to Kaakadoova (Kakkativu), in the Mannarama-Punranna (Poonaryn) coastal area, just west of Veravila (Veravil). "Erumai" could stand for "Buffalo" in Tamil, and the Pali name "Mahissa-deepa" is found in the Mahavamsa, and one of Vijaya's boats is said to have landed in Mahisadoova (Geiger has translated this as "Mahiladeepa", while Sri Sumangala gives it as "Mahindadeepa". (These last two forms cannot be identified geographically). But if the name is taken to be Mahisadeep, as suggested also by C. Rasanayagam ( Ancient Jaffna, p. 54) then this identification is possible. "Erumai"- could also refer to the Jasmine-like flowering plant Prenna seratifolia , known in Tamil as 'erumai-mullai'. Thus "Erummai-mullai-ttivu" is given as an ancient name for Jaffna in the Madras Tamil Lexicon, p 534. MAP
There is also another Erumaitivu in the Kalpitiya lagoon (Puttalam) See Erumaitivu in Kalpitiya
මහිසදූව

Erupotana(Vannimava[Vavniya])
IRUPATANA
'Eruppotu' in T., means manuring land with buffalo/cow dung etc.
'Irupathana' is S., would mean a sunny field or place.
Note the existence of place names like 'Hirupitiya(siruppiddy)'.
Labeled #85 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
හිරුපටන
Eruvil (Madakalapuva [Batticaloa])
ERAAKAVIlA
This is on the eastern coast, south of Galoya. It is mentioned in the Mahavamsa, together with a town known as Kalnada, named after the Brahamin Kalanda, which we have not been able to identify. This may have been a clear Tamil settlement in Sri lanka prior to the 7th century CE.
එෙරකාවිල
Etalai (Puttalama)
AETTALA, Aeththala
This is on the coastal strip of the Kalpitiya Lagoon.
අැත්තල
Ettam, Eththam (Potuvila [Pottuvi])
A`TTAMA, A`TTAMBA
Ettama in T. could mean 'hoisting' (a flag).
One km. North of Potuvila.
Hist. Pre-christian era Buddhist ruins
Stupa and Vihara, Large stone 'Pada Lanchana' sculpture
Stone inscriptions, Guard stones, sculptured stone slabs, etc.
Destruction. A new Hindu Kovil obliterating the temple built
The deputy Govt. Agent noted the situation in 1983
Archaeo. Dept. file EC/B/E/27 folio 42,43,107,109.
ඇට්ටඹ

F

G

GALKIRIYAGAMA
Galkirikanda, Galkandegama(Vannimava[Vavniya])
No Tamil allonym. listed here since it is an ancient Buddhist site
There is a modern temple here, and some renovation of ancient objects.
There is a cave temple on the stone plateau, and stone steps carved
into the rock. There are ponds on the rock plateau, and several other caves.
Two caves have inscriptions, using Brahmi letters dating to 2nd Century BC.
One of the inscriptions suggest that this was called "Manikaaragalla Vihara"
during King Bathiya's time. This temple is situated on the ancient road
connecting Anuradhapura to Jambukola in the north.
Labeled #124 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
ගල්කිරිකන්ද
Gangai, gengai( Mdakalapuwa)
GANGAAWA, Gangawa, Gengge
Ganga, and ganga are used in proto-Indo-European (PIE) languages but not common in Dravidian languages, unless borrowed from PIE. This name is clearly borrowed from Sinhala into a Tamil form.
Another possibility is that the name is Genge, ගෙංගේ
ගංගාව ගෙංගේ
Giant's Tank ( Mannarama)
YODAVAEVA, Yodhaweva, Manamaththa
Giant's tank is the obvious English rendering of the Yodhavaeva.
යෝදවැව
Gallodai, Galodai-Aru (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
GALODAYA, GALODA-ARA the 'D' is soft
Recognized hiking trail, Galoda-ara begins in Senanayake samudra
and end in Roogam-VAEVA (Rukam tank) in Madakalapuwa
See Map
ගල්ඔඩය,   --ආර

Gomarasankadavai (SirGonakanda [Trincomalee])
GOMARANKADAWALA
Tamilized form is seen only very rarely. KumaranKadavai is another
Tamil allonym claimed for this place name.
See Map
War:   LTTE attacks on farmers etc., see Welikanda massacre images
Legend:   Shrine to Sandun kumaraya; Rattnavalli (Pattini?) and Katharagama cults
See also 'chandana' (Chankanai), or 'Sandun gama' in Jaffna, entry under "Vattapalli"
See 'Ruhunuyaka'
Rankiri Ulpotha Buddhist temple is in this area
This area is included as an ancient Buddhist site in the 1982 Somasiri List of the Archaeo. Dept.
Labeled #149 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
ගෝමරන්කඩවල

H


Hambantota, Hambanthota (Hambanthota District)
HAMBANTHOTA
This is a town in the Southern province. It is not a name which has got modified by Tamil, as with many place-names of the North East. However we have included a discussion here because of various dubious toponymic explanations for the place name found in the popular literature.

The most likely origin of the name for the coastal town is from the word "Sanka", Sanskrit for Conch shell. Even the English word "Chank" probably comes from the Sanskrit "Sanka". The sinhala words "Hak" (e.g., Hakgedi), and "Sak" are directly from the Sanskrit. Thus Hak-baan-thota හක්බාන්තොට would mean the place where "Hakgedi" etc., were downloaded (e.g., "Badu-baanava" in Sinhala stands for "unloading goods"). Thus the name Hak-baan thota → Hambanthota most probably indicates that this was an unloading location for Chank fishery. The phonetic transformation "Hak-baan → Hamban" is quite reasonable. We note that in many sinhala words like "Duk-path → Duppath", the "k" sound gets muted and replaced by the leading sound. In the same way, "Hak-baan → Habbaan → Hamban" are a set of valid transformations.

The area has indeed been known for Chank (Gastropoda: Turbinella pyrum) fishery since antiquity. Chank shells, or Konches ("Hakgedi" in Sinhalese) are considered sacred in Hindu lore, and associated with MahaLakshmi. The sinistral Turbinella pyrum (with the spiral turning left when the apex is held up), called Dakshinavarti in Skrt., (i.e., right-turning spiral, with the apex held down) are very rare and have been found in Hambantota. Kirinda is another area known for Conch-shell fishery. Cowries, cones, murex and other shells are also important. In 1998, 260,000kg of sea cucumber, 796,000kg of seashells and sacred chanks (conches), and 11,400kg of molluscs were exported from Sri Lanka. Hence, in our view, "Hambanthota" is a name resulting from the conch-shell fishery associated with this location since very ancient times.

For a recent scientific report, see:
Fairoz, M.F.M. and Cumaranatunga, P.R.T.; Preliminary investigation of the Chank (Gastropoda: Turbinella pyrum) fishery at Hambantota and Kirinda, Southern Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 59th Annual Session of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, December 2002, Colombo
-------------
We also mention some of the other "explanations'' that have been offered for the origin of the name:
'Hamban' is sometimes said to be a reference to Muslim- or Chinese- sailors who used "sampan' boats and used this Harbour. "Sampan" are either Chinese or Moor(arab) boats, and Muslim people are allegedly called "Hambaya" based on their use of these boats. (See 'A Dictionary of the World's Watercraft from Aak to Zumbra' compiled and edited by the Mariners Museum 2001. ISBN 1 8617 1821. Here a sampan is defined as a loose term used in East and South East Asia to designate various small harbour crafts and local coastal craft. But early travelers applied the word and its variant forms more widely even to much larger vessels.)

Regarding harbours in ancient times, see Guruge, Mahavamsa, 2nd revised edition, p 220 for contacts with Sri Lanka as far back as 3rd century BCE. More recent archeological work by Helmuth Roth, W. H. Wijayapala et al., suggest that the "Godapavata Pattana" (Gota Pabbata Pattana, Godavaya), at the mouth of the Walawe river was indeed a harbour. But today's Hambanthota itself was probabaly not a habour. Kingdom of Ruhuna; (see also O. BOPEARACHCHI, CNRS, UMR 8546, Paris, Diffusion of Mahayanist Images and Implantation of Port at River Mouths in Ancient Sri Lanka). The early visitors to the GODAVAYA habour may have been Nabataens from Southern Italy, and Arab traders at a later time. A Brahmi script dating to the time of King Gajabahu-I has been found here, on a rock next to an ancient shrine. Godapavata Pattana was located on the peninsula between the Walawe River's inland anchoring area and the sea harbor in the bay of Godavaya. A landing quay made of stone pillars up to 3.50 meters high was part of the ancient harbor. The excavation team found one of the four ancient stone anchors (kamba bandina gal), discovered so far in Sri Lanka (the other three were discovered in Galle), possibly dating to the 5th century CE.
In lighter vein
The twenty-first century has given Hambanthota a modern harbour, positioned on the old marine silk route, equally important today, linking the West with China, Japan and Korea.
Nuwan Peries, Hambantota Harbour: Geo-political dimensions. 2007
U-tube: Hambanthota Harbour opens, 15-Aug-2010

Also, there is a "Hambanthota" in Bogavantalava casting doubt on simple "sampan-boat" explanations. The up-country "Hambanthota" it is a corruption of "ambanthota" (අඹන්තොට); it is near Ambagamuva (අඹගමුව). On the other hand, the coastal town Hambanthota is not in a specifically mango-growing area, and Hambanthota has no association with "amba".
Read also Island Newspaper 31-Jan-2011

See also, entries under Samanthurai. Sengupiddy (Hakpitiya).
හම්බන්තොට
Havativu, Henativu (Puttalama)
HAVADOOVA, Haavadoova
Haava is the local hare or rabbit.
This is a small island in the Puttalam-kalapuva (lagoon).
හාව දූව
Hattikuksi, Attikuksi (Anuradhapura)
HASTHIKUCHCHI,Hatthikuchchi, Haththa-vanagalla, Aththangalla
Not a tamilized form; 1st Century BCE Buddhist shrine Located 26km N of 'Galgamuwa', Kurunagala-Anuradhapura road. Hist. "Hasthikusha' or the early Sinhala 'Hatthikuchchi' refers cryptically to an 'elephant stomach' (Aethkusa). This is said to be the hermitage of King Siri Sangabo (251-253 CE., or 300-302 CE according to Geiger), venerated for his saintliness, rejection of capital punishment, abdicating and finally donating his own head to Godabhaya, his power-hungry brother who staged a coup.
See short write up on Hasthikuchchi 7nbsp; Haththikuchchi Viharaya or the Aethkus Vehera
see also under Aththanagalla (Hathha-vanagalla).
Map of Galigomuwa region
හස්තිකුච්චි
Hulanada (Tissamaharama)
HULANNARAKADA
Not a tamilized form
This is inside the Yala National Park
හුල්ලන්නරකඩ
Hulannuga, Ullannugeh (Pothuvila [Pottuvil])
HULAN NUGA, Hulannuga
Not a tamilized form. Nuga is Ficus benghalensis, i.e., Banyan tree, common in Sri Lanka, S. Asia, and often regarded as a sacred tree, esp. by Hindus; it is also a community tree where village people gather to transact business or socialize. "Hulan" may refer to "windy", or "spiked, c.f., the Sinhalese word Ul ", associated with the supporting aerial roots of the banyan.
This hamlet is on the Siyambalanduwa-Potuvila road, near the Lahugala National Park. The Tharulengala Cave temple has a very eroded reclining Buddha made of claystone. It is at the 299km post, 1.5 Km north of the A$.
හුල්ලන්නරකඩ

I
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Iraddaivaikkal, Rektavaikkal (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
DEVAKKADE   ⚓name, pronounced Devakkadé
Vakkadadaya is a water sewer or "Agala, (va)ggala, vakkala". In Tamil vaikkal could also mean a water sewer or drain. Iraddai is a modified from of "irratte", i.e., two, ("Deux"). Note that according to the Tamil grammar "Tolkkappian", a vowel (here i) is added in front of prakrit consonants when used in Tamil, and sometimes in derived sinhala forms (rette, iratte etc., for even numbers ).
This is a spot close to the beach which acquired significance as part of the No Fire Zone in 2009.   See Claims of civilian casualties in the NFZ
Ichchilampattai (Srigonakanad [Trincomalee])
AEKIRIYANPATTUWA. Dehiwatta
See Echchilanpattai
ඇකිරියන්පත්තුව දෙහිවත්ත
Idaikkadu (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
YAKKADUWA
Meaning: In T., may mean 'in between a forest'
යක්කඩුව
Ihala Kottaramullai, Kattaramulla (Puttalam)
IHALA KOTTARAMULLA,   IHALA GATTARAMULLA
Ihala Kottaramulla is the existing name
'Koshtagaara'→Koththara is a granary; Tamil 'kottaaram'.
'Gattara' may also be from 'Gothra', or clan.
'Ihala' refers to the location of the village, and not to the
'superiority' of the clan. 'Gaththara' is often used to denote
a racial or clan group held in low esteem.
Map
ඉහලකොත්තරමුල්ල
Ihala Puliyankulam (Puttalam)
IHALA SIYAMBALAVAEVA
Meaning: T., 'pulian' -> 'tiger' or 'tamarind'
ඉහලසියඹලාවැව
Ilamaruthankulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
IRAMUDUVAEVA
Meaning: 'maruthan' in T. refers to a tree.
In S., 'Iramusu' or 'Eramudu' is in fact a type of tree,
Hemidesmus Indicus, also called 'nannaari' in tamil.
Note also, 'elumiccai' in Tamil is a type of wild lime.
එරමුදුවැව
Ilantaivan, Illantheevan (Mannaram)
LANDEVANAYA
Refers to a region used by the Dutch.
ලන්ෙදවනය
Ilavalai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
RILAAWALA,   IMBULVALA
Meaning: The ending "valai" from the Sinhala `vala' is a typical sinhala toponym (e.g., Dehiwala, Beruwala), meaning thicket or forest. `Imbul' is Bombax malabaricum.
රිලාවල,   ඉඹුල්වල
Ilavankulam (Puththalam [Puttlam])
IMBUL-VAEVA;
'Mul-ilavu' is used in tamil for the Katu-Imbul Bombax malabaricum tree.
ඉඹුලවැව
Illakkanthai (Sirigonakanda[Trincomalee])
AELAKANDA or Elakanda (anglicized).
It is also possible that the Tamil form "Illa.." is related to
'Ilavu', or 'Katu-Imbul' in sinhala.
ඇලකන්ද
Illankaithura(SriGonakanna[Trincomalee])
LANKAPATUNA, LANKATHOTA,
Ancient historic Buddhist site.
See entry under Muhattuvaram
ලංකාපටුන
Ilippadeniya (Puttalam)
ILIPADENIYA
currently used name
මීදෙනිය
Iluppaikadavai, Illuppakadavai, Illupaikadavai (mannarama, [mannar]) இலுப்பைக்கடவை
MADUPATHOTA, MEEPATHOTA (anchor name)මීපාතොට
(Other suggestions Eluvakaduva, Illukkaduva)
'Madupadathitha' is the old historical name, c.f., in the Mahavamsa.
Sinhala 'Madhupa' or 'Mee' is South Indian 'ma(d)hua', in Latin
'Madhuca Logifolia (Koenig)' or more specifically 'Bassia longifolia'.
In Tamil this tree is called 'Iruppai' or 'Iluppai'. Sanskrit: Madhuka.
The current name is thus linked to the ancient name.
However, the placename "Sallariya", සල් අරිය (that is, an enclosure of "Sal trees") has been noted by the British Engineer Henry Parker, (Sessional papers of the Legislative council, Ceylon, vol. 8 of 1886 p 4-5. S.P. 46 of 1886 p 11,). This name සල් අරිය probably applied to the smaller village near the ancient port rather than to Meepathota itself.
This was the landing port of Magha invasion, 13th century
See
Map of Illupaikadavai or Madupathota. මීපාතොට It was an important "sea-tiger" base captured by govt. forces during the Eelam war IV.
මීපාතොට
Illupadichenaii,Illupayadichenai,Illuppaiyadichenai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
See also Iripetichenai
MADHUPAHENA
War: LTTE training camps
See Disc. under 'Iluppaikadavai'
Map
මීපාහේන

Illuppaikulam, Illuppamkulam, Iluppamkulam(Vannimava[Vavniya])
MEEPAVAEVA
Labeled #35 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982

Boralukanda Rajamaha Viharaya is located at Illuppaikulam, Trincomalee. Ancient artifacts had been found there. Development of this site has been strongly contested by Nationalist Tamil leaders. Thus, the Nilaveli Magistrate court issued an injunction against prominent political leaders, banning them from protesting near Boralukanda Temple. R. Jerome and R. Nichols from Tamil Parvai (fundamentalist civil organization), Krishnapillai Prasad of the Tamil People’s National Front (TNPF) Youth Wing, MPs Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, Selvaraja Gajendran, and Rasamanickam Shanakiyan, former Kuchchiveli Divisional Secretariat Ponniah Waithiyalingam were some of those named in the injunction in 2023. Five Buddhist monks were also banned from counter-demonstrating at the site. Injunction bans protests against Boralukanda Temple, Trinco.

Map near vavniya
මීපාවැව

Illuppaikulam, Iruppaikulam, Irruppaikulam(Mannnarama[Mannar])
MEEPAVAEVA
This illuppaikulam is near mannar. Map near Mannar

Inginimitiyai (Puttalam)
INGINIMITIYA
ඉංගිනිමිටිය
Inuvil (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
INUVILA
Meaning. In Tamil 'inu' or 'vil'
have no immediate meaning here.
Sinhala 'inuvila' could mean a 'pond' which has a ground water source
A leading member of the pro-LTTE Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Mr. Abrham Sumanthiran was born in this village and entered parliament in 2010, although he had his education at Royal College, in Colombo and lives in Colombo, as is customary for most Tamil politicians. Although sitting MPs do not practice law in most other countries, in Sri Lanka this is not the case, and Sunmanthiran who is the head of the Parliamentary Finace committe appeared for the Central Bank employee, Sangarapillai Pathumanapan, interdicted for the Central Bank Bond scam, even though a conflict of interest had arisen. See Jaffna map1
ඉනුවිල
Ippantivu (Puttalama)
IBBANDOOVA
Meaning. Sinhala 'ibba' is a tortoise
This is an island located in the Dutch bay at Kalpitiya (Galpitiya). See Jaffna map1
ඉබ්බන් දූව
දෙවක්කඩේ
Irakkamam, Irakmam (Ampare)
RATHGAM, RAIGAMA or EREGAMA, Dighavapi
Meaning. Tamil "kamam" is the adaptation of the S. 'gama'.
Sinhala name 'Raigama' is well known
The name රත්ගම (Rathgama) is given by O. S. Canagaratnam (Manograph on the Batticaloa District of the Eastern Province of Ceylon, 1921) as the original name of this village.
The name "Ranveva" has also been mentioned by Ven. E. Medhananada
Dighavapi (= long tank), an important pre-christian Buddhist site,
is located 5km from here. See also entry under Kanjikuddichchiaru.
Dighavapi is mentioned in the Pali chronicles, and is linked to a
legendary visit to the Island by the Buddha.
See the entry under DIGHAVAPI(Theekavapi).
The main dagaba is said to be constructed by King Saddha Tissa In 137 BCE.
Today this is a threatened site, encroached by many settlers who do not
respect its historical significance. Its great tourist potential is ignored.
The department has located 35 archaeological sites in Dighavapi.
The archaeological area is at least 42 square kilometers in extent.
The area declared under the Archaeological department is only 400 yards
in radius of each site leaving the other areas unprotected under the
Antiquities Ordinance No. 9 of 1940.
There are several ancient inscriptions in the area. In 1986 a gold leaf
inscription 14 cms by 1.5 cms had been unearthed.
The inscription had been deposited inside a reliquary made of thick
gold sheets. The text of the inscription was as follows:
"Hail. The stupa (reliquary) of King Mahitisa (Kannittha Tissa) son
of King Naka". King Kannittha Tissa reigned from 164- 192 CE.
රත්ගම - (දීගවාපි)
Iralaikkulam, Iralaikulam, Eeralaakulam இரலைக்குளம் (Madakalapuva [Batticaloa])
KIRALAVAEVA
"Kirala" is a common water bird (c.f., kira → gira ), "red-wattled lapwing", and sinhala literary works ("Kirala sandesa, Kirala vannama") are devoted to this bird. The word "kirala" is also applied to a type of mangrove (sonneratia caseolaris). The name of the "vaeva" (reservoir) may have arisen from either of these common Sinhala words. No Tamil word in common usage can be connected with "Irala", although the root "Ira" may be linked with "battering". Irakkulam was an important LTTE camp till 2007.
කිරලවැව
Iramiyankulam, Ramiyankulam (Vannimava [Vavniya])
RAMNIYAVAEVA
'Ramya' in Sanskrit is the source word for the Sinhala "ramya → ramaneeya", and for the Tamil ;இரமியம் iramiyam. Map
රමනියවැව
Iranamadu (Giranikke [Kilinochchi])
RANAMADUWA
Names like Ranamaduva, Ranakeliya, Ranamuregama exist in Sinhala usage. See comment about rules of Tamil phonology and the Tolkappiyam under the place name, "Irani".
LTTE airstrip and Logistics were said to be located at this site.   Regional map
රණමඩුව

Iranai (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
HIRAANA, RANNA
This kind of name was used for military parade grounds.
Old sinhala words beginning in a consonant letter like "R" are usually adapted to Tamil by the addition of an "i", as the Tolkappiyam stipulates that consonants should not be used at the beginning of a word, unless preceded by a suitable vowel. This is why, in old Tamil, words like raktam become irrattam. Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
Labeled #72 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
රන්න,   හිරාන
Iranaillupaikulam, Iranai Iluppaikkulam (Vannimava[Vavniya])
RANMEEVAEVA
Disc.- 'Mee gaha' in sinhala has the botanical name
'Bassia longifolia'; In Tamil this is 'Iruppai' or 'Illupai'.
Map
රන්මීවැව
Iranapalai (Mooladoova [Mulaithivu])
RANAPOLA, RANAPALA
Sinhala words begining with the letter "r" acquires a vowel when they are adopted in to Tamil, as indicated by the ancient Tamil Grammar Tokappiyam . This area had been the theater of war since ancient times (cf., Mahathalithagama etc., mentioned in the Mahavamsa and other texts. See the entry under Mahathalithagama). In modern times, an LTTE plane was shot down by the the SL airforce here, in September 2008.   Map
රණපොල   රණපල
Iranpaikkulam (Northern Province)
RAMBAWETIYA, RAMBAVAETIYA, RANPAeHeAVAeVA(රන්පැහැවැව)
Sinhala words begining with the letter "r" acquires a vowel when they are adopted in to Tamil, as indicated by the ancient Tamil Grammar Tolkappiyam . The name "Rambawetiya" has been mentioned by the British Engineer Henry Parker, (Sessional papers of the Legislative council, Ceylon, vol. 8 of 1886 p 4-5. S.P. 46 of 1886 p 11,)   RanvAhAveva is consistent with the Tamilized form.
රඹ්වැටිය, රන්පැහැවැව
Iranaitivu (Giranikke [Kilinochchi])
Ranadoova, ERANDOOVA
This is an island west of Punranna (Poornaryn) and North-west of Bellanvaeva (Vellankulam) off the Mannaram (Mannar) coast. "Our lady of RosaryChurch is situated here. The name could mean "Ranaddova", an island used for military purposes.
If the name had been Irantive, distorted to Iranaitive, another meaning is possible. Then, "Eran" means "golden" in Sinhala, and the islands appear so in the sunset. There are two islands here, with one smaller than the other. The Dutch called the larger island 'Enkhuizen', and the smaller Island 'Hoorn' (means "horn or bugle" in Durch). Both names Enkuizen and Hoorn are ofDutch harbour-towns of the VOC. from where overseas trade with the East Indies was conducted.
This has been a region of continued battles during the Eelam wars. See During the Cease-Fire agreement
රනදූව එරන්දූව

Irasenthirakulam(Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
IRASANDAVAEVA
Labeled #30 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982
ඉරසඳවැව
Iripetichenai,Illuppaiyadichenai(Madakalapuwa[batticaloa])
MADHUPAHENA
See Illupayadichenai, Illupaikadavi
'Madhupa' is South Indian 'ma(d)hua', Latin, 'Bassia longifolia'
In Tamil this is 'Iruppai'.
Map
මීපාහේන
Irattaladi, Iraththaladi, Iraaththaladi, இறாத்தலடி (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
RAHATHANVAADIYA, RATAHALA
In pre-christian times, this was by the Jambukola-Naagapura (Nallur) route
taken by (Sangamitta Theri and other) Indian-Lankan pilgrims and venerable travelers. 'Rahathan-vaadiya' would indicate a resting spot for holy travelers.
Another possibility is from 'Ratahala ← 'Raashta-shaala (Skrt.)'. This could imply the
location of a town community center which later became a market.
රහතන් වාඩිය
රටහල

Iratperiyakulam(Vannimava[Vavniya])
DEMAHAVAEVA, ALLAJJAVILA
Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982
Labeled #94 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
Another Buddhist site with the same name, south of Vavniya.
Inscriptions (2nd century) recorded by Parker, but now lost,give the
name "Allajjavila. The present-day "Sailabimbaramaya' is an ancient site.
Near it there are remnants of a Stupa, pillars, stone offerings tables,
Ven. E.Medhananda has suggested this to be the ancient "Thihadaya monastery".
A "MahaPaerakumba Vidyalaya that existed in the 19th century (as reported by
J. P Lewis) has been renamed 'Iratperiykulam Viduhal' subsequently.
Labeled #123 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
Important army camp, just south of Vannimava(Vavniya)
Second biggest tank in Vannimava, hence "deveni-maha → demaha"
Reg. Army Camp
Map
දෙමහවැව
අල්ලජ්ජවිල
Irupalai (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
MAIMPALA
Small village outside Jaffna, on the road to Puttur (Buthpura)
Disc. 'Maima' in S. means boundary or demarcation
'Iru' could have a similar meaning in Tamil
Map
හිරුපල,   මාඉමිපල
Iruvila(Mannarama[Mannar])
HIRUVILA, Depathvaeva
හිරුවිල
Irruppaikulam, Irupaikulam,Irruppukulam (Gokanna [Trincomalee])
MEEPAVAEVA
This is near Nilavaeli.
There are two other "Illuppaikulam"s, one near Vavniya,
and another near Mannar recorded on this website.
These are sometimes referred to as Iruppaikulam in news castes.
මීපාවැව
Ismailpuram (Puttalam)
ISMAILPURA
Recently established town.
ඉස්මඉල් පුර
Ittavil(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
ITHTHAVILA
see Jaffna map1
ඉත්තවිල
Ittikkandal, Iththikkandal, இத்திக்க ண்டல் (Mannarama [Mannar])
BO-GANDARA
'Pulila', or 'Kaputu-Bo' (?), is Ficus Virens The name 'Kalaal' is more commnely used in Tamil,
while 'Iththi' may be aa shortening of 'Kurukkaththi'. It is of great significance to Hindus, while
Buddhists regard 'Ficus religiosa' (Bo), in higher esteem. However, both
types of Ficus may be venerated and called 'Bohi'.
'Gangdara' means 'by the side of water', and implies 'a marshy place'.
The use of 'Kandal' in Sri Lankan Tamil to mean a marshy place may be
derived from Sinhala. Compare the place name: 'Bo-gambara'.
බෝගන්දර
Iyakachchi (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
Adiyakachchiya, diyakachchiya
Possible Meaning: S. or T., Aiyai, Aadiya=elder person, kachchiya = group,
or party or place associated with a resource or a group. Alternatively, as this place has the sole water source for the Alimankanda (Elephant pass) area, its name would have been "Diya-kachchiya" The Tamil name would have arisen by attaching the vowel A infron of the name; so transformations are sanctioned by Tamil grammer.
The capture of this water spring by the LTTE in Dec. 1999 led to the Elephant Pass debacle, a major loss suffered by the Sri Lankan Army during the Eelam III war. See more details under the entry on Elephant pass.   Regional map
ආදිකච්චිය   කච්චිය

J
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Jaffna; Tamil Yalpanam.   யாழ்ப்பாணம் (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
YAPANAYA, JAPANE, YAPAPATUNA
Several interpretations of the name exist. We support the Paranavithana interpretation given further below:
Yapa → An official, Patuna → entrepot, town , as suggested by Horsburgh. See:
Horsburgh. 1916. as .doc file.   Horsberg as html file, from Lankaweb
Note that the sinhala "Patuna" (e.g., as in Yapa Patuna) or the equivalent corresponding Sanskrit word "pattana" is used in the Mahabharata to denote a town or village, and "Dharmapattana" is a name given to the city of "Sravasti" mentioned in the Pali cannon.
( The Sanskrit dictionary may be accessed by clicking below:
please enter the word Pattana into the window in: Univ. of Cologne dictionary )
In later Tamil usage this is a town inhabited by lower-castes (c.f., Madras Tamil Lexicon)
This shows that K. Indrapala's discussion of "Pattana", as being an original Tamil word (since it is mentioned in Sangam Poetry), on p. 375 of his book ("Evolution of an Ethnic Identity" Chennai 2006) cannot be upheld, since the Mahabhrata and Pali cannon usages are generally considered to be earlier than the cited Tamil Sangam sources, ascribed to the first (-to-third) century CE by Tamil Scholars (see: S. Vaiyapuripillai, Kaviya Kalam, 2nd edn., Tamil Puttakalayam, Madras, 1962.).
Paranavitana's View
"Yapa" may relate to "Java", this is also explored by Paranavitana who suggests that the name arose from "Jaava Patuna"". This is consistent with the commonly used name "Jaa-pané" since "pané" in Sinhala also refers to a village or town (pattana in Pali), as in "thumpané". Further more, the "J" sound transliterates to "Y" in a universal way, in Dravidian as well as in Indo-European-Hebrew phonetics (e.g., Joseph, Yosef etc.). See extract from Paranavitana
Hist. De Queyroz, "Jafnapatao"   Baldaeus, "Jaffnapatam"
Romantic Tamil literature (e.g, Yaalpaana Vaiphavamalai, a historically and sociologically highly inaccurate text written during the Dutch occupation of Jaffna, in 1736 CE), claims that the name arose from a blind lutist who received "Yaazhpanam" as a gift from a king, circa 8th century. It has also been conjectured, e.g., in Gnanaprakasar's work, that the caste of lute players (Yaazhpaanar) lived in Jaffna, noting that 'Yaazh' is Lute in Tamil and so forth, but Gnanaprakasar (in Yaalppana Vaipava Vimarcanam , i.e., A critical history of Jaffna) discounts this in preference to Mudliyar Gunasekera's theory: Nall-ur→Yahap(ah)ne. For populist accounts, see 'Ancient Jaffna' by C. Rasanayagam (1026), Swami Gnanaprakasar "A critical History of Jaffna" 1928. See also: John H. Martyn, 1923. Notes on Jaffna - A Disputed point of Local History . For recent Tamil-Nationalist writings, see K. S. Nadarajah's presentation, Kuala Lampur 1996.,   or the Tamil article in Veerakesari, 9. Dec.1990. The romanticized versions of history, in terms of Lute players etc., were also dealt with in the University of Ceylon official History of Ceylon, Ed. H. C. Ray and S. Paranavithana (1959), and in J. Roy. A. Soc. (CB) vol. II, p.174-224 (1961)

The Portuguese consolidated power over the Jaffna peninsula in 1619 CE when Phillippe de Oliveira captured the Tamil ruler Sankilli-II ("Cankili-Kumaran). In this he was aided by low-caste (Parava) Tamils who had become Catholics during the time of Cankili-I. However, the Sinhalese king Senerat of Kandy sent his general, Attapattu Mudliyar with asn army of 10,000 and caputured Jaffna peninsula back from the Portuguese. Nevertheless, this victory was short lived as the Portuguese were able to re-capture the Jaffna peninsula from Attapattu in 1620-21 when Constantine de sa Noronha established himself at the Governor of Jaffna (as recounted by the Portuguese Historian Joao Ribeiro).
The caste system in the Jaffna region is different to that of Tamil Nadu or Batticaloa - Hindu practice is also different from Batti., see Batticaloa. See Michael Banks, Caste in Jaffna Cambridge 1960. Briefly: the agricultural cast is dominant, unlike in any other Tamil society, and may be due to adoption from the Sinhala society which existed here prior to Chola invasions. In fact, the "koviar" and "Naalakar" castes relate to the "Govia " and "Naalakara" castes of Sinhalese who lived in the "Waeligama province" and later became Tamilized when Jaffna fell under Chola domination. Brief list:
   Vellalar -Farmers and land owners.
   Brahamin, Kurukal, Caiva-kurukkal - priestly castes
    (c.f., Kurukkal = Gururala in Sinhala)
   Vannar- washermen; Ampattar- barbers and funeral aids
   Taccar-carpenters; Kollar-blacksmiths; Tattar-goldsmiths.
   Nalavar-toddy tappers, Ilavar - toddy tappers, pallar- 'low-castes'
   Nattuvar- Dancers, tavil players, Nadadeswarams
   Karaiyar- sea-side dwellers-fishermen; c.f., 'kara' is 'shore' in S. and in T.
   In Vedda shrines, religious officiates are "Puccariyar" or "Teyvanthu kuniavar".
   Regarding other castes, Kutis, Pakutis etc. See B. Pffeffenberger, Caste in Tamil culture Syracuse-USA 1982.
Temple entry rights, rights to the use of wells, admissions to schools etc., we routinely denied to, or discriminated against, the "lower castes" well into the latter half of the 20th century, although this was not legal. Unlike in India, caste-discrimination became a political issue, only in the seventies, under agitation led by communist-party activists opposing the Tamil Arasu Kadchchi or TULF organizations which covertly supported casteism, as they were led mainly by Colombo based Vellalar Tamils. The communist-party agitation did not become important due to other ethnic militant politics that developed in the country during this time. Hindu society (including the Navalar movement) had endorsed the segregation of "low castes" from Hindu temples, schools and public transport etc., and in the 1930s, Ponnambalam Ramanathan attempted to enshrine the caste system legislatively, countering the universal suffrage and other recommendations of the Donoughmore commission. It is note worthy that Arumuka Navalar (1822-1879) left Jaffna Central School because of the admission of a low-caste (Nalavar) boy by the Principal, Peter Percival.

Sankiliyan padai was a pressure group formed in 2000 under the aegies of the Tigers, using the name of "Sankili".
Sankili was the son of the Pandian (named Pararasa Sekaran) who was a Governor sent to Java-patuna by the King of Kotte (The name Java-patuna applied since ~1270 CE when Chandrabhanu captured the Vaeligam (Valikamam) peninsula and establsihed a Javanese colony). The direct (legitimate) son of Pararrasasekaran (from a Madura princess) exiled himself to Portugal. Sankili killed his father in 1959, assumed power, drove out the Christians and Sinhalese into the vanni and established the first Lanka Library on the Jaffna kingdom
Demogr. 1981 Census: Tamils 800,000; Moors 14,800; Sinhala 5,100.
1971 census: 20,514 Sinhala speakers in 1971 and none by 1988.
see Spur webs ite on Ethnic cleansing in Sri Lanka.
See Dr. Indrapala, Tamils of Jaffna, 1965
See Iriyagolla's analysis
See Jaffna in 1998
Jaffna University

The Thileepan memorial, commemorating the LTTE-suicide/ cum human-life offering against the IKPF to the Kandasamy Kovil, Nallur (Nagapura) could have been stopped by the Tigers, but they supported it. The memorial's design (broken chains catching a flame) was repeated by the Tigers in other locations including on the beach-road Martyr's monolith. Even M.G. Ramachandran who gave 2 crores of rupees to the Tigers and supported them politically was commemorated by the tigers. The SL army has removed many of the Tiger memorabilia.
යාපනය   ජාපනය
යාපපටුන
Jeevan Base (Mooladoova [Mullaithivu])
JEEVAN MOOLAKAYA
This has been an important LTTE base, with 100 underground bunkers, four prison-interrogation chambers, etc. It was part of the "14-base complex" near Janakapura and Mulgama (mullakam) LTTE base, Sugandan base and Michael Base in the Vaelioya (Welioya) area. This fell into Army hands in August 2008. Army report 16-Aug-2008 See Military front August 2008   For other maps of the region etc, please see entries under Manal aru (Weli Oya), Mulgama (Munnakam) etc. Map   See Military activity in the area  : This is also an area full of ancient Buddhist archaeological ruins.   See Buddhist archaeological sites in the Welioya-Mooladoova area
ජීවන් මූලකය

K
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Kachchai (yapanaya [Jaffna])
KAHAVA
Comment:   Kachchagoda, Kachchakaduwa, Kachchakodiya
and Kahava are found in the south as as well;
'Kachchakaduva' refers to the "golden sword" tradition
among the Karava cast group. Kachcha refers to "gold" or "yellow"
etymologically, kachchavanna → Kahavanu is the "gold" currency of
olden times. In Pali, "Kaasa" is a stub meaning 'yellow', and in
Sanskrit: kanaka; Greek. knh_kos yellow, and also
Sanskrit: kaaeana, probably from 'khacati' (shine=the shining meta)
'kaccha' in Sanskrit can also mean a bank or any ground bordering on water,
shore, or 'wide shore' (see Cologne Skrt dictionary).
The nearest Tamil form "Kadchi" means "Forest, place of rest", etc. and is
not a suitable choice.
See Map
කහව
Kachchcalsamalankulam (Vannimava [Vavniya])
Sinhala: Sapumalgaskada
This is an archaeological site and temple ruins; it is situated in the Periyakattikulam forest reserve in Vavuniya District. A Gazette notification on 16 August 2013 mentions a hilly area covering the dagoba, the image house bodhighara, pohoyage, boundary wall and road to the complex of ruins in Sapumalgaskada village as protected monuments.

Sapumalgaskada ruins are dated to 7th CE, and in the Pabbatarama style (mid Anuradhapura era), where the stupa had a chatra, yuga gala and a simple moonstone. A stone pillar (9-10 CE) was found here carries a royal order exempting it of taxes or local jurisdiction. entering the site. A moat about 25 feet broad had surrounded the main monastic area. A Samadhi Buddha statue, 2m in height, two bodhisattva statues and one of Tara have been excavated, showing Mahayana influence as well.

Ven. Galgamuwe Santhabodhi was a pioneer in clearing and restoring the archeological sight, with encouragement from the Chief Monk of the nearby Temple in Bogasweva. However, the reopening of the site to pilgrims raised the ire of pro-Eelamist politicians in the area. An article in the Island newspaper, 11/11/2020) entitled Protests against rebuilding temple in archaeological site states that "TNA Northern Provincial Council member elected from Mullaitivu District T. Raviharan says that the area belongs to Tamil people traditionally and it was known as Kachchcalsamalankulam". However, we have found no records of the name in local area administrative maps. The name literarily means "Kaha-gal-samanala-weva" (Kahagal = yellow stones, samanala = butterflies, weva=water reservoir), while "samalan" has no meaning in Tamil. (Furthermore, the name "Kochchan-chamalan-kulam" has also been claimed by some Tamil-speaking writers for this site!) However, Samalan and its etymological relation to "Samanala" are discussed under "Samalankulam" in this website. We had also discussed this with Prof. Meegaskumbura of the Peradeniya university.
Sapumalgaskada
සපුමල්ගස් Ȁකඩ
Kachchanthoppu (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KAHADOPE
See disc. under "Kachchai".
The 'Thoppu' may have no clear meaning, and is possibly a
modification of the sinhala 'Dope', where the 'o' is as in 'long'.
'Doape' probably means 'twin-village', or village on the islet.
කහදෝපේ
Kachchatheevu, Kachchativu, கச்சதீவு (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KACHCHADOOVA, KAESBADOOVA
Indian english uses "Kacchatheevu, while Sri Lankan and British usage (e.g., that of Horsburgh, the Government Agent of the Northern province and the leader of the Ceylon delegation to the 1921 conference on the Indian-Ceylon maritime boundary) seems to be Kachchativu.
Disc.- This island was accorded to Sri Lanka in July 1974 under
a treaty between India and Sri Lanka during Sirima B's time. For details, see the book entitled "Kachchativu and maritime boundaries of Sri Lanka, by W. T. Jayasinghe (Then Secretary to the Minstry of Foreign Affairs)
It is closer to Sri Lanka (16.9 km) than to India (20.2km).
Atal B. Vajpayee, then in opposition, and speaking in the
Loksabha, claimed that the name 'Kachchativu' came from 'Valideep',
the island where Rama and Vali (a vaanara king) fought.
However, neither the account given in the
Mahabharatha, Bki III, Vana Parva, Sec. 278, nor that of
Ramayana, Bk IV, Canto 16 is consistent with such a claim.
---
In the Loksabha discussion it is stated
"that although Srilanka's claims of sovereignty
over Kachchativu has been recognized, the traditional rights
of Indian fishermen and pilgrims to visit that island will
remain unaffected. Similarly the traditional navigation rights
exercised by India and Sri lanka in each others waters will remain
unaffected".
The "Dravida Paravai" group has been campaigning to
revoke the agreement between India and Sri Lanka on Kachchadoova. More recently, pro-LTTE politicians and others have also joined this campaign. A recent report (2008) is found in an article in the Asia Tribune   The view of a Madras University Professor
---
The word "kachcha' is the early sinhala (Pali) word 'kassa',or 'kachcha', i.e.,
yellow, e.g., kassavanna=yellow or gold colour.
'Kachcha-kaduwa' is a golden-sword honour claimed by the Karawa caste.
The place name "Kacchatittha" occurs in the Mahavamsa(Ch. 25).
See discussion under place name: "Kachchai".
The possibility that "Kachcha" is derived from the Tamil "kadchi",
i.e, "Forest, place of rest", nest, bed, etc, is unlikely since the island
has no forest, no water and is hardly useful as a place of rest.
Its geology is such that any rain seeps through the limestone.
A modest St Anthony's shrine built in the 20th CE, gets
its fresh water supply from the mainland.
However, the island has been used by fisherman to dry their nets.
The possibility that the name arose from ''kaesba'→'sea turtles' is related
to the presence of sea turtles in all these islands, including
'Chagos Island'(Diego Gracia) whose flag has a coat of arms with
two turtles holding up a crest with the British flag.
In Skrt. 'kachchapa' means 'inhabiting a marsh , a turtle, tortoise.
A species of yellowish lizard, Calotes liocephalus, is also
common to this south-Indian-SriLankan area.
(W. Erdelen: Journal of Biogeography, Vol. 11, pp. 515-525 (1984)
Review, fishing, church
කච්චදූව

Kaadakulam, Kadakulam(Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
KIRALVAEVA
Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982
Disc.- 'Kaada' in Malayalam is 'Tunix Taiggor', a type of quail
See also, p 856 of the Madras Tamil Lexicon.
Labeled #71 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
කිරලවැව
Kachchilamadu (mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
KAEKIRIMADUVA
'Kaekiri' is a type of melon, L. Cucumis melo-utilissimus
The Tamil work 'Kakkari' derived from Skrt. 'Karkati' exits.
However, here a transliteration to Tamil has been effected.
කැකිරිමඩුව
Kadapirai, Kattapirai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KADAPILA, GAETAPIHIRA
Small village between Nallur (Naakpur) and Iurpali
Meaning: ' Pirai' may be 'crescent' in T.
'Kadapila' is 'Town area' in S.
කඩපිල
Kadarkaraichenai (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
KADAKARAHENA Meaning: 'Kadakara' in S., 'Kadarkarai' in T.,
means 'seashore'.
'Chenai' is the Tamil form of the Sinhala word 'Hena'.
Map
කඩකරහේන
Kadakulam (mooladoova {Mullaitivu])
VATUVAEVA
Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
වටුවවැව
Kaddaikadu (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
GA`TAKADUWA
War: Army/navy camp near Elephant Pass.
ගැටකඩුව
Kaddawan, Kaddavan (Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
KATUVANA
කටුවන

Kaddumalai(Mooladdova[Mulaitivu])
KATUKANDA
Labeled #33 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982.
කටුකන්ද
Kaddamuruvakulam (Madakalapuwa[Batticaloa])
GATABURUTHAVEVA
Disc. 'Muruva' in T. could mean Bow string hemp
But we have found no clear analysis in T.
ගැටබුරුතවැව
Kaddaiparichchan (Sirigonakanda[Tricomalle])
GAETABARAHENA
meaning: in S. is clear; in T.,'Kaddai' has no clear meaning
'Kattai' in T. could mean "Kashta", as in Skrt., i.e, bitter or deficient.
'parichchan' has no clear meaning in the context of a place name.
'Kattaiparikkan' is consistent with an adaptation from the Sinhala.
This area was regarded as part of "Koddiyar bay" in dutch-VOC maps
Map
ගැටබරහේන
Kaddukulampattu(Sri Gonakanna[Trincomalee])
KUTTAMKOLONPATTUVA, vadunnabima
Disc.- In Cleghorn's minute after the 1766 treaty of Amiens, it
is stated that, "At that period the Candians ceded to the (Dutch VOC )
Company the countries (i.e. districts) of Coetiar, Tamblegamme, and
Koutamcolonpattoe.....
N.B., this is not a town, but a "pattuva", i.e, effectively, a district.
A 10 CE stone inscription at Kallampattuva favours the name 'vadunnabima.
Many villages were buried in the deep jungles of
Kaddukulam Pattu when the British colonial Civil servants
like Hugh Neville serving at Trincomalee as Government Agents
(later Asst.Govt.Agents) discovered villages
like Morawewa, Ethawetunawewa, Pettawa, Kivulekada, Relapanawa,
Medawacchichiya, and others, populated by Sinhala
speaking residents. Thus, see for example, scholarly articles by Gerald Peries, and Hennayake's Newspaper article Gomarankadavla Massacre
See also "kurakkan Kaddukulam"
කුට්ටම්
කොලොම්ප ත්තුව
Kaddumalai (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
KATUKANDA
කටුකන්ද
Kaddupulan, Kattupulam(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
GOTHAMALUVATTA
This is about 1/2km from Punnnala(Ponnalai), on tke Peduru Thuduva road.
Ancient Buddhist site. Excavations unearthed remains of a temple complex
which may have been connected with the arrival of the Bo sapling.
ගොතමලුවත්ත
Kadduvan (yapanaya [Jaffna])
KATUVANA, KARAVANA
Currently in the 'high-security zone' in Jaffna
See also 'Punnalai Kadduvan'
'Kadduvan' ↔ 'Karavanna' can also be a "bund" or raised path at the edge
of a paddy field, as in 'Kara-vanna', where 'kara' is edge, and 'vanna' is
'path' or approach in old sinhala.
Katuvana on the other hand implies a passage or place which is a thicket.
see Jaffna map1
කටුවන
Kadiraweli, Kadiraveli, Katiraveli (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
KADIRAVAELLA, anglicized to Kadirawella.
See Katiraveli or Katiraiveli below for more details.
war Sea tiger activity.
කදිරවැල්ල
කිහිරිවැල්ල
Kadirgamam, Kadirkamam, kathirkamam, Kattirkamam, Kadhirgamam (Monaragala District)
KATHARAGAMA
This is most likely a shrine to to Alexander the great who invaded India in the 4th century BCE. The Sanskrit name 'Skanda', and the sinhala 'kanda'- kumaru (prince kanda) are probably derived from the Persian form Iskander → Skanda. It is also possible that the evolution Skander (Skanda)" → 'kadar' → "Kadir" took place. The Buddhist shrine Kiri vehera has been here since ~3rd century BCE, and by the time Alexander's reputation arrived in Lanka, he had already been apotheosized as a God, and also inter-twined with many other regional Gods like Murugan or Kartekeya. The Manimekalai story of Kovilan and KannakiPattini (or Valli amma) may also have links with this shrine. In fact, here we have a Kovil to Valli amma, Kovil to Devayani Amman, and also a Kovil to Ganesha. The earliest Tamil literary references to Kataragama (in the context of Skanda-Murukan in the form Kathirkamam ) is in the 15th-century devotional poems of Arunagirinathar. Today Buddhists, Hindus, and even Muslims come to this shrine where impressive exercises in self-mortification and fire-walking may be seen, especially in the month of Esala (~July-August). However, with the advent of tourism, many tourist resorts have begun to present fire-walking and self-mortification shows having little to do with the deities of Katharagama.
M. D. Raghavan, 1962 Kataragama - The Ceylon Shrine of God Kadira
Kataragama.org the Kataragama-Skanda website
කතරගම

Kadubalagama(Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
NO tamil form
Ancient Buddhist site.
Labeled #68 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
කඩුබලගම
Kadiyawattai, Kaadiyavattai(Kalutara district)
Karadiyawatta, Kaadiyawatta (Dharga town)
Then name Kara-diya (brakish water) watta (grounds) was used by the older generation of residents since the water in the area was often inundated with brackish water that came up the Bentota river (Benthara ganga). This is less of a problem today as the mouth of the river ("Moyakata") migrated northwards towards Aulthgama and Moragalla.

Today this has become a Muslim town with the Sinhalese bought out by the Muslims, already by the mid 1970s. The name has also become "Dharga town".

The town has seen conflicts between traditional Muslim groups and more recently established fundamentalist Mulsim groups, since 2004. These inter-Muslim conflicts are little known outside the Muslim community. But Dharga town has become most well-known after the "Aluthgama" Sinhala-Muslim clashes in July 2014, precipitated by an alleged Muslim attack on a Buddhist monk, followed a few days later by clashes allegedly linked to the aftermath of a meeting held by the Bodu-Bala Sena, when people marched to near by Dharga Town (Kaadiyawatta) where clashes between Muslims and Sinhala activists took place.
කාදියවත්ත
කරදියවත්ත

Kahalankadavala(Gokanna[Trincomalee])
Sinhala name; Ancient Buddhist site.
Labeled #132 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
කහලන්කඩවල
Kaitadi, Kaithady (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KATTADIYA
Meaning:   Sinhala 'Kashtadiaya' → Kattadiya → 'Kaitadi' in T.
The LTTE used Kaithadi to set up an attack the Navatkuli Army Camp (300-400 soliders) on 14th Febuary 1987, soon after Prabhakaran returned from India to Sri Lanka. The plan was to send a water bowser to the camp laden with explosives, as the Navatkuli camp depended on a Kaithadi man for the daily water bowser. An accidental explosion occuring during the set up killed 43 and injured 51 LTTE persons. These included Lt. Colonel Kugan allias ponnamman (Mulaitive commander), Major Theleepan alisa Curdy, Capt. Vasu, Lt. Paran and Lt. Siddarthan and several other regional leaders died.

The historic bridge built in 1836, blown up by LTTE in 2000,
and rebuilt by the SL-army in 2001. The Nuffield School for the Deaf and Blind is in Kaithady. It was opened by Lord Nuffield in 1956.
see Map
කට්ටදිය
Kaivelikulam, Keewelikulam, Kaivallikulam (Mooladoova [Mulaitivu])
KAETIVAELIVAEVA,   katiweliVAEVA
See Map and news reports, 2008
කැටිවැලිවැව
Kakkapalliyai (Puttalam)
KAKKAPALLIYA
The forms 'palli','halli, alli' mean village or place ('pala' in S.). Such a
usage is current in telugu and kannada (c.f., Thiruchirapalli, Jalahalli.)
It also means a place of worship as villages usually involved
a temple. In modern usage in SL, it refers to a christian church or mosque.
See also the disc. under 'Pachchilaipalli'.
කාකපල්ලිය
Kakkachchippittidal (Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
KALUSIPPITUDUVA
'Kalasippi' is a type of dark-brown mussel, found in many lagoons and also
rivers (with brackish water) in the east as well as the south.
The word 'Kalu" here signifies dark brown or blackish colour of the mussel.
In tamil 'Kakka' is used rather indiscriminately for many varieties
of mussel and oyster, but more specifically for the brown mussel
The mouth of the "Benthara ganga" at Bentota" in the south-west is famous
for the Crassostrea M. Oyster, as well as for the brown mussel.
However, the east coast, and the Jaffna area also have a great
abundance of these and other oysters, clams and mussels.
See the entry under SIPPITHUDAVA.
Map
කලුසිප්පිතුඩුව
Kakkachchi Vaddai, காக்காச்சி வட்லட (Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
KALUSIPPI VALA
කලුසිප්පිවල
Kakkaraitivu, (Japanaya [Jaffna])
Sakkara doova
'Sakkara' here is related to 'kaekaerum', kaekkara' or hot, and even the Dutch name 'Calienye' for this island means 'hot' and is related to the Spanish-Portuguese 'Calient', derived from the Latin ' Calor' for heat, Proto-Indo-European Kele.. and keke..
The island is close to Maedundoova (Naduntivu).
සක්කර දූව
Kalimadu(Madakalapuwa{Batticaloa])
GAALMADUVA
Disc. In. T,(and Malayalam),kāli.; காலி , could mean a heard of cows,
p898, Madras Tamil Lexicon, agreeing with the 'gaala' in Sinhala.
Map
ගාල්මඩුව
Kalkudah (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
GALTHUDAAVA
Beach resort is now a theater of war
See UK guardian report on Child soldiers etc.
Map
ගල්තුඩාව
Kallady,Kalladi (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
GALADIYA
Map
ගල්අඩිය
Kalladichchenai(SriGonakanda[Trincomalee])
GALADIHENA
Ruined dagaba and pre-christian inscriptions found here,
linking the site to the "PaashanaPabbatha Vihara" of King Mahanaga.
This area is close to the Elachchaan Pattu archaeological zone
where Brahmi-Sinhala inscriptions from 3-1 century BCE was found in 1956.
The Lankapatuna Vihara (Muhudu Vihara) is ~6 km south of this site.
Other inscriptions dating to the 5th Century CE are also found.
A 16th century Tamil inscription is also known from here.
See, Ephi. Zey. Vol VI, Part 1, and the Sinhala article
(Silumina 05-aug-07) under "Vishesaanga".
Map
ගල්අඩිහේන
Kalliaditivu,Kalladitivu (Mannarama)
GALADI DOOVA
Small island south of Velanai (Bellana) and Uruthota (Kayts).
ගල්අඩි දූව

Kallanpattu (sri Gonakanda[Trincomalee])
KALLANPATTUVA
Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982
10th century inscriptions.
'Kallan' probably refers to an outcast 'kafeer' social group
Hence this name is probably not the ancient place name.
Labeled #139 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
කල්ලන්පත්තුව
Kallar(Sri Gonakanada[Trincomalee]) Galvaraya
This is at the mouth of the Yan Oya (Yan aru), and is believed
to be the historic harbour where Thapssu and Bhalluka
embarked (Poojaavaliya). This may also be the harbour
referred to as "Deegamandala Thitta". See article by E. Medhananda, 2001
in the "Felicitation volume for "Budungala Loku Hamuduruvo".
See entry under Tiriyaya.
ගල්වරාය
Kallar, Kallaru, Kalaru (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
GALAARA, GALOYA
This is close to the mouth of the Galoya river
It was used by Rajasinghe II to launch the attack on the Portuguese
in Puliyanduva (Is.); today Galaara is used by the SL armed forces.
map
In Tamil Nadu, kallar is the name of a caste.
This caste is not seen in the SL-tamil hierarchy
Kallar here is the same as the Sinhala 'Galara', a rocky stream.
See also 'Periyakallar'
ගල් ආර
Kallaru, Kallaaru, Kalaru (Puttalama [Wilpattuwa National park])
GALAARA, GALOYA
The Wilpattu Forest Complex has nine adjacent Forest reserves, namely, Maraichukaddi/Karadikkuli (karadiya-kuliya) (Kallaru) Galaara Forest Reserve, Periyakuriyatti Kulam Forest Reserve, and Vilanththimulam Forest Reserve, Wilpattu North Sanctuary, Thabbova Sanctuary, Veppal Forest Reserve, Mavillu Forest Reserve, Periyamarippu Forest Reserve, and Veerakkuli Cholai-Eluwankulam Forest Reserve. Since 2009 at the Northern Sanctuary bordering Wilpattu, ilegal deforestation has begun. The road (B379) through the Wilpattu National Park accelerated deforestation and illegal settlements with the covvert support of politicans. The Galara forest area came under threat in 2011 onwards. Wilpattu site visit and report by the Enviromental Foundation, 2018 On 16th November 2020 the Courts ordered the Member of Parliament and ex-Minister Rishad Bathiudeen to be prosecuted for clearing part of the Galara (Kallaru) forest, in a judgment responding to Attorney-at-Law Ravindranath Dabare who filed the petition in 2015 challenging the destruction of the forest reserve. Island Newspaper report by Rathinda Kurawita, 17-11-20
In Tamil Nadu, kallar is the name of a caste.
This caste is not seen in the SL-tamil hierarchy
Kallar here is the same as the Sinhala 'Galara', a rocky stream.
See also 'Periyakallar'
ගල් ආර

Kallaru, Kalaru(Vannimava[Vavniya])
GALARA, GALAARA
There is also an adjacent 'Galaara Amuna' here.
This is an ancient Buddhist site; it is listed in the Archaeo. Dep. report, 1982.
Labeled #112 in Vanni Buddhist sites map. Note that there is also a 'Kal Aru', i.e, "Gal Aara", a water stream which falls to the eastern board near Mooladoova (Mullaitivu)
Label #113 is a site known as Galaare' amuna.
ගල් ආර
Kallichcha(Madakalapuwa[Batticaloa])
GALISSA
Map
ගලිස්ස
Kalliyadi (Mannarama [Mannar])
GALADIYA, GALLIYADDA
This is on the coast, between Palaamaduva and Bellanvaeva (Vellankulam), north of Mannar. The sinhala name "Gal-liyadda" may have also been used.
ගල්අඩිය
ගල්ලියැද්ද
Kallikai (yapanaya[Jaffna])
IBBBAAVA
' Kalli' in T. and 'Ibba' in S. both refer to 'tortoise'
Map
ඉබ්බාව
Kallikaddaikkadu(Mannarama[Mannar])
IBBAKATUKALÉ
Disc. 'Kaddai' has no meaning in T., 'Kaddu' and 'Kadu' taken as Katu,
i.e, in Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telegu , kāḍu means 'forest', as in Sinhala 'Kaelé
Map
ඉබ්බකටුකැලේ
Kallikulam, Kallikkulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
IBBAVA`WA
Another Ibbavava('Kallikkulam') in mannar district.
Disc. In T., கல்லி could (p 772 MTL), mean tortoise, or 'Ibba' in S.
Map
ඉබ්බවැව
Kalimadu(madakalapuwa[Batticaloa])
GAALMADUVA
Map
ගල්මඩුව
Kallikaddaikadu (Mannarama[Mannar])
IBIKATUKALE', the E' as in Less
Disc.- See kallikulam.
13 km south east of mannar.
ඉබිකටුකැලේ
Kallundai (Japanaya [Jaffna])
GALUNDA
Disc.- Located three kilometers from jaffna, this has served as a garbage dump. "Kal" and the Sinhala "Gal" referes to a rock or stone formation, shaped in the form of a "(th)unda whch may indicate a hollow, beak shaped (c.f., thuda) formation
ගල්මන්ඩ
Kalmadu (Mannaram[Mannar])
GALMADUWA
Note that there is also a ' kalmadu' in Vavniya, but not located in maps.
Map
ගල්මඩුව
Kalmadu(madakalapuwa[Batticaloa])
Galmaduwa
Fishing village, 15 km N of Batti, heavily damaged by the Tsunami.
This is near Bintharahena(Brynthuraichenai)
ගල්මඩුව

Kalmadu(Gokanna[Trincomalee])
GALMADUVA
Ancient Buddhist site.
The name may have originated from the many stone pillars found here.
Remnants of old buildings, and other artifacts abound. A clay animal
figurine found here is displayed at the Gokanna(Trinco) museum.
Labeled #140 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
ගල්මඩුව

Kalmattankulam, Kalnattankulam(Vannimava[Vavniya])
GALMAETTAN VAEVA
Ancient Buddhist site.
Labeled #129 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
ගල්මැට්ටන්වැව
Kalmunai (Ampare)
GALMUNNA, GAL-AMUNA
Also Kalmunaikudi,GALMUOONTHUDA
'galmunna', Galmoona, means stone embankment or facing-point in the shore, and a harbour may have
existed here ("Deegamandala Thitta") See article by Ellawala Medhananda, 2001
in the "Felicitation volume for "Budungala Loku Hamuduruvo".
Strong Tsunami damages, Science 28 January 2005: 502-504
DOI: 10.1126/science.307.5709.502
Small Dutch fort
Regional map
ගල්මුන්න
Kalmunai (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
GALMUNNA, GAL-AMUNA
Amuna m ay refer to a bund, wall or cliff.   Regional map
ගල්මුන්න
Kalnattankulam (Vannimava[Vavniya])
GALMAETTAN VAEVA
Ancient Buddhist site; in the list by Archaeo. Dep. Mr. Somasiri, 1982
See Kalmattankulam.
ගල්මැට්ටන් වැව
Kal Oya, Kaloya, Kaloyai (Gal Oya valley)
GALOYA
There is also, Kaloya sandi, which is GAL OYA HANDIYA, and similar derived names in the Gal-Oya valley area. Gal Oya scheme is the river valley irrigation and settlement scheme developed during the D. S. Senanayake era to reclaim the ancient Digamadulla area which went back to pre-Christian times.
B. H. Farmer, a Cambridge Geographer has written a balanced analysis about this development effort. D. S. Senanayake, and Dudley Senanayake took great care to avoid the charge of communal discrimination by appointing a preponderence of prominent Tamils (like Mr. Kanagasundaram, Sri Kantha etc.) to run the Gal Oya Board, and many Tamil engineers were the executives of the program. Ponnamblam had already made this accussation in front of the Soulbury commission which rejected it, using extensive briefing from its research wing made up of the colonial civil service. However, Ponnambalam and Chelvanayagam were always ready to make such ethically inflammatory accussations. Finally, the Eelam movement labeled Senanayake as a Sinhalese chuvinist who "colonized the exclusive homelands of the Tamils". Some Sinhalese labeled the Senanayakes as a black colonials in cabal with the "Colombo Tamils". But D. S. Senanayake, and his son Dudley were great visionaries who attempted to follow the model of the ancient hydrulic civilization of Lanka, and did their best to be fair-handed, within a pro-western liberal-capitalist tradition.
ගල් ඔය
Kalpitti, Kalpittiyam, Kalpitiya (Puththalama [Puttlam])
GALPITIYA, KALPITIYA
The Dutch called it Calpentyn, or Calpetty. The name "PITIYA" is probably a corruption of the older name "GAL-PATUNA", where "patuna" refers to a coastal harbour, used as such even during Rajasingha's time. The dutch form "pentyn" is clearly a modification of "patuna". Christianized Tamils from Mannar were brought here by the Dutch. The name "Kalpitti" was adapted into Tamil from "Calpentyn". The modern sinhalized form "Kalpitiya" is hence probably not directly drawn from the original "Galpatuna".
Illustrations and views of Dutch Ceylon 1602-1796, by de Silva and Beumer (1988).
Kala Oya flows into the sea north of kalpitiya.
Emerson Tennent remarks in his book on Ceylon (1859) "One of the most remarkable animals on the coast is the plant eating dugong, numbers of which are attracted to the inlets, from the bay of Calpentyn (Kalpitiya) to Adam's Bridge, by the still water and the abundance of marine algae in these parts of the gulf. One, which was killed in Mannar and sent to me in Colombo in 1847, measured upwards of seven feet in length, but specimens considerably larger have been taken at Calpentyn". The Dutch built a fort here and attempted to control King Rajasinghas trade with India. The area is popular with divers, snorkelers and nature lovers. The Vilpaththu (Wilpattu) reserve is close by, and the war with the LTTE has touched this region. The old Dutch fort is currently used by the Navy. The Festival of St. Anne is held on July 26.
ගල්පිටිය
කල්පිටිය

Kalukundanmaduva,Kalukundanmaduwa(Vannimava[Vavniya])
Not a significantly tamilized name
Ancient Buddhist site, listed in Archeo. dept. Somasiri compilation.
Labeled #127 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
කලුකුඳන්මඩුව
Kalundiai,Kaullundaai,Kalundiaay (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
GALINDIYA
'Gal' in Sinhala, 'Kal' in Tamil refer to 'stones' or rock.
'Diya' is water, and this designates a rocky flow of water, possibly
also indicating a scarcity of water in the flow.
ගලි න්දිය
Kalutavalai, Kaluthavalai, Kazhuthaavalai கழுதாவளை (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
KATUKILIYAVALA
'Katu-Kili", or "Katu-Ikili" is the throny shrub Acanthus illcifolius, known in Tamil as "Kalutai-mulli", and "Kalumul" in Malayalam. "Val" means, in the present context, a small thicket.
කටුකිලිවල
Kaluwanchikudi (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
KALUPANCHITHUDA
කලු ප න්චි තුඩාව
Kaluwankemy, Kaluwenkemy, Kaluvankerni (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
KALUVANGAMA
Recent history linked with three Vedda tribes(Varige)
Vedda-vellar, Motukaduveddda, Kurangudinni-vedda
These veddas fish, in addition to hunting.
කලුවන්ගම
Kalvettai (Vannimava [Vanviya])
GALVAETA
ගල් වැට
Kalvian, Kalvilan (Mannarama [Mannar])
GALVILA, Galdiaya
Disc.- "Galvila" means stoney pond. There is some evidence that area may have been called "galdiya". 'Galdiya', literally Stone water, probably is an illicit "toddy". Also, in T., "kalliyam→galdiyam" could mean a fermented liquor"
This small town is 3km south west of Dunkukaya (Tuhunukkai) and has been an important garrison town of the LTTE till August 2008. Defence report   see Map
ගල්විල
Kalviankadu, Kalviankaadu (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
GALVILKADA, GALDIYAKADA
Disc.- GALVILKADA is the older name. 'Galdiyakada' is a thicket where "Galdiya=hooch", i.e, toddy, was brewed. For an account of the village, and a trip along A9
See We arrived in Kalviankaadu, my mothers village.
ගල්විල්කඩ
Kalviankadu, Kalliankaddu(Madakalapuwa[Batticaloa])
GALAVILKADA
This is within 5 Km of Batticaloa
ගල්විල්කඩ
Kambermalai, Kambarmalai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
JAMBUKANDA, jambaramale
This is a village close to Vali-vaeti-thara (Valvettithurai).
The first LTTE soldier casualty, Sathiyanathan
alias Shankar or Suresh died on 27-nov-1982
Shankar's sister was married to 'Soosai' (Thilaiamblam Sivanesan,
Sea Tiger Commander.)
ජමිඹුකන්ද

Kanagarayankulam, Kanakarayankulam, Kangarayam kulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
GANARAJAWAEVA
Labeled #36, #121 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
Two other sites by the same name,in Mannarama and Mooladoova; see below.
Vavniya:-important LTTE battles, Sept.-Nov. 1999
LTTE air-strip.
10 miles south of Maanavaeva(Mankulam), on the A9
War, 199
ගනරාජවැව

Kanagarayankulam, Kanakarayankulam, Kangarayam kulam(mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
GANARAJAWAEVA
Labeled #36, in Vanni Buddhist sites map
Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri.
ගනරාජවැව
Kanakarayankulam (Mannarama [Mannar])
GANARAJAWAEVA
See Map
ගනරාජවැව

Kanchuramoddai, Kanduramoddei(Mooladoova[Mulaitivu])
KADURUMOTTE,   (KAHAMBILIMOTTE),
'Motte ← Modde ← Made' signifies a muddy, swampy place. The Latin word for 'marsh' is 'madeo', while Skrt. 'manda' means slime. Tamil word for mud could be "akaru", 'cetumpu", "ceru", "kesaru", "man-". This location is labeled #41 in Buddhist sites map. Ancient Buddhist site, listed in the Archaeo. Dept. report; Somasiri,1982
Kanchura, kanchiram, or Kandura is used in T, K etc. for Strychnos nux vomica, 'Godakaduru' in Sinhala. It may also be a name for a type of climbing nettle, "Kahambiliya". We use the transformation of of the name of the 3rd century BCE "Kadurugoda" shrine to "Kantharodai", in guiding our analysis.
Map
(කහඹිලිමොටේ)
කදුරුමොටේ
Kanchirankuda, Kaangchirangkuda, காஞ்சிரங் குடா (Madakalapuva [Batticaloa])
KADURUTHUDUVA
'Kaduru' is Sinhala for Strychnos nux vomica, kanchiram in T.
See entry under 'Kanchuramoddai'.
කදුරුතුඩුව
Kandavalai (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
KANDAVALA
Regional map
කන්ද වල
Kandaladi (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
KANDAWADIYA
කන්ද වාඩිය
Kandarodai((Yapanaya [Jaffna])
See Kantharodai
කදුරුගොඩ
Kandasamymalei, Kandasamimalei (SriGonakanda [Trincomalee])
NEETHUPATHPANA
This ancient village is close to Tiriyaya
Hist. There is a hill with three meditation caves and Brahmi inscriptions,
Thuparama-style `vatadage' with stone pillars and Stupa.
Stupa is now a mound of earth. Many stone pillars removed to the village
and used to build a new Saiva Kovil.
This site is vandalized by politicized groups
නීතුපත්පන
Kanjikudichchi Aru, Kanjikudichchi kulam, kanchikudichchi- (Ampare)
KanjikudiAru, Kagnchikudichchaaru, etc.
KANDI-KA`DICHCHA Ara, KANDI-KA`DICHCHA WEWA, KAENDA-KAAPU VAEVA
Disc. Name has been recorded in maps, and in the Gazzetter
as `Kangi-kadichi-' ara.
The name may mean `the tank with broken bunds'
However, the tank would have had a name before the `bunds' fell.
Gieger in his Mahavamsa refers to Dhigavapi as being "Kandiya-katta" tank.
See also the entry under Irakkamam (Dighavapi)
Another meaning: In both S. and T.,
`tank (where) broth was drunk'.
However, 'Kudi' There is no clear evidence for the latter.
The name is clearly a confusing literal tamilization.
After an evaluation of the data, we suggest:
KANDAGODA ARA, KANDAGODA VAEVA
and is close to Kanadakudi aru etc.
Hist. There are Buddhist ruins on the two hills on either side
of the tank bund. One hill has a 20 ft. dagaba which has been pillaged
A Hindu Kovil is being built on another ruined site, using ancient
stone slabs and pillars
The other hill has 11 caves which may have been used for meditation
One cave has a stone inscription with Brahmi (early Sinhala) inscriptions
circa 2nd century B. C. or older
Other stone slabs are dated to be
circa 8th century. An un-permitted Ganseh Kovil is being built here.
When the archaeological dept. attempted to declare this a protected zone,
the file was mysteriously lost from the Ampare kachcheri. Subsequent to
that, this area has been under LTTE control.
See Archaeo. Dept. file EC/B/E/43 folio 42-44.
කන්ඩිකැඩිච්ච
--ආර,
--වැව
Kangankulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
SANGAMVAEVA
සංගම්වැව

Kankesanthurai, KKS (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
DAMBAKOLATHOTA, JAMBUKOLANTHARA,Dambakolapatuna
Jambukolapattana, Dambakolapatuna, Sambilithura, Sambilithurai
The name is often abbriviated to "KKS".
The ancient names are given in the Bodhivamsa and other Pali chronicles.
Etymology  The Sinhala "Patuna" (e.g., as in Yapa Patune, c.f., Jaffna) and the corresponding Sanskrit/Pali words "pattana", "pakkana" are used in the Mahabharata to denote a town or village, and "Dharmapattana" is a name given to the city of "Sravasti" in Pali.
-------
Enter Pattana into Univ. of Cologne dictionary
'Jambukola' in Mahawamsa , hence
'Jambukolanthota' would be the port or 'theetha' at Jambukola
'thota ='thara'; Jambu → Kampu → Kan; Kolanthara → kesanthuraei
-------
An ancient road connecting K. to Anuradhapura existed.
Sangamitta, said to be Emperor Asoka's daughter, is said to have brought the 'Bodhi sapling' via this port ~3rd century BCE. An entourage of many artisans and technologists accompanied her, providing support to the construction projects of the city of Anuradhapura. The Language of Sri Lanka (earliest form of Elu) at that time seems to have been a form of Southern Prakrit probably very close to Asokan Prakrit (Maagadhi)

See also, entry under 'Champththurai', and Sambilithurai

The Yaaldevi train ran between Colombo and Jaffna and Kankesanthurai until 1990 (i.e., prior to the destruction of the tracks by the separatist LTTE. But since the end of the war (2009), the tracks have been repaired in stages. It is extended to Dambakolathota (Kankasanthurai) in 2013, completing 160 km of track from Vannimava (Vavniya). Yal Devi arrives in Jaffna in 2014, and then KKS.

This town housed the earliest Cement factory in Sri Lanka, established during the time G. G. Ponnambalam was the minster of Industries in the early UNP governments. This was an important theater of war and provided a maritime connection between Trincomalee and the Peninsula during the Eelam-iV war.

Not far from here, Admiral Daya Sandagiri, then Commander Northern naval area was instrumental in building Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Vihara at Sambilturai. The work begun in 1997 was completed in 2005.

This is the terminus of the "yaal-devi" train which starts from Colombo and reaches KKS after some 450km. The track was bombed at Kokavila in 1985 by the LTTE terrorists who systematically vandalized all the train stations north of Vannimava (Vavniya).
The state of the turn table at Kankesan used to rotate the engine, as seen in 2009. The station was destroyed by the LTTE
දඹකොලතොට
Kankuvel(Sri Gonakanda[Trincomalee])
HAKGEDIVAELLA
c.f., Sankuveli in Jaffna.
හක්ගෙඩිවැල්ල
Kannaddy (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
GAMNADIYA
ගංනදිය
Kannakipuram Kannagipuram (Ampare)
PATTINIPURA, Paththinipura
Meaning: The Sinhala 'Pattini (Paththini)' is usually identified with the Hindu Kannaki Amman, whose temples are common in Batti., Ampara and other parts of Sri lanka. Popular Sri Lankan Buddhism also accommodates homage to Goddess Kannaki. The Mariyamman (Mari amman) goddess cult is closely related but seems to date from about the 15th century. The Saivites prefer Mariyamman to Pattini. The name "Paththnipura" probably dates back to pre-christian times. The relationship of 'Pattini' with the Kataragama Shrine to Alexander (Iskander or Skanda), and the story of the 'Kiri-vehera' also need more research. Fire walking, long associated with the Pattini-kannaki cult is celebrated at the Katharagama shrine to Skanda.
see regarding The Pattini cult in Sri lanka by Padmanathan.
Kannaki Amma was invoked against plague and small pox, hence the usage 'amma-warunge leda'. Pattini was considered a 'guardian deity' of Lanka at one time. Other 'deities like "Devol' of Seenigama should be considered in the context of Pattini worship, as well as the Vijaya legend. For a folk-lore account, see Seenigama Devale and animistic rituals, Chulie de Silva.
The shrine on the beach “Welle Dewale,” Unawatuna, Chulie de Silva
The Indian tradition regarding 'Pattini' is verified in 'Silappathigaram' (Cilappatikaram), while the Sri lankan versions 'Kannaki valakurai kavyam', and "Manimekalai' are 2nd Century Tamil poems about the Daughter of Kannaki who became a Buddhist nun.
The story involves Pandyan Kings in Madurai. The early Pandiyans (and many southern Kings) preferred fair-skinned North Indian women as queens, and hence the Pandyans were closely linked with the Gupta dynasty. Even the mother of the Chola king Karikalan was a Gupta princess, and he was hence known as 'Sundara Gupta'. It should be noted that in the Vijaya legend, after getting rid of Princess Kuveni (Ku-veni) (i.e., literally, dark-coloured princess), Vijaya seeks a bride from the family of the queen in Madurai, i.e., a North Indian princess of the Gupta lineage!

In the Cilappatikaram (Silappatikaram) account Kannaki is a chaste, stern, dutiful female character married to Kovilan, a male figure who falls for a courtesan named Madhavi (of Jain faith) and wastes the family fortune. Kannaki forgives him and gives him one of a pair of golden anklets, to be used in the city of Madurai to raise money for his business. But he is falsely arrested on the charge of having stolen the anklet from the queen of the Pandyan king, and beheaded. Kannaki appears before the king in righteous rage, displays the duplicate of the anklet as proof and curses the king and his kingdom. She rips off her left breast, throwing out flames which immolate her, the king's court and the entire city. Kannanki herself rises to heaven and is today revered as the goddess 'Paththini' (Pattini). In today's context, the use of female suicide bombers by the LTTE, with their explosives hidden around their brassieres or belts, clearly has some cultural resonance with the idea of the 'Pattini' goddess and many other sacrifice symbols of Hinduism. A vigorous continuing discussion of these ideas and the more matter-of-fact treatment (e.g. see Dying to Win by Robert A. Pape) may be found in various articles, e.g., M. Roberts, "Self-Annihilation - Tamil Tigers & Beyond: Cultural Premises inspiring sacrificial suicidal acts." Dec. 2007. See also William Harman, Women, Theosis, and Sacrificial Violence in Sri Lanka, Oct. 2008
See entries under Kannankuda, Gomarankadawala, Chankanai, Madhu etc.
පත්තිනිපුර
Kannankiramam(SriGonakanda[Trincomalee])
HAANAGAMA, KAENNAKIRAMA
khananastambha. Disc.- 'Kirama' (kiramama in T.) is from the Skrt.
'Graama → gama' in S., while Skrt. 'khanana' may
be the source word for the Sinhala 'Kaeneema', to excavate, dig',
and 'haana', i.e., to 'plough' in Sinhala.
Also, is not clear if 'Gannan' or 'Kannan' refers to a
priestly caste or a toddy-tapping caste ('shanan → kannan').
Kannan cult is close to the Paththini cult of Sri lanka.
Kannagi or Kannaki is the heroine of the Silapathikaram.
'Kannan' in Tamil may also mean Krishna or Vishnu.
See entries under Gomarankadawala, Chankanai, etc.
This is a village near Valashena (Valaichenai); no map.
හානගම
කැන්න කිරම
Kannankuda (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
KAENNATHUDAVA,
Disc.- Skrt. 'khanana' may be the source word for the Sinhala 'Kaeneema',
to excavate, dig, and 'Haana', i.e., to 'plough' in Sinhala.
Also, is not clear if 'Gannan' or 'Kannan' refers to a
priestly caste or a toddy-tapping caste ('shanan → kannan').
Also, Kannagi is the heroine of the Silapathikaram.
See entries under Gomarankadawala, Chankanai, etc.
There is a 'Kannagi Amman' temple in Kannankuda
killings at Kannagi temple
Map
කැන්න තුඩාව
Kannantanai(Galthudawa[Kalkuda])
KANNANTAENNA, GANNANTHEANA
See entries under Kannankuda, Gomarankadawala, Chankanai, etc.
'Thaenna' is a common sinhala ending for 'place', location
In pure Tamil the usage is '(s)thaanam', and the form 'thanai'
found only in Sri Lanka is probably a sign of adaptation from Sinhala.
map
කැන්න තැන්න
Kannantivu (Japanaya [Jaffna])
KAENNA DOOVA
See entry under Kannankuda, for etymology
This is a small island near Uruthota (Kayts) and Pugngadiva (Pungutivu).
කැන්න දූව

Kannimaduva, Kannimaduwa(Vannimava[Vavniya])
Ancient Buddhist site
Labeled #119 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
කැන්න මඩුව
Kanniya (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
KANNIYAWA, UNUDIYAAVA
Meaning: Perhaps similar to the shortening of Kanya-kumari
in Tamil Nadu to Kannia
Unudiya→Ana-diya→anan-niya→Kanniya is a possible sequence. Kannaki-Amma (Mari Amman) temple and hot springs near by.
see pictures etc.
උනුදියාව
කැන්නියාව
Kantalai, Kanthalai, Kandhalaai (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
GANTALE (GANTALAVA)
Hist.De Queyroz: "Gantale", Tenent's map: "Gantalava"
Stone seat inscription in Sinhala by King Nissankamalla (12 CE).
There is also a GANTALAWA near by, but separate from Gantale (Kantalai)
The Gantale tank was built by Agrabodhi II in the 7th C. AD.
MAP
ගංතලේ
Kantarodai, Kantharodai, Kandarodai, Kandharodai((Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KADURUGODA,KADIVUNGODA, KANDAGODA
Kadivungoda is the earliest form, while the later 'Nampotha' uses 'Kadurugoda'. Indraratne (Thesis, 1965) writes: "Kantarodai has yielded very important Buddhist finds, which prove the existence of an important Buddhist establishment in the region in early times. Such artifacts as the glazed tiles and the circular discs discovered here have helped to connect the finds with those of Anuradhapura. Sinhala Nampotha, dated in its present form to the fourteenth or fifteenth century, preserves the names of some of the places of Buddhist worship in the Jaffna peninsula. Kantarodai is mentioned among these places. The others are Nagakovila (Nakarkovil), Telipola (Tellippalai), Mallagama (Mallakam), Minuvangomu Viharaya (Vimankamam), Tannidivayina (Tana-tivu or Kayts), Nagadivayina (Nakativu or Nayinativu), Puvangudivayina (Punkutu-tivu) and Karadivayina (Karaitivu).
The name "Kandaroda" is probably from the Pali "Kandara" (ara) which is today tamilized to "valuka aru". The name 'Kadhiramalai' is also found in Tamil works, and sometimes identified with the "city of Singai". However, see Rasanyakam History of Jaffna.
kanchiram' is used in T., for Strychnos nux vomica, 'Godakaduru' in Sinhala.
Opposition to Buddhist archaeologists
hist. Ancient Buddhist center, 200BC
Inscription in Sinhala by King Dappula IV (10 CE).
historical
Ancient Buddhist Stupas at Kadurugoda (Kantarodai) circa 200 BCE
Kadurugoda Stupas (2-3rd century BCE)
Detail of a ruined stupa at Kadurugoda (Kantarodai) 2-3 century BCE
කදුරුගොඩ
Kanthaudaiyarpuvarasankulam(Vannimava[Vavniya])
KANDA-UDA-SOORIYAVAEVA, &nbsdp, PODI-SOORIYAVAEVA
map
කන්දඋඩසූරියවැව
පොඩිසූරියවැව
Kanthapuram (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
KANDHAPURA
Disc. Related to Skanda (?)
කන්ධපුර
Kanthasamynagar (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
KANDAHIMIPURA
meaning: kandaswami is 'Skanda'.
කඳහිමිපුර
Kappaladi (Puttalama)
TALAVILA, KABALADISSA
This means 'accident' (adissa) to the boat(Kabala), or 'shipwreck'
The Talvila catholic shrine to St. Anne is located here.
තලවිල
Kappalthurei, Kappalthurai(SriGonakanda[trinco])
HABALTHOTA
'habla' in Sinhala is a 'paddle' and 'habalthota' implies a marina.
In Tamil, 'Kappal' can mean a 'boat' or a guard or watchman
Indian Tamil, Muslim and Sinhala settlers in cultivation schemes since 1977
War Frequent LTTE/SLF clashes, Claymore bombs etc. e.g., April 2006
Ethnic cleansing by the LTTE
map
හබල්තොට
Kapputhoo, kapuththo (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KAPUDOOVA
see Jaffna map1
This is the North_Eastern end of the lagoon (vila විල) which starts from the Jaffna lagoon near Navathkuliya. Madduvila is at the mid point of the lagoon and is mentioned in the campaignes of Parakramabahu-I as a harbour for his ships.
කපුදූව
Karachchi, (Giranikke[Killinochchi])
KARACHCHIYA
"Kara" refers to a location close to the shore. ``Rachchiya'' is derived from "(a)rajjya", which refers to an administrative center, occupied by an "Aarachchi". Thus Karachchi, or "Kara-rajji" was an old administrative center in the region, maintained mainly to collect taxes associated with the trade in the area, going across the Uttara Desha and the Vanni.   Regional map
කරච්චිය
Karadumunai, Kaaradumunai (Puttalama)
KARADIMUNNA
"Karadiya" refers to salt water-i.e., a location close to the shore. See Kalpitiya area
කරදිමුන්න
Karadipokku (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
KARADIYABOKKA
see also "Karadippooval." See Map and news, 2008
කරදියබොක්ක
Karadippooval, Karadippuval, கரடிப்பூவல் (Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
KARADIYAVALA
Disc.- Karadya-vala refers to salty water holes, mostly found in
arid coastal areas. 'Kara' means sea shore in Sinhala and in Tamil also.
This place name is found in Madakalapuva, Gokanna(trincomalee),
Mooladoova(Mullaitivu) Puththalama and Hambantota.
Poval can also mean a large well in Tamil, cognate with the sinhala "vala". In Tamil,'Karadi' may mean 'bear'.
Hence Karadippooval and suggest watering hole used by bears.
However, that is unlikely since no such name is found in the middle of the
Vanni (i.e, away from brackish water) where there are many bears
and watering holes as well.
කරදියවල
Karadiyanaru (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
KARADIYAARA, KARADIYAOYA
Disc.- 'Karadi' in Tamil may mean bear, and 'Karadiyanaru' may be
stretched to mean 'river frequented by bears.
'karadu, karaddi' may also mean rugged terrain in Tamil.
Also 'Kara' means seashore both in Sinhala and Tamil.
Meaning In S. and in T., 'sea-water, i.e, brackish water stream'
කරදියආර
Karaitivu(Puttalama)
Karadiva
Island between Puttalama lagoon and Munthalama (Mundal) lagoon
කරදූව
Karaitivu (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
Karadiva, Karadipa, Ahidipa
Ancient Buddhist ruins. Near Pungudoova (Pungutivu). This is an island near modern "Nagadipa", and mentioned in the Akitta Jataka which is one of the few Jataka stories that refers to south India. The Bodhisatva, i.e. the acetic Akkitta left Benares and came to Karadipa via Kavirapattanam (a town close to Bangalore). A "Kara tree" (Canthium parviflorum) on the Island becomes the refuge of the ascetic. It is probably the origin of the place name. According to the Jataka story, Karadipa was known as Ahi-dipa (i.e, snake-island). The Jataka mentions that God Sakra visited Akitti in Karadipa.
කරදූව
Karainagar, Kaarainakar, காலரநகர் (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KARANAGARA
Meaning. In S. and T., town by the sea, or the town of kaara leaves.
Ancient Buddhist site, mentioned in the Nampotha as 'Karadivayina'. Kalinga Magaha invaded Sri Lanka in 1215 AC and Karainagar was one of the ports used by him, when Pandyan and Chola mercenaries were brought to stock him army.
It was known even in Tamil as 'Kaaraitheevu'. The name change occurred with the construction of the Punnali causeway in the late 19th Century, and officially in 1922. Dutch records give the name 'Nieuw Amsterdam'. However, its oldest name was 'Kaaradeepa', also previously known as 'Ahideepa', as stated in the Buddhist Akitti Jaathaka, which relates the story of the Buddhist recluse Akitti who came to Kaaradeepa. Akitti lived on a diet of Kaara leaves. Hence the name may have arisen from 'Kaara', a thorny shrub. The Paali name 'Kaara' is used even in south Indian inscriptions. Thus Tamil inscriptions (Udayendiram copper plates) refer to Kaara trees, said to be Webera tetrandra. The 'bodhsathva' Akitti is also known as Agastiya in the Jaataka maala,
but Malalasekera warns against confusion with the Vedic Sage Agastiya. Even today there is an ancient Buddhist site known as Vearppiddi (Veherapitiya). Megalithic burial sites are found at Chaththiranthai (Chatrangana - i.e., arena for hoisting flags.)
Karainagar had a Nordic boat-building aid program since the 1980s.
The Dutch also built a small fort called Hammenhiel. The leader of the JVP insurection of 1917 nd 1989, Rohana Wijeweera was detained at Fort Hammenhiel.
Fort Hammenhiel has a local Tamil name, Poothath thambik kOddai, and may be translates as "fort of the brother of the pootham (the ghost)). May be the locals identified the Dutch as being related to ghosts and spirits.
Hammenheil is used today as a
SL Naval Base The nay also runs a fine restaurant here. The government naval base located in this island is named Elara.
කරානගර

Karadikulam, Karatikulam (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
VALASVAEVA
Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982
Disc.- 'Karati' in Tamil, 'Karadi' in M, K, Te could refer to the black bear.
'Valasa' in S. also refers to the black bear typical of its forests.
Needless to say, there are several 'Valasvaeva' locations.
Labeled #96, also #98 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
වලස්වැව
Karadikkuli(Mannarama[Mannar])
KARADIKULIYA
Disc.- Here 'Karadi' refers to salty water.
The word `Kuli' was used in old sinhala for hamlet or village. 288 the verse (9th century), Sigiri Mirror-wall, "I am Gunakara (of) Ambagam-kuli (of the) Northern Province
කරදිකුලිය
Karampon, Karampan, கரம்பன் (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KARAMBAPONA, Karampana
Meaning: 'Pon' in T. may be 'gold' and not contextually meaningful, and 'Karam' cannot be attributed. However, Tamil Karampai may mean barren/rugged land. In S., 'pana', 'pona' indicate a village or habitation; the name may mean a presence of a type of trees, e.g., as in Kirulapona. Sinhala 'Karamba' tree is "Carissa spinarium" or "Carissa carandas" (Heen Karamba)
'Kaaram' may mean alkaline or lime-like, and might indicate a region of harsh, poor soil.
See trees in Sri Lanka forests
කරඹ
Karanavai(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
KARNAEBA
This means "near the shore" in Sinhala.
see Jaffna map1
කරනැබ
Koravakukulam(Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
KORAVAKVAEVA
Ancient Buddhist site; in the list by Archaeo. Dept., Somasiri, 1982
කොරවක්වැව.
Karativ-pomparippu (Puttalam)
KARDOOVA-Ranparithaya
meaning Karadoova in S. or Karative in T. means a small
landmass by the sea. 'Pomparippu' is a name which exists by itself
T. gold, 'Pom' ↔ 'Ran' is gold in Sinhala; 'Parithaya'
is a place or distribution.
කරදූව-රන්පරිත්ත
Karativu (Ampare)
KARADOOVA
meaning Karadoova in S. or Karative in T. land by the sea
  Regional map Hist. Baldaeus,1658, Caradiva
කරදූව
Karaveddi (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KARAVA`DDA
Meaning: Veddi is tamilization of 'Va'dda', or approach road, cf. va`deema
'Kara' is (sea)shore or '(moodu)kara', in S. and also T.
President Premadasa's assassin, Kulaweerasingham Weerakumar alias 'Illango' alias 'Babu' was originally from Karaveddi. The place name Karaveddi is sometime shortened to "Karavai" in common local usage. President Premadasa's security, May Day 1993 see Jaffna map1 /td>
කරවැද්ද
Karaikattumulai(Vannimava[Vavniya])
KARAKATUMULLA, KURUNDA
Disc. - 'Kara' in S., and karai in T'. refere to the sea-shore.
King Agbo (6CE) had built a temple here in 'Kurunda'. Invading forces of Kalinga-Magha, and also Chandrabhanu, had military camps here. We do not have an unambiguous location for this place.
If you have more info., please write to <1--place.names@dh-web.org--> chandre.dharma@yahoo.ca
කුරුන්ද
කරකටුමුල්ල
Kariyalaimoddai (Giranikke [Killinochchi])
KURUVALMADE, KURAVALMADÉ
"karaval" here mean a dried, dark, stunted forest, while 'Madé' refers to a "muddy place". The Tamil "Kariyal", கருகல்-kurukal, could also mean "that which is black or charred" (MTL, page s195).
කුරුවල්මඩ
Kariyalaivayal (Giranikke [Killinochchi])
KURUVAL-VATHTHA
"karaval" here mean a dried, dark, stunted forest, while 'vathha; in Sinhala and 'Vayal' in Tamil are interchanged in usage and mean essentially the same thing. The Tamil "Kariyal", கருகல்-kurukal, could also mean "that which is black or charred" (MTL, page s195).
කුරුවල් වත්ත
Karaimullivaikkal, Karaiyamullivaikkal, Kariyalamullivaikkal (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
Karabatuagala, karabatu-vakkkadé KARABATUVAKKDE   ⚓name
Meaning:  In S., Agala is a channal or sewer. Vakkadadaya is a water sewer or "Agala, (va)ggala, vakkala". In Tamil vaikkal could also mean a water sewer or drain. "Mulli" could also refer to "batu", and "karabatu, vaelbatu" are types of "batu" which are adapted to the shore ecology. This village was largely reconstructed after the 2004 Tsunami, and had good housing used by the LTTE high command during thier "last stand" in May 2009. Capture of the coast near Karaimullivaikkal
This is in the No Fire Zone in 2009   designated in 2009 during the LTTE last stand
  Claims of civilian casulties in the NFZ
See discussion under "Mulliyavalai"
කරබටුවක්කඩේ
කරබටු අගල
Karandhai (Giranikke[Killinochchi])
KARANDA
"Kara" signifies near the shore.   Regional map
කරංද
Karugampanai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KALUGAMPANA
කලුගම් පන
Karukkakulam (Mannnarama)
KALUPINNA-VAEVA
Kalu-pinna, also called Gas-pinna is "Clerodendrum infortunatum". This is a location close to "Yodha vaeva", Giants Tank.
කලුපින්නවැව
Karungkodith-theevu, Karunkodditivu, Karunkottitivu கருங்கொடி த்தீவு (Ampare)
KALUKOLLADOOVA
This is a dark leaved creeper (bot. Cryptolepis buchananii) which gives a milky sap, used in local medicine.
කලු කොල්ල දූව
Karuntur malai
PIYANGALA පියංගල
see Piyangala,
Ancient Buddhist site.
Referred to by Henry Parker, british engineer, (sessional paper 8 of 1886 p 4-5. S.P. 46 of 1886 p 11, Ceylon Legislative Council)
පියංගල
Karuppaddamurippu, Karippaddamurippu (Mooladoova [Mulaitivu])
AETHUVAETIKANDIYA, KALUPATHMURAYA
'Athuvaeti' here means, 'elephant fell'.
see etymology of murippu
ඇතුවැටි ක න්ඩි ය
කලුපත්මුරය
Karuvaachchoalai(Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
KURUNDUGOLLA
Disc.- 'kurundu' is Sinhala for cinnamon (bot. Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
The earliest occurance of the sinhala word 'Kurunda-' is 100 CE, where King BhallaataNaga had built the "Kurundapasaka' temple. There are references to "kurunndavaapi'' (tank), Kurundaka velu (temple), and place names like "Kurundurata, Kurundaka, Kurundugamrata, etc. Ivory (British ccs) has suggested that Kurundurata is 'Kadavath Korale'. Given that the Pali texts also refer to "Kuru rata" in India, 'Kurundu' which may mean 'from Kuru', or originating from Kuru', suggests that cinnamon may have been brought from the land of 'Kuru' and planted in 'Kurundu rata', probably during Devanampiyatissa's time. Tamil for 'cinnamon' is Ilavangkam (or Ilavangkap-paddai). However, in SL, the sinhala 'Kura' has become converted to the form 'Karu' by a commonly found linguistic inversion, and the form kurap-pacholai → karuvaa-choli, where 'karuvaa' is a name for cinnomon found only in Sri-Lankan tamil, being a derivate from early sinhala. Another possibility is a derivation from "kayu manis" (sweet wood) found in Indonesian and malaysian usages (kayuma(nis)→karuva(nis)). 'Cinnamon gardens' or Kurunduvatta (Colombo-7) is called 'Karuvakkaadu' in Tamil. The english 'cinnamon' may be from ''chinese wood'' (cinna ← chinni, cheena is 'chinese' in many Indic languages. Some writers have attempted to connect the SL-tamil word 'Karuva' with the Tamil "Kaaral, Kaarppu or Kaalppu", meaning "pungent". However, these etymologies are not accepted in Tamil lexicons. 'Kurunthu' in tamil applies to 'Wild lime'(val dehi in S.). In effect, the etymology needs further research. Read about Different types of cinnamon
කුරුඳුගොල්ල
Karuvaakkeani (Valashena[Valaichennai)
KURUNDUKAENNA
Disc.- As discussed under Kurundugolla(Karuvaachchoalai), the
word 'karuvaa' is a tamil word for cinnamon, used exclusively in
Sri Lanka, and derived from a sinhala root word.
'Kaenna' is a dug-out area in the ground (pond); usually 'ayam',
'kuttam', 'kulam' in T.; however keani is used in SL-tamil and may be
a derivate of the sinhala 'kaenna'.
කුරුඳුකැන්න
Kathiraveli, Kathiraiveli, கதிரவெள (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
KADIRAVAELLA, KIHIRIVAELLA
The word 'Kadira', from Sanskrit, probably refers to Mimosa Catechu' of the 'accacia' family, and is the 'Kihiri' tree in Sinhala; and 'Karuveal' in Tamil. Other etymologies have been discussed., for example, early Tamil settlements here may have promoted the name 'Gatthara-vaella' where 'Gaththara ← Gothra' implied 'tribe'. The word Gaththara may have become 'Kaththira' and 'Kadir' etc. The name progression "Alexander" → "Iskander" (Persian),→ "Skander (Skanda)" → 'kadar' → "Kadir" shows the link with the 'Katharagama' Murugan Shrine. 'Veli' in Tamil, வெள (p 3806, Madras U Lexicon) does not mean 'sandy shore' as in Sinhala, but it has acquired such a meaning in Sri Lankan Tamil, due to the influence of Sinhala. Repeated military activity Map, and SLF in Jan. 2007
කදිරවැල්ල
කිහිරිවැල්ල
Kaththarsinnakulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
ADDARAPODIVAEVA.
අද්දරපොඩිවැව
Katakulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
KAETAVAEVA, anglicized to KetaVAEVA.
කැ ටවැව
Katsunai, Katsunei (Sri Gonakanda[Trincomalee])
KAETAHUNNA
Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982.
කැ ටහුන්න

Kattakulam (Sri Gonakanda [Trincomalee])
KASHTAVAEVA
Also, kattakulam Pattu is a regional name. This is an ancient Buddhist site; given in the list by Archaeo. Dept., Somasiri, 1982. Labeled #147 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
කෂ්ටවැව
Kattankudi, Kattankudy, Kathankudy, Kaathaankudi காத்தான்குடி (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
KAATTANKULIYA, KAADHANKULIYA

The name is pronounced "Kaa-th-thaan-kudy" and spelt as such in tamil. "Kattan", or "Kaattan" has no appropriate meaning in Tamil in the context of a PLACENAME. [Given the spelling kaaththan used with த rather than T= ட to give KaaTTan, it could mean "food munched and eaten". If two ட had been used, as in KaaTTAnai it could mean "wicked man".]

The word "Kudi" is often used as short for "Kudival", i.e., "Kula-variga" in Sinhala, which means "clan lineage". Hence "Kattankudi" may also be a caste name. (See the discussion of the Batticaloa caste system under Madakalapuva in this website). However, the main caste in the area is "Ellavakudi" (as also in Akkarapattuva, Saindamarudu and Potuvila). Hence we distinguish "Kaattanakudi" from caste-name related place names.
Consequently, a very likely etymological root is the name of the shrub Kaa Dhan (Kalu Dan, කලුදං ), i.e., a black-berry Syzygium cumini. So Kaadankuliya transformed into Kaathankuli and finally into Kaattankudi used mostly by Tamil speakers. Note that the word "Kalu", is often transformed in usage to "Kaa", as in "Kaa"-van-Tissa, or "Kalu Tissa", the father of Prince Dutu-Gemunu.

This was a sleepy Muslim town close to Madakalapuwa (Battticaloa) and Ampara. Today (2012 census) there are 44% Muslims in the district, although there were only about 30% in 1946 (census data). Sinhalese population decreased drastically during the Eelam wars. After the 1987 Indian enforcement of Provincial Councils, and with the rise of Mr. M. H. M. Ashraf, an all-Muslim political party came into being, inspired by the Tamil separatist movement in the North. Thus, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress was born in 1986 on an ethno-religious platform. The Religious leadership is led by the All Ceylon Jamiyyatul Ulama (ACJU) headed by a mufti. Many of these leaders believed that Islam is going to create a new political order not only in Sri Lanka, but through out the world, and adopted the Allahu Akbar salutation at their poltical meetings.

The electoral system with proportional-representation enabled candidates who identify themselves ethnically to enter parliament easily (the 12% needed was reduce to to 6% in the 1990s) thorugh small ethnic parties or splinter Leftist parties. Kattankudi and Ampara became a center of Muslim Hegemony, with a harbour (Oluvila), and a major town Madakalapuwa (Batticaloa), and University campuses roped into the Islamic orbit. Even Sharia law was allowedi as a means of winning votes, ignoring the implications. The main Stream politicians of the UNP and the SLFP wooed these groups, with little regard to national unity. Prior to the proportional representation system, Muslims contested from a national party and did not have an Ethnic party, where as the Tamils were the first to have an ethnic party (Tamil Congress) founded in the 1930s.

The Muslims of the Eastern province are Tamil speakers, with initially a "Mukkuwa" ancestry. However, with the rise of Muslim funadamentalism this town acquired an "Arab" character. Those who look for an Arab ancestry to Eastern Muslims have suggested that "Qatar-kudi" evolved into " Kattankudi"! However, there is no historical basis what so ever for the claim that the people of this area are immigrants from Qatar, or any other "Arab" region. Muslim politicians who have benefitted from oil-wealthy Gulf states have also pushed this idea and today many Eastern towns grow date trees and attempt to look like Arabian towns.

140 Muslims were murdered during prayer, August 1990 by the LTTE. More recently, conflict inside the Muslim community has arisen due to the growth of Wahhabism, allegedly funded by Gulf donors. Gulf donars who worked with prominent Mulsim leaders have also launched an Islamic University with the intention of teaching Sharia law. This adds to the unfortunate provisons for the marriage of under-age girls as well as polygamy allowed Under Muslim law for Sri Lankan Muslims. The scrutiny of Muslim politics that has resulted from Easter bombings of 2019 by Muslim extremists may put this on hold.
The 2004 Dec. 26th Tsunami damaged some 2400 houses and killed about 200.
The first violence between Muslim factoins in Kattankudi occurred in 2006 when a group of Wahhabi followers went on rampaging in the public attacking members of the All Island Tharikathul Mufliheen, a Sufi sect founded by K. S. M. Abdulla, known also as Pahilvan from Maruthamunai.
The Easter bombings on 21-April-2019 was carried out by the National Thaheed Jama'at (NTJ), a group aligned with the Islamic Caliphate was based in this town and led by Mohammed Zahran. A ten acre Jihadist training ground was found by the security forces in Kattankudi. The bombings targetted three Hotels and three Churches, killing 257 people and injuring other 500 others. Nine suicide bombers were involved.
Militant Wahhabism ? Asia Tribune article.   There were 42 mosques in Kattankudi in 2009, and 63 in 2019 !>   Map, October 2005
කාදං කුලිය

කාට්ටන්කුලි ය
Kavutarimunai (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
VATUVAMUNNA, KOTHTHARIAMUNNA
Meaning: Kavutara -is the Indian Partridge, 'tittiri' in Skrt., and also in Pali. In addition, 'Kakkara' is used in Pali. A common name for the bird is "vatuva", or 'Us-vattuva'. Kakkkara → Koththara.   Regional map
කොත්තරමුන්න
වටුවමුන්න
Kayts (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
URATHOTA, URATARA, TANJADOOVA
Also 'Uraturai' and 'Urkavalthurai' were the tamilized forms. Ancient pre-CE Buddhist site. Mentioned in the Nampotha as Tannidivayina. It was a major Naval base under Parakramabahu I (12th century CE). Military History of Sri Lanka
See also
Ports of Ancient Sri Lanka, by J. Amarasekera.
Urathota is mentioned in the 'Nainathivu' inscription (written partly in Tamil), of Parakramabahu.
It is mentioned in the 'Thovila' ritual 'Kohombakankariya'. During the Portuguese period, it was known as Cais [meaning quay], giving rise to the current English name. Baldaeus, 1658, used the name 'Ourature'.
Ealam wars, Kobbekaduwa's death etc.
ඌරුතොට
Kayankerni, kaayankerni (Madakalapuwa)
KAAYAM-KAENNA, Kaymkaenna, Kayamkenna
Kaayam refers to any type of pungent earth in sinhalese. The same meaning is found in the Tamil 'Kaayam', but not in the form 'kaayan'. The word 'kaenna' in Sinhalese means a dig, or excavation of the earth (c.f., kaeneema). The Tamil 'kerni' is not listed in Tamil lexicons and it is not used in the tamil language. It is most likely to be just the work 'kaenna' modified into Tamil usage.
කායම් කැන්න
Keerimalai, கீரிமலை Keeramalai(Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KIRIKANDA, VAKULAKANDA   Vaakulakanda, anchor name: Vakulakanda.
Disc.- This is a famous Hindu shrine; Nakulesvaran temple.
Malai in T., Male in Sinhala. is hill, Keera → Ksheera in
Sanskrit; the name could arise from the 'milky' coloured limestone
rock where the temple stands.
But a deeper history lies underneath
The Nakulisa deity, worshiped by the Pasupata cult (5-6th century)
was a fusion of early south Indian Buddhism and Hinduism
into an anti-Vedic saivism.
Details about the Pasupata cult.
Nakulisa→ Nukulesvaram is the Hindu God celebrated at the Keerimalai temple
The words Nagula in sanskrit, and Nakula in Pali,
mean 'Mongoose'. It was literally translated to Tamil as 'Keeri' by Chola settlers
Subsequently, legends relating Nakulesvaran as having a mongoose face,
were absorbed in the transition to a Saiva temple
Prior to the rise of the Pasupatha cult in India, both south India
and Jaffna were majoritarian Buddhist, Jain regions.
The names Nakula, Pakula, or Vakula are well known in early Buddhist
texts. In Tibetan art and texts, the 9th Arhant is given as Bakula and holds
a mongoose. Buddhist texts mention a 'Nakulpitra' as the father of the
Arhant associated with the mongoose. These, together with the depiction
of Nakulisa in a Buddhist style in Pasupatha art (Bhuvanesvar, Orissa)
suggest the strong influence of Mahayana on the early Pauspatha cult.
A pre-Pasupatha Mahayana shrine associated with Vakula may have
existed at this site in pre-Chola times during the rise of Mahayana
influence in Sri Lanka, from ~200 CE., while the Pasupata came later.
This may have been preceded by a purely Buddhist shrine prior to the
rise of the Mahayana influence in Sri lanka.
The Pali texts 'Rasavahini' and ''Sahassavatthupakarana' give some
information on ancient Jaffna(Nakadivu). Given that Kirikanda (Keeriamalai)
is probably the highest point in the Yapanaya area, it would have been
a natural choice for a temple in pre-christian era Buddhist Jaffna.
A re-reading of the Pali texts, with this hypothesis in mind is now
needed. Also, archaeological excavations are a crying need. Thus, confirmation of the identity of the names Tambapanni Sara in Pali and Tamben Vila in Sinhala would be valuable.
1998 Report on Mahasiva Rathri after a decade lapse, Nakuleswaran temple
Keerimalai~A Land of Sacred Springs & Spirituality by D Kanagasabapathpillai
කිරිකන්ද
වකුලකන්ද
Kent Farm (Mooladoova, (Mulativu])
he "Kent farm", and many villages in the area between Marithimepattu and Padaviya are part of the Welioya (manal Aru) Mahaweli development project. See under Manal Aru for maps, details etc.
This area was used in 2009 to house the IDPs who were rescued from Nandikadal (Nadee-Kdola) human shield of the LTTE. In ancient times, the Maha-thalitha-gama area was also used to assemble Tamil civilians during the time of king Sena I, by the victorious invading prince Sri Vallabha of the 9th century CE. Manik farm and Dollar farm area, the Maha-Thalitha-gama of Sri Vallabha, 9th century CE. Settlers in this village were the repeated target of the LTTE. 30-Nov-84, 29 Settlers were massacred by the LTTE., following the attack on the Dollar farm, Nov 11 when 33 Sinhalese settlers were killed.
Kend Fram Massacre, LTTE, 1984
Kent Farm
Kepapilavu, Keppapilavu (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
KEPPALUVA
This was originally a low-caste subdivision (panguva, or paluva in Sinhala, and piluva in Tamil) inhabited by a Telegu-speaking `depressed' caste (Keppu caste) who worked in ships that came to the Mooladoova inlet during medieval times. Mooladoova was probably an important eastern port and storage location of goods during the Anuradhapura period. The Telegu speakers probably migrated here much later, but perhaps as early as the Magha invasions.

During the Eelam wars this area was used by the Tigers for military purposes. Today it is a part of the naval security establishment and contains a high-security zone (HSZ). Although this area had not been occupied for decades except by the Tigers, some IDPs have been `set up' (since 2011) by political advocacy groups to claim settlement exactly in these areas, as a means of targeting the HSZ. However, the government has offered alternative settlement in Seeniyamottai, near Nadakadola (Nadikadal).
කෙප්පලුව
Keridamadu (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
KELINDAMADUVA
This is located on the OThThAN-THUDAVA(Oddusuddan)-(Aluthkulissa) Puthukudiruppu road. 'Kelinda' is probably Wrightia Zelanica (dogbane family) Map etc
කෙලිඳමඩුව
Kevil (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
KEULA, Keulvila
Keulvila, or Kivulvila refers to `hard' or 'salty' (Kivul) water. This is a main LTTE base at Alimankada (Eleph. Pass).
කෙවුල
Keviliamadu(madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
KEULMADUVA
කෙවුල්මඩුව
Kilali, Kilaly (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KIRALA, GIRAALA
'Kila' in Tamil could mean 'search, probe, bough' etc., but provides no useful contextual meaning. Kirala in Sinhala is a type of mangrove (sonneratia caseolaris) with edible fruit, as well as a common water bird, the "red-wattled lapwing". See write ups under 'Iralaikulam, 'Kadduvan'.
War: Army camps
see Kilaly massacre, 2002
කිරාල,   ගිරාල

Kilinochchi, கிளிநொச்சி (Giranikka, [kilinochchi])
GIRAANIKKA, GIRANIKKE, GIRANIKA, GIRANIKKA (anchor name)
Labeled #21 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
Discussion.
In Kannada, 'nochchi' denotes the tree 'Vitex Negundo', This is the 'Nirgundi tree' in Sanskrit, and 'Nika tree' in Sinhala. Also Sinhala 'Giraa"='Kili', the corresponding word in Tamil for parrots. The name 'ven-nocci' is used in Tamil for 'Vitex negundo'.   'Nochchi' itself does not occur in the Tamil lexicon, but the place name 'Giraanikke' could have given rise to "kilinochchi". Note the many place-names with "Nika":
Nika-dalupotha, Nika-haetikanda, Nika-potha and Nika-waeratiya etc., exist.
History.
First century CE stone pillars and other Buddhist ruins are found here. Lumbini Vihara that existed here was a bird sanctuary and Buddhist Aaaranya, said to have been respected even by the Maagha invader.

The Mankulam Sri Sugatha Viharaya, is a new Buddhist temple built in Kilinochchi near the military camp in 2013.

War
This was the operational headquarters of the LTTE since its abandoning of Japanaya (Jaffna) in the mid 1990s, when it forced the people to re-locate into the Vanni and remain under LTTE control. It was recaptured on 2nd January 2009 by government troops, and the LTTE corralled the civilian residents and retreated with them, to be used later as human shields.
---------------
  Giranikke captured
---------------
V. Anandasangaree represented the Giranikka (Killinochchi) seat in Parliament for 14 years, as a TULF member.
Continued removal of archeological artefacts and historical ruins by Eelamists
Even after the fall of the LTTE, historical artifacts and ruins in Giranikke are being continually removed. Here is an example where the TNA MP Sri Dharan was directly involved. An example of the Removal of historical ruins in Killinochchi (Giranikke) at the instigation of the TNA, Sep 2018.
See MAP for the location of Giranikke:
Regional map
ගිරානික්ක
Kiliveddy, Kiliveddi (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
GIRAVAEDDA, Giraavedda
'Velayudha Swami Kovil' for Murugan worship
Pre-Christian Giravadda Sri Wardana temple and BO-tree willfully destroyed
by a racist MP, see Sri Lanka Hansard, Oct 7 1983 debate.
Ancient pillar head from Kilivedi
Giraa-vaedda means the forest (Vaedda) of Parrots (Giraa).
For a different view, see: GDA Perera's article
n.b. Note that the ending "veddi", "vetti", "veddy" etc.,
can mean "vaedda" in the sense of forest, or "road way" in the sense of "vatha". Hoever, the word "giraa" preceeding it suggests the validity of "vaedhdha", or forest.
ගිරාවැද්ද
Kinniya (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
HEENNIYARA ?
military base, south and south east of Manirasakulam (see entry under Kurankupanchan).   See News reports on the Kinniya LTTE base, 2003
හින්නියර
Kiran (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
GIRANA
military base, c.f., battle of Somapura (see Sampur) during Eelam wars. . This was the village of Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman, the leader of the Tamil Makkal Vuduthalai Puligal Party (TMVP)
ගිරාන
Kiranchi, kiranchchi (Giranikka [Killinochchi])
GIRANNA
This is a small village near Nagathudava (Nachchikkuda) on the west cost.   Map with A32-B69-A9 roads   Regional map
ගිරන්න
Kirankula (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
GIRANKULA
ගිරන්කුල
Kiristhavakulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
GIRITHAVAEVA
More research is needed here.
ගිරිතවැව
Kirimichchai(Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
KIRIMITIYAAYA
Map
කිරිමිටියාව

Kiriviharaya(Vannimava[Vavniya])
NO tamil allonym.
Ancient Buddhist site.
See 'Kiriviharaya' under Atambagaskada
Labeled #88 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
කිරිවිහාරය
Koandaavil(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
KAEKURUVILA
'Kaekuru' is known as, 'Chinese date', the 'Masan tree',
'llantai' or 'Nari-Illantai' in Tamil.
and 'Ziziphus jujuba' in botany.
See Masan Tree.
කැකුරුවිල
Kodalikkallu, Kodalikallu (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
KAEBELLAGALLA, KOTHALAGALiA,, GODALIGALLA
Located in the Welioya (Manal aru) area. "Kothala" is Salacia reticulate . Another possibility for the origin of the name is "kAEBELLA". This is the tree Aporosa lindleyana, see our botany webpage See entry under "Kodaliparichchan" for discussion.   Map
කොතලගල්ල
Kodaliparichchan (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
KOTHALIBARAHENA, kONDOLBARAHENA, KAEBEL-PITIHENA
Kothala Himbatu (Salacia reticulate ) is an endemic Sri Lankan plant, which may grow wild in Chena (hena) lands. "Kondol is a small tuber (dark brown outside, (not to be confused with the Filipino name for Ash Pumpkin) which may be boiled and eaten. Another possibility for the place-name is "Kaebaella", a large tree, see our botany webpage The place names may have originated from either of these forms, and the Tamilized form is an easy modification. Kothalabarahena is located in the Welioya (Manal aru) area.  Map
කොතලබරහේන
Koddagapulam(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
KOTTEGAMPALA,   GODAGAMPALA
'Kotta' here means a 'kotuva' or fortification, with 'Kotte → Goda'
Thus 'Kotta-gampala' is a fortified garrison complex.
ගො ඩගම්පල
Koddaikkadu(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
KOTTÉKADUVA
'Kotta' here means a 'kotuva' or fortification.
කෝට්ටෙකඩුව
Koddaikallar (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
KOTUVE-GAL-ARA
Meaning. In T., 'Koddai' would mean "Fort" as in "Kotte", Sinhala. There is a hindu temple with a five-headed giant cobra licking a lingam clearly indicating the absorption of a Naga shrine into subsequent Hindu worship. The Pali chronicles support the view that the eastern area centered around Mahiyangana, the western Maya rata, as well as the North were habitations of Naga tribes during the pre-Buddhist period.
කොටිව ගල්ආර ගොඩගල්ආර
Koddiavattai (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
KOTUVAATTE, KODIYAVATTA
Ancient Buddhist ruins.
කොටියවත්ත
Koddiyar,Kottiyar(Sri Gokanna[Trincomalee])
KOTTAASARA
This was regarded as part of "Koddiyar bay" in dutch-VOC maps.
කොට්ටසාර
Kodikamam, Kodigamam (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
GODAGAMA, GODIGAMA, GODAGAMUWA
Meaning. In Tamil "kamam" has no immediate meaning, but from Sanskrit 'graamam'. 'kodi' in Tamil, to boil, also flag, as in sinhala. But the 'kodi, or kodai' is most likely a tamilization of the sinhala 'goda'. Horsberg, Lewis, and Gnanpragasar also took the view that this name is a tamil form of a sinhala placename.
Frequent LTTE-Military clashes
SL-army's 53rd division stationed here.
The LTTE accused Mahattaya of conspiring with the RAW to assassinate Prabhakaran at the opening of a memorial hall, built at Kodikamam, in memory of those who had perished during the 1991 assault on the strategic Elephant Pass base. The LTTE claimed that the RAW planned to use a Tiger working for the Indian spy network to kill Mahattaya, thereby paving the way for him to take over the leadership. Mahattaya was assassinated by the LTTE. see Jaffna map1
ගොඩගම
Koddiyawattai (Yapanaya,[Jaffna])
KOTIYAWATTE, near Hunugama(chunnakam)
HIst. Ancient Dagaba, Buddha statue etc.
කොටියවත්ත
Kokkachchaankulam (Vannimava [ Vavuniya])
KOK-ATHTHANA KULAMA, Kokaththanakulama, Kokattanakulama
Kokuathtnana is a a type of Aththana (Datura) with spiky fruits (thorny), as implied by its Sinhala adjective "Koku". The Tamil place-name or word-grouping "Kokkachchan" has no clear meaning. The Tamil name for Aththana is Oomathai or Mattai" and hence does not connect with the place name. Note that Aththana is a hallucinogenic plant with many variant forms (kalu-attana, suduattana etc). (See also under Achchankulam where we discuss "achchan".). Hence the Tamil form is most likely an adaptation from the Sinhala.

The Eelam wars led to much upheaval in this area which became predominantly Tamil since the late 19th century (cf. J. P. Lewis). It was formed by a mosaic of caste-based hamlets. Resettling these villages mainly with the original occupants, or their kith and kin, without suitable social engineering poses the danger of recreating the old caste enclaves, not only in this village, but in similar war-ravaged villages

The possibility that the original name was "Ruk-aththana-kulam", i.e., named after Alastonia scholaris, ie., Alstonia scholaris (L.)., known as "Elilaipalai" in Tamil, cannot be excluded.
History
Second century Buddhist ruins and stone pillars have been recorded in this area (Archeological annual reports, 1982 and before).
කොක්අත්තන කුලම
Kokkaddichcholai, Kokkoddichcholai, Kokkatticcolai, Kottadikolai, Kokkadichcholai
(Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
KUKULANGOLLA, KOTHALIGOLLA
'Kokkaddi' is not mentioned in the Tamil Lexicons.
It could also have been derived from Gokatu (ceylon Gamboge, not Goraka).
However, 'Kukkuta' is a well established word in the source languages. Also, in sinhala "Kothala" Himbatu (Salacia reticulate ) is an endemic Sri Lankan plant, which may grow wild in Chena (hena) lands.
Only Saiva temple in the Batti district. Civil war See under Batticaloa for the caste system and differences in Hindu practice
Hist. Pre-christian era stupa, stone pillars, etc.
These are now completely covered up and replaced by
flourishing Ishwara Kovil even in early eighties.
See Archaeo. Dept. files= EC/B/27, folio 96-98
Map
ගොකටුගොල්ල,   කුකුලන්ගොල්ල
Kokkavil(Giranika [Killinochchi])
KOKKUVILA, KOKAAVILA
The form "Koka" is used for heron-like birds, storks, cranes etc in Prakrit. In Sanskrit it is more often applied to the Cuckoo. "Kokku" is used in Tamil for the mango (tree), and also for cranes and similar birds.
The Sinhalese origin of this type of place-names in Jaffna was first pointed out in the early part of the 20th century by Messrs.
B. Horsburgh. (1916. .doc file) and J. P. Lewis, both of the Colonial CCS. The late S. Gnana Prakasar, the philologist of international fame, agreed with them and furnished his own list of place-names of Sinhala origin found in the North and East. He mentioned village ending in "vil" like Kandavil, Kokkuvil, Inuvil, etc.; those ending in "vattei", like Polvattei, ittavattei, etc.; villages from the word "kumbura" like Markkamburei, etc., from "yaya" like Moolay etc., from "deniya" like Narandanei, etc., from "eliya" like Puloly, as examples.
As part of the post-war development, a radio and internet transmission column (highest in South Asia up to 2011) has been constructed in Kokaavila and opend in June 2011. Silumina report
කොකාවිල
කොක්කුවිල
Kokkuthuduwai, Kokkuttuduvai (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
KOKKUTHUDUVA
The form "Koka" is used for heron-like birds, storks, cranes etc in Prakrit. In Sanskrit it is more often applied to the Cuckoo. "Kokku" is used in Tamil for the mango (tree), and also for cranes and similar birds.
After the Eelam wars, this area has been an army center for de-mining actvities that have gained world recognition. De-minibng wrk done by the Sri Lankan army. Map
කොක්කුතුඩාව
Koddiyar,cotiaar (SriGonakanda [Trincomalee])
KOTIARA, KOOTIARA
Hist. de Queyroz, Kodiara, Dutch fort,1865
n.b. There seems to be evidence for a "Kooti-aram-pattuwa"
n.b. Ven. Ellawala Medhananda suggests "Kettasara".
කොටිආර


Kokkilai Kokilai(Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
KOKILAVA, KUKULAAVA
Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
Several sites by this place names.
Labeled #69, #70 in
Vanni Buddhist sites map
කුකුලාව
Kokkuthudai(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
KOKKUTHUDAVA
කොක්කුතුඩාව
Kokkuthuoduvai (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
KOKUTHUDUVA
Map
කොක්කුතුඩුව
Kokuvil (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KOKUWILA
Meaning. In Tamil "vil" means "Bow" and has no immediate meaning here.
A well respected Principal of Kukuvil Hindu College was assassinated,
c.f., also Principal, Jaffna Hindu College.
See Speech by Ahilan Kadirgamar
කොකුවිල
Kokuvil (Ampare)
KOKUVILA
කොකුවිල

Kokumarankuli, Kukumarankuli, Kokumaradinthaddi (Mooladoova[Mulaitivu])
AMBAGASKULIYA, ambagaskolla
Disc.- 'Kokku' in Telingu and hence sometimes in tamil means
mango, or Mangifera Indica, and agrees with the Sinhala name

The word `Kuli' was used in old sinhala for hamlet or village. 288 the verse (9th century), Sigiri Mirror-wall, "I am Gunakara (of) Ambagam-kuli" (of the) Northern Province. The `Norther province, or Vaeligama mentioned in the Sigiri griffiti probably referred to some place in the Jaffna peninsula (Jaapanaya).
Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982
Labeled #50 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
අඹගස් කුලිය
අඹගස් කුලිය
Kollamarutamadu(Mannarama[Mannar])
KALUBURUTHAMADUVA
See under "Maruthamadu" for a discussion.
See Map
කලුබුරුතමඩුව
Kollankalladdy(Japane [Jaffna])
KALUVAN-GALADIYA, KALUGALADIYA
This is a small village near Thelipala (Thellipalai)
A group of ex- LTTE cadre have been resettled here after the Eelam wars.
කලු ගල් අඩිය
කලුවන් ගල් අඩිය
Komari, Komarai (Ampare)
KOMARIYA
Local legend claim that the name arose from the sinhala "Ko kumari ?"!
This Sinhala name presently in use.
කෝමාරිය
Kombanachchi(Sri Gonakanda [Trincomalee])
KUMBANAEDDA, Kohombaganthota; the 'D in 'Naedda' is soft'.
Ancient Buddhist site; in the list by Archaeo. Dept., Somasiri, 1982
Hist.- 'Kumbagamathota' was used during Dutugamunu's time.
'Kohombagamathota' is mentioned during Parakramabahu's time.
c.f., p. 285 of Ellavala Medhananada (2003)
These refer to locations on the Mahavaeli river and may be close to
the present river which has changed course in historical times.
Thus 'Kumbanadda' will refere to this modern area.
The Buddhist sites consist of two groups. The first part
is referred to as 'Kumbanaedda' proper; there is a rocky hill
with ruins scattered in the entire area, a large
large rock cave, having at least six meditation chambers.
Recent reconstruction and temple activity exists.
The "Kumba Chaitya",m ~400m tall, is found on top of the hill,
excavated by treasure hunters. There are two stone stairs, a
stone wall and other artifacts. Nearby there is the 'Kumbavilluva',
with a ~100 meter Stupa, stone pillars shrine room etc. This
Stupa is said to be the "SOMAAVATHIE" chaitya. The area is locally
known as "Samurrordu", probably related to "Somanuvara".
කොහොඹනැද්ද   කොහොඹගංතොට
Kondavil (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KANDAVILA
Meaning. In Tamil "vil" means "Bow" and has no immediate meaning.
'Konda←kanda', means 'hill'.
See the disc. under Vilpattu.
කන්දවිල
Koomankulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
KUMANAVEVA
කුමනවැව
Kondachchi (Mannarama)
KANDUVACHCHIYA
C.f., 'maedavachchiya'. The word vachchiya ← Vaeikkiya means a
subsection of a 'pattuva' or small village unit.
Colonial era ruins
කඳුවච්චිය

Kongarayankulam, Konthakarankulma (vannimava[Vavniya])
KEVULVAEVA
Labeled #34 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982
In south India, 'Kontakkaran' or 'Kongakarayan'
is a sub-caste of fishermen. (There is a 'Konthaipiddi' in the Mannaram area, near 'Uppakulam', where MUslim-Tamil disputes continue due to LTTE ethinc-cleansing of Muslims in 1990).
Map
කෙවුල්වැව
Kopay, Kopai, Koppay, கோப்பாய் (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
DOPE`, BOPÉ,   BODHIPAAYA, Bodhipaya
Meaning: The ending "pai",or "pay" is a typical sinhala toponym.
For example, such place-name endings are not found in Tamil Nadu.
'Pe(h)',පේ, typically indicates a village
while "paaya" could refer to a "mansion" or "Prasaada", as in
"Lovaa-maha-paaya". Thus 'Bope', or 'Bopaaya' may have
arisen from 'BodhiPaaya. The form 'Dope' already exists
as a place name. The Tamil 'Kovan'→Govan refers to a herdsman,
and Gopae→Dope is a possibility. The Malayalam 'Kon' and the 'Ko'
in T. suffix may refer to a 'kingly' status (cf. Tamil Kovilanku=lion).
Hence Kopay may indicate a royal residence, or a royal hamlet,
if the sinhala/Sanskrit 'paaya' meaning can be added to the
tamil suffix 'Ko'. However, if such a lexicographic stretch
is not used, "Pay" in Tamil would mean 'net' ; or 'sail', 'stretch' etc.
see section on place names in tambimuttu
Also See Dutch map, Kopay, Copaij, Copaay
Terrorism First cyanide suicide at bank robbery, Kopay, Sivakumaran June 5 1974
Also, Malathi, the first woman terroist sacrificed herself against the IKPF on 10-Oct-1987 in Kopay. Peter Shalk, LTTE writer on Malathi, "First woman martyr LTTE 'heros' resting place-cemetery.
Tigers built many war memorials and grave yards similar to christian grave yards, recognizing their propaganda value. This is indeed contrary to Hindu cultural practices where dead bodies are burnt (cremated), and grave yards are shunned except by the very "lowest castes". However, many of the suicde cadre were Catholics, and the Tamil population had been chritianized to a larger extent than the Sinhalese in the south. The Maavira Thuyilim Illam or "Martyrs' sleeping house was in the city's Northeastern limits. Around 2000 epitaphs had been placed, but it has been alleged that many of the graves were empty. The Sri Lankan army removed the cemeter y leaving behind only a commemorative plaque, following the practice of the Allied army in WW-II in dealing with Nazi cemeteries. Tiger supporters have retaliated by destroying the commemorative plaque in anger. see Tiger militants
MAP
දෝපේ
බෝදි පාය
Koraimoddai (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
KOORAMADE, KOORAMOTTE
'Motte ← Modde ← Made' signifies a muddy, swampy place. The Latin word for 'marsh' is 'madeo', while Skrt. 'manda' means slime. In Tamil, Ala, Alaru Alakkar, Ceru etc., are used for mud.In some place names "Maetta" has become "Moddai".
Koora in sinhala refers to a dragon fly, or to stalks and spikes (a similar meaning exists in Tamil and other Dravidian languages). Korai in Tamil , "kalanduru" in Sinhala, is indeed a kind of grass with fragrant root nodules (Cyperus rotundus tuberous), but similar words also mean "stalk", spike, 'millet", 'currycomb",etc.
කුරමඩේ
කුරමොටේ
Koralaipattu (Madakalapuva [Batticaloa])
KORALAPATTUVA , KORALAPATTUWA
``Korala '' refers to the striated stoney ground found in some ares in this district. This location is on the border between the Batticaloa-Trincomalee districts. The people in these area are a mixture of Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims. They have extensive sea-faring experience. Boat built for tsunami victims used to smuggle asylum-seekers
කොරලපත්තුව
Koththiyaavaththai, Kottiyāvattai கொத்திய ாவத்தை (yapanaya [ Jaffna])
KOCHCHIYAVATTA, KOCHCHIYAWATTA
The name 'Kochchiya', 'Kocci', கொச் refers to people from the Cochin state (india), and borrowed from malayālam in to Sinhala and Tamil. Vaththai is not found in Tamil lexicons, and is most likely borrowed from the Sinhala 'vatta', or 'watta', which means a "demarcated area', usually to define the extent of a garden or to establish ownership. The place name "vaththai" occurs mainly in the Jaffna peninsula, where Sinhala influence has been long entrenched since the 3rd century BCE. Note also our comments on "pattana", "pattai", "patuna" etc., under the etymology of "Japanaya", or "Yalpanam". The meaning "Koththi" → "mother goddess", speculatively linked with "vaththai" is unlikely to apply here, and not collaborated in such a usage in Tamil Nadu either.

Note that in the southern part of Sri Lanka, the "v" sound is most commonly transliterated into European alphabets using "w", while in Jaffna the letter "v" is used. This difference arose because the Sinhala names were transliterated already during the dutch era, and in Dutch the 'v" is sounded as an 'f'. The Tamil names got transliterated during the British era.
කොච්චියවත්ත
Kottadikolai, (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
KUKULANGOLLA, KOTHALIGOLLA
This is an alternative english spelling for 'Kokkaddichcholai';
See entry under Kokkaddichcholai
කොතලිගොල්ල
Kottalamadu(SriGonakanna[Trincomalee])
KOTUGALMADUVA
Disc. - KOTUGAL refers to stone ramparts of a fortification.
This place is close to Kadiravaella(Kadiraveli) near Trinco.
LTTE garrison; no map.
කොටුගල්මඩුව
Kottantivu (Puttalam)
KOTTANDOOVA
The Meaning: 'Kottan' in T. may mean 'owl'.
"tive" is tamilized toponym from "diva" or "doova" in Sinhala
'Kottan' in Sinhala probably refers to 'Terminalia Catappa'.
කොට්ටන්දූව
Kottanchole (Sri Gonakanda[Trincomalee])
KOTTANKOLLA
Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
'Kottan' in Sihala probably refers to 'Terminalia Cattappa'.
කොට් ටන්ගොල්ල
Kottukachchi (Puttalam)
KOTUKACHCHIYA
කොටුකච්චිය
Kovilkulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
KOVILVAEVA
කෝවිල්වැව

Kovilpuliyankulam(Vannimava[Vavniya])
KOOTARAJAVAEVA, KUSTARAJAVAEVA.
Disc.-Here `Kovilpuliyan' does not refer to a Tiger
associated with a 'Kovil', as a literal view might lead one to believe.
The original 'Kuhstaraja→Kootaraja' was perhaps incorrectly
understood to mean a 'kotiraja' or 'king-tiger.
The prefix Kovil is indeed used in T. to imply a higher status
to an animal, an object or a location, e.g.,
கோவிலங்குž ([ kovilangku ] ko-vilanku, i.e., Lion, as king of beasts
See e.g., p 1199 of the Madras tamil Lexicon.
Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982
Labeled #47 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
කුෂ්ටරාජවැව
Koyitkulam, Koyithakulam (Mannarama)
KOLITHAVAEVA
කෝලිතවැව



Kuchchaveli, Kuccaveli (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
KESBAVAELLA, Kuseval, Tuchchabe~li
Historical Palvakki, 5km North is PALLAWAVANKA
Parakramabahu I ships set sail to Burma from Pallawavanka
Several ancient Buddhist sites in this area.
Labeled #135, 138 and 141 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
2nd century Buddha statue, two Buddha heads, 4th century Roman coins
6th century stone inscription. The inscription is the oldest Sanskrit
inscription in Sri Lanka. Wijesekera (p 57) says
"A headless limestone Buddha standing 6 ft was discovered at Kuchchaveli
superbly modeled in Amaravati style probably of 2nd century A.D.
The unique feature is the presence of two rosettes below the robe
between the ankles".
Buddha heads found during excavation
Sixteen sculptured stupas and an inscription on a rock face at Kuccaveli   (කැස්බවැල්ල).
Vandals have attempted to destroy the site
Report of the Archaeological Commissioner, 1955;
Archaeology Dept. file ED/B/E/41; Epigrahica Zeylanica, Vol.3, p158
Map
කැස්බවැල්ල කුස්‌වෙල තුච්ඡවේලී
Kudarappu (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KUDIRAPPUWA, KUDIRAPURA
කුදිරප්පුව
කුඩාතැන්ර
Kudatanai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KUDAATAENNA
'Thaenna' is a common sinhala ending for 'place', location (thaena). Compare, prakrit/Sanskrit 'Sthaanam'.
In established Tamil the usage is '(s)thaanam', and the form 'thanai'
is probably a sign of adaptation from the Sinhala 'thaena'.
කුඩාතැන්න
Kudamian(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
KUDAMEEYA
see Jaffna map1
කුඩමීය
Kudimpikallai (Pothuvila [Pottuvil])
KUDIMBIGALA, Kudimbigala
About 10 km from Panama, towards Okanda. Some 200 shrines and ancient Buddhist-hermit meditation lodges are found in a ~5000 hectare Forest hermitage area in the rocky jungle. The lip of the cave with the first white-washed shrine an an ancient Sinhala-Prakrit (Brahmi) inscription ~2 or 3rd century BCE. There is a dagaba (Dagoba) on the top of the highest rock which affords a beautiful panoramic view of the neighboring area with a view lagoon, sand bar towards the shore, and the Weli-ara (Vaeli-ara) ridge.
කුඩිම්බිගල
Kudiramalai, Kudirimalai Kudramalai Point, Kadiramalai (Puttalama)
KIHIRAKANDA. KUDIRAKANDA, Kudiramale
A Legend has it that Kihirikanda (Kudiramalai), a point on the shore was the landing place of Vijaya, while Kuveni lived in 'Kālivila (Kali Villu)', in the Wilpattu. Pointedly, Kāli" is a female demonic (Yakkha) representation of Durga. The Manimkalai and Mahavamsa accounts suggest that this location may have been a principal Naga town. Kihirikanda or Kudirakanda was visited by Roman sailors during the time of Claudius (417 AD), and Pliny talks of a large settlement called "Hippuros" here. But why would Pliny translate a name instead of using the local name? After all, Ptolemy's maps did not translate names. However, assuming such a translation, the word "hippuros" evokes horses, and connects with the word "Kudira" which is a Dravidian root-word for "horse". Thus there may have been a name like Thuranga-malé which was directly rendered in to Malayalam during the Magha invasions, giving the form Kuthirimalai, as it exists today. That the Magha invaders simply translated place names into Dravidian equivalents is seen from the rendering of Meepathota into Illupiakadavai by the Magha.
Another possibility is that the word 'Kadira', from Sanskrit, probably refers to Mimosa Catechu of the 'accacia' family, and is the 'Kihiri' tree in Sinhala; and 'Karuveal' in Tamil. This is consistent with the vegetation of the area.  See discussion on Kalpitiya region Many popular newspaper articles about "kudiramae" exist as there is always interest in the Vijaya-Kuveni legend. See, for example Sinhala article in "Divaina", Oct 2016.
කිහිරිකන්ද
කුදිර කන්ද

Kudumpimalai, Toppikal, Thoppikkal (Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
THOPPIGALA, KUDAA-DIMBULGALA, KUDUMBIKANDA, CHOODAKANDA
Toppigala was known as "Barron's cap". It is 36km NW of Batticaola.
Disc.- The word 'Thoppi' is ascribed to the Portuguese 'chapeo', a type of hat, by A. M. Gunasekera, Comprehensive Grammar (1891). Ven. E. Medhananda posits that the ancient name is 'Kudaa-dimbulagala. 'Dimbulagala is a rocky ridge south of Pollonnaruwa, with many ancient sites. The name 'Kudumbikanda', or 'Choodakanda' are also possibilities. The name 'Choodakanda'→ hill with a summit, has the Sanskrit word 'cuda', which means 'summit, crown' or 'on top', e.g., as used in 'chudamanikya', a jewel worn on the head. The Pali 'Kuta', Latin 'Collis', the sinhala words for the summit of a hill, e.g., 'thuda', 'kula' and the Sanskrit 'Chuda' are related words. Chuda also refers to the single tuft of hair left on the crown of the head, after tonsure (cf. Monier-Williams Skrt. dictionary). Thus the saivite custom of wearing a tuft or knot of hair on the head, 'Kutumi' in Tamil, 'Kutuma' in Malayalam is also derived from the Sanskrit root 'Chuda'. Thus 'Kutumi'→'Kudumpi' is often interpreted as referring to the knot of hair worn by 'Iyaar Tamils', and the Tamil place name 'kudumpimalai' is ascribed to the knot-like shape of the hill. In reality, all these forms are derived from the Sanskrit/Pali root. However, instead of using the direct form 'Kutumimalai', 'Kudumpimalai' has been used in local Tamil, suggesting a sinhala origin to the word. The proper, accepted rendering of Spizachus cirrhatus, the crested Falcon specific to Sri Lanka in Tamil is 'kudumipparuntu' (and not, say, kudumpipparantu), suggesting that 'Kudumpi' is from 'Kudumbi'. The word 'kudumbiya' exits in sinhala, and the piece of wood shaped to jut out in a dove-tail joint is called a 'kudumbiya'. That this is a word naturalized in old Sinhala, since pre-christian times is seen from the Mahavamsa (ch. 23), where a village named 'Kutumbiyagana' is mentioned, with respect to the Dutugamunu period. Thus the word 'Kudumbi' is a common heritage of both Sinhala and Tamil, via Pali and Sanskrit. See also the webpage entry under Okanda (Okantai) where there is a 'Kudumbigala' Buddhist shrine. There are ancient Buddhist ruins and many caves, rock temples etc. in the Thoppigala area.

{added, May, 2015}
See the write up in Michael Robert's blog regarding the history of the Kudumbigala meditation caves, their rediscovery by Upasaka Maithree, and their present use by a small community of monks: Meditations: The Ascetic Buddhist Path at Serene Kudumbigala Rock Monsatery, Courtesy of Chula Wickramasinghe, Hiran Cooray and Asoka Kuruppu
The present impass in Kudumbigala cave renovations, Oct. 2016, Divaina

Another sinhala reference to 'kudumbiya' is found in 'Monarai-Kudumbiya'(Vernonia cinerea (L), a small plant that has small purple coloured flowers resembling the head ornament of the the peacock. This plant is used as a food prepared like a white curry.

This area was used by the LTTE and Karuna rebel bases. Col. Karuna broke off from the LTTE and helped the Government forces to defeat the LTTE in the East. The final capture of the Eastern province by the army is commemorated in the Sri Lankan Rs.1000 note, with Thoppigala in the background.

For Eelam-IV war and military actions etc., see
Lanka Library    report in THE HINDU    The view of a Tamil nationalist.
Sunday Times, 8-july-07    report with sketch map
Satellite Map of Thoppigala, reduce resolution if needed.
video of the UNP-allied Protest march demeaning the Thoppigala Victory in July 2007
තොප්පිගල  
කුඩාදිඹුලගල
Kuduvil, (Ampara[Amparai])
KUDDAVILA
This is an old village in the Ruhuna kingdom. Other placesnames like Kuddālamandala.-A village in Rohana is mentione din the Pali chronicles. Here a battle took place between the forces of Parakkamabāhu I. and his enemies (Cv.lxxv.16). Kuddarajja.-Probably a district in Rohana. Paranavithan found a Brahmi inscription here with the word "Dameda", refering to a 'Dameda Tisaya lena'. This is sometimes tanslated as ' Tamil Tisa cave, where it it can equally well be 'Southern Disav cave'.
කුද්දවිල
Kulamurippu, கூழாமுறிப்பு (Mooladoova[MUllaitivu])
BAHUVARAKANDIYA, BAHUVARAMURAYA
'Bahuvara' is a cherry-like tree, Cordia oblique.
see the etymology of murippu    Botany
බහුවරකන්ඩිය
Kulavisuddan (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
KURAVISATANNA
Meaning:  'Kura-visa' may imply 'snakes'
කුරවිසතැන්න
Kulumiwakadai (Madawachchciya )
KULUMIMAKADA, KULUMIWAKDA
Meaning:  'Kulu-meema' referes to a type of Buffalo, typically dangerous.
This is an archeological site associated with the Weherabendigala / Kiralagala Archaeological Reserve near Madavachchiya. The ruins of this Aramaic complex is believed to belonging to the 5th - 4th century BC and covers over 60 acres. But due to recent encroachments, allegedly from Muslim settlers, the area held as ruins is reportedly not even 12 acres. It is about 60 km from Anuradhapura.
For more details, see Weherabaendigala or Kirilagala Archeological reserve, dsicription and photos. Recently, (2019 January) the ruins were in the news when allegedly Muslim students stood on the ruined Stupa at Kiralagala and posed for photos.
කුරවිසතැන්න
Kumakulam(Mannnarama[Mannar])
KUMARAVAEVA
There is also a well-known Kumanavila ( Kumanavillu) in Yala.
Map
කුමාරවැව
Kumalamunai (east & West) (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
KUMBAL-AMUNA
Part of the Weli-oya development area
කුඹල්අමුණ
Kumankulam(Vannimava[Vavniya])
KUMANVAEVA
See LTTE activity
කුමනවැව
Kumaresan Kadavai (SrGonakanda[Trincomalee])
GOMARANKADAVALA; Also called katukulampattu
see entry under Gomarankadawala
ගෝමරන්කඩවල

Kumbhakanmalei,Kumbhakaranamalei (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
KUMBAKANMALÉ KUmbakan-kanda
Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
This is about 12 km NE of the WeliOya army camp, and the site is on a
hill capped with a huge rock cliff. A Stupa had existed on it. There is
a cave in the rock below the stupa site, stone steps, signs of buildings
supported on stone pillars etc exist. The army camp near here, known as
Kiriibban vaeva (කිරිඉබබන ් වැව) is curating several archaeo-objects, e.g, clay pots, elephant
figurines, pinnacle of a Stupa, and other artifacts.
The name 'Kumbhakarna' refers to a legendary giant, who allegedly slept in
the rock cave here. Aehaetugasvaeva Sambodhi Vihara, Viyayarama Vihara
and Dharmawardanaramaya are historical sites which are close to this site.
Labeled #46 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
කුම්බකන්මලේ
කුම්බකන්කන්ද
Kumburupiddy, Kumpurupiddy (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
KAMBURUPITIYA, KUMBURUPITIYA
'Kumbura' is a field, in sinhala. 'Pitiya' would be a flat area. According to K. Vellupillai (Yalpanam Vaipava Kavmudi, 1736CE), Gnanaprakasar and others, Kumubura, and Piddy are borrowed to Tamil from Sinhala.
LTTE sea tiger base
කඹුරුපිටිය
Kumulamunai, குமிழமுனை (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
BATUMUNNA   ⚓name
Now in the Admin district of Killinochchci. Coastal point, 'munna' in S.
names like 'Atuk-kumulli', 'kumula' are used in Tamil for
Prickly nightshade, Holy Basil, Solanum species,
and beachberry varieties (e.g, Gmelina asiatica).
Thus 'Kumula' could be a loose alternative for the Sinhala word 'batu' loosely used for Solonum species.   Regional map
බටුමුන්න
Kunchakulam (Giranikke [Killinochchi])
KUNCHAVAEVA
c.f., sound of elephants.   Regional map
කුන්ච වැව
Kunjithapathamalai (Sri Gonakanna[Trincomalee])
BOPATHKANDA
Kunjara is a name associated with elephants, and with the Pipal tree.
Ancient Buddhist ruins.
බෝපත්කන්ද
Kuppilan (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KOKILANA
In Tamil, kupilan could mean king; 'kupinan could be a fisherman.
Tamil 'kukkil' or cow-pheasant, 'kuyil'; Sinhala Kokila for
'cuckoo', Eudynamis honorata.
see Jaffna map1
කොකිලාන
Kuragalai, Kurakkallai (Sabaragamuwa)
GURAGALA, KURAGALA
This is a hill-shrine with 2-nd century Brahmi-script Elu-Sinhala (prakrit) lithic inscriptions. . These were discussed by Charles Collins, the British Civil Servant and GA for Ratnapura in the late 1920-early 30s. The Collins article is, "The Archaeology of Sabaragamuwa, Bintenna" (Journal R.A.S (Ceylon) Vol. XXXII, No 85 of 1932).
The archeological interest is confined to two sets of highset rocky cliffs, with a deep cleft between them. In the first set (--)there are several caves and two inscriptions, ... (they) latter are found on a high rock known as Hituwangala. They are typical of thousands of such records of acts of charity to the Sangha found all over the country.
However, in more recent times, ridiculous claims that these are old Arabic inscriptions have been made to justify the attempt to convert the location to an Islamic shrine. No aArabic rock inscriptions have been found. As evidence of Qutub Muhiyuddin's links with Kuragala is a tombstone (not a rock) discovered in 1922 when excavating to build a mosque about ten feet below ground, with the words "Disciple of Mohyiuddin" dated 1322 AD. No additional evidence (e.g., from Muslim traveller Iban Batuta, 14th century) in support of this has been found. Hence there is much controversy and anguish about the Muslim claims of antiquity to the Kuragala Dafther Jailany Mosque.
These have been aggravated by what are claimed to be an encroachment into traditional Buddhist archeological areas, and a `take-over' of a Buddhist shrine. Some Muslim writers have attempted to deny the Buddhist claims by stating that the Buddhist claim dates only to 1961!. In our view, the Muslims have a tradition of regarding the location as holy to them since the early part of the 20th century, but not much more. Hence some provision for their worship should be provided, while fully guarding the historical heritage going back to pre-Christian times, recorded in stone by the ancients.
The place-name most likely came from "Guragala, where "Gura" (ගුර, ගුරා), or "Guru" refers to any type of hermit or holy person who also practices healing or engage in village rites and rituals. In Tamil we have the word 'Kurural' corresponding to the Sinhala "Gururaala". The word "Guru" is of Parkrit origin and came into old Tamil probably during the early 'sangam' period. It has also been incorrectly claimed that the "kura" in kuragala comes from the Dravidian 'Kuravar" caste, and KuraGala is the hill of Kuravar. This is very unlikely, since "low-caste" nomadic groups were never allowed to occupy high-lying lands. Those tribes who settled (in the outskirts of towns - (p)ur - added the ur-prefix and) were known as urk-kuravar   ஊர்க்குற வர


කුරගල
Kurrakkan-Kaddukulam (Gokanna [Trincomalee])
Kurakkankaelaevaeva, Kurakkan katukulama
The sinhala 'Kurakkan' (millet) is also used in Tamil, குரக்கன்
This differs from typical Dravidian-language usage (Indian tamil- Iraaki,
'Raagi' in Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu), suggesting borrowing from Sinhala.
See also the entry under "Pantrichurichchan" for other details.
There has been an army base and and sometimes also LTTE camps.
The village is buried in the deep jungles of
Kaddukulam Pattu when the British colonial Civil servants
serving at Trincomalee as Government Agents
(later Asst.Govt.Agents) first discovered other villages
like Morawewa, Ethawetunawewa, Pettawa, Kivulekada, Relapanawa,
Medawacchichiya, and others, populated by Sinhala speaking residents. See also Kaddukulam
කුරක්කන්කටුවන
KuriKadduvan (Urathota[Kaytes])
KIRI-Kaduwa,
This is a small Island adjacent to Punguduthivu. The name of the Island is said to be based on the "forest" ("Kaduwa" or "Katuwa" in sinhala) of Gimnema Lactiferum (Kiri-Anguna in sihala) that covered the isalnd.
A nother etymologically derived name has been proposed, mainly by Tamil writers. KIRALAKATUVANA
Disc. Kurikirraali, குரிகிற்றாளி, is a kind of root; MTL p1013.
Kirala in Sinhala is a type of mangrove (Sonneratia caseolaris) with edible fruit, as well as a common water bird, the "red-wattled lapwing". See write ups under 'Iralaikulam, 'Kadduvan'. There is also a boat service to Mannarama (Mannar) from here.
කිරිකටු
කිරලකටුවන
Kurankupanchan, Kurungupanchan (Gokanna[Trincomalee])
VAN ELLA
This was an LTTE camp established after the CFA, and was also known as the "Manirasakulam" camp. visit to Manirasakulam-Kuranpanchan camp
See News report   See LTTE camps around Trinco harbour, 2003
This and 12 other camps were destroyed under the MR government in 2006
It has been suggested that 'Kuranpanchan' means 'monkey-jumping point'
However, 'Panchan' ← Sanskrit 'Pakkana' (→ malayalam etc.).
Thus it refers to a village or habitation of outcaste people.
Kuruanku (← Skrt. Kurane) means monkey as well as other beasts.
This is a caste-designated village where people feed on monkeys etc.
Such 'Kuankukatti' villages existed in Coimbatore, South India.
වන්ඇල්ල
Kurinchakemy (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
KURINCHAGAMA
"Kurinicha" may to the vine "Kuringgan" (S), (bot. Gymnema lactiferum ).
කුරින්ච ගම
Kurinjanpitai (Puttalam)
KURINCHAAPITYA
"Kurinicha" may to the vine "Kuringgan" (S), (bot. Gymnema lactiferum ).
කුරින්ච පිටිය
Kurudeepam (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
GURUDEEPA
ගුරුදීපෙ
Kurukkalkulam, Kurukalkulam (Giranikke,[kilinochchi])
GURUGALVAEVA
Meaning. 'kurukkal' could also refer to a hindu-temple priest.
In S., 'gurugal' refers to the colour of the clay
Map
ගුරුගල්වැව
Kurugalputhukulam (Mannarama [Mannar])
ALUTH-GURUGALVEVA
Map
අලුත්ගුරුගල්වැව
Kurukkalmadam, Mannunai(Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
GURUGALMADMA
Meaning. 'kurukkal' could also refer to a Hindu-temple priest.
Hist. Temple, flat figure resembling post-Gupta 600 A.D. work
See Wijesekera, Early Sinh. Sculpture. p 218
Syncretism between Mahayana Buddhist and Tara worship seen
here, with a well known image of Tara, and a Stone Bodhisattva
(Padmapani) holding lotus flowers, at the Gurugal-madama Temple.
map
ගුරුගල්මඩම
Kurummankadu (Vanimava[Vavniya])
KURUMANKADUWA
2 km west of vavniya
කුරුමන් කඩුව
Kurumbasiddy (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
KURUMBAPITIYA
Meaning: The sinhala 'Piti'→ 'Sitti' or Siddy' in T.
The name exists in Paranakurukorale as well
Map
කුරුම්බපිටිය

Kurundankulama (Vavnimava (Vavniya])
kurunthankulam (Mannarama [mannar])
Kurundankulama (Anuradhapura)
Both Vavniya and Anuradhapura are
Ancient Buddhist sites, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982
KURUNDANVAEVA, KURUNDUVAEVA, Kurunegama.
This is close to "Tannimarippukulam" or diyamalan vaeva. The very
important Buddhist sites are very difficult to access, on a hill known
as Piankallu (Piyangala) Kuruntur Mallai. There are remnants of Stupas, Shrine rooms, vatadaage
ponds, wells, as well as stone stairs, from a pre-christian era.
Place name with the "kurundunda" stem occurs in Attakatha, Kadaimpoth,
Pujavaliya, Nikayasangrahaya etc. The modern "Padaviya" is referred to as
"Padee rata". See p 379 of Ven. E. Medhananda(Pachina Passa-Uttara passa, 2003). The name may imply that Cinnamon was brought and planted here, during the time of the arrival of Mahinda from India
Labeled #37 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
The Northern Provincial Council under C. Wigneswaran has continued to undermine the integrity of modern "Kurundama". See: Antagonism towards Kurundaka Vihara, Sept 2018, Lanka web, Mathugama Seneviruvan, in Sinhala.
British Engineer Henry Parker (1886) claimed that the earlier name of Kuruntankulam was Kurunegama,¸. (sessional paper 8 of 1886 p 4-5. Sess.paper. 46 of 1886 p 11)
කුරුන්දවැව
Kurundanmalai,Kurundimalai, Kuruntur Malai, (Mooladoova [Mulaitivu])
KURANDA-KANDA, KURUNDUKANDA, Piyangala
Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982 Hist. 2 century B.C. Buddhist site identified as Kurundapasana vihara built by King Khallatanaga in 2nd century BC where Sinhalese commentary called ‘Kurundi Atthakatha” was written. 'Kuruandapaasana vihara' built by King Kallata-naga The Buddhist text "Kuruandi Atta katha', a Sinhala 'atuva' was written here. It was gazetted (no: 7981) a prime Archaeological zone in 1933.
This may have been the site mentioned by the British engineer Henry Parker in his submissions to the Ceylon Legislative Council sessional papers: (sessional paper 8 of 1886 p 4-5. S.P. 46 of 1886 p 11) where he cites the name Piyangala for Kuruntur Malai
John Steele, who had conducted research in the North and East under H.C.P. Bell was probably the first identify the ruins as those of a large Buddhist temple. This is probabaly the largest Buddhist monument in the Mooladoova District Excavations were restarted in 2021 by the archeological dept. Destruction In 1981 terrorists destroyed the site and built a Hindu temple. The ground has been covered with concrete and a trident has been fixed. The 'Pada lanchana' stones are used for lighting camphor at this new Murugan Kovil.
Archaeology Dept. file EC/B/N/7 folio 5,10
කරුන්දකන්ද,
Kurundanur (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
KURUNDUPURA
Labeled #38 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
Please see under Kurundanmalai, and Kurundankulama place names just above.
කුරුන්දපුර

L
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Lahukallai (Ampare)
LAHUGALA
ලහුගල
Lavanai (Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
SAALAVANAYA
Forest of Sal trees.
Sal is either the "cannon ball tree" (bot. Couroupita guianensis), or the related north Indian diperocarpaceae referred to as 'Salva', 'sakhu', 'shal' and
also 'kandar', c.f., kunturukkam.
Map
සාලවනය
Linnadikudieruppu, Linnadikudiruppu(Madakalapuva [Batticaloa])
HINNAKULISSA
DIsc.- 'Hinna, Kinna' are caste connotations.

The word `Kuli' was used in old sinhala for hamlet or village. 288 the verse (9th century), Sigiri Mirror-wall, "I am Gunakara (of) Ambagam-kuli (of the) Northern Province (Jaapanaya)
MAP
හින්න කුලිස්ස

Lunuvarangala(Vannimava[Vavniya])
NOT a tamilized form.
This is on the Mamaduva-Bogasvaeva road, when many Buddhist
ruins are sen on both sides of the road in this area.
In one spot there are many stone pillars, and a large building
with guard stones etc. Bogasvaeva itself has many Buddhist ruins,
some stone inscriptions, stone Sri Pada, remnants of a stupa etc.
Labeled #76 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
ලුනුවරන්ගල

M
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Maaviddapuram, mavitapuram (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
MAHAVITAPURA
See also under /"Mavittapuram"
Meaning: 'Mahavita' would mean a 'demarcated area.
මහවිටපුර

Madamarachchi(Vannimav[Vavniya])
MAEDA-MURAEKIYA
Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
Labeled #73 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
මැදමුරැකිය
Madampei (Puttalama)
MADAMPE
This is an example of "Pe", i.e., a village, ending applied to a plant species known as Maadan, Syzygium cumini, berry bearing shrub or tree.
The tannivella (i.e., prince Thanya Vallabha, the second son of Veera-parakramabahu VIII of Kotte) Devale, with a white horse is well known and has its festival in August.
The annual Nanumura Mangallaya of the Tanivelle Devalaya
මාදම්පේ
Madduvil (see Mattuvil) (Jaapanaya [Jaffna])
MADDU-VILA
Ports at Mudduvila (North) and Valigama (Valikkamam) are mentioned in the campaigns of Parakramabahu I. Madduvil can be accessed via the water way extending south-west towards the Jaffna lagoon and connecting with it at Navthakuliya. It is located half way up the waterway, going north-east from the Jaffna lagoon towards Kapuththoo (kapudoova), and implies that is the middle point" of the "vila විල"
There is a Madduvil North and a Madduvil south. Madduvil is North west of Javaka-cheriya (Chavakachcheriya), while Siripura (Chiruppiddi) is opposite the lagoon, N-W of Madduvil. There is a Murugan kovil in Madduvil N. Map of the Madduvila area
මද්දු විල
Madhu Church (Mannarama [Mannar])
MADHU PALLIYA
This site had a "Pattini temple" till the 19th century. The Catholic shrine to St. Mary was established in 1876. The "Manual of the North Central Province", by R. W. Levers, 1889, establishes that there was indeed a Pattini Devala there. A short History of the Madhu Church, written by the Bishop of Jaffna and given to E. B. Denham (author of the 1911 Census report) also establishes that the church was founded in 1876 (p. 77), but not completely built even in 1891 (J. P. Lewis, A Manual of the Vanni Districts p.51). The statue of St. Mary is the hallowed figure of the Catholic shrine. It is believed to be from Mantai (see Mannar), where it had been since the mid 16th CE., and brought during Dutch presecution to the more tolerant region controlled by the King of Kandy in the 17th CE. "Maruthamadhu" near by (Madhu camp) was a Customs House of the Sinhala Kings.This was called the "maedige" ('middleway-house') and the name 'Madhu' may have even arisen from this. Other possibilities exist. Thus the word "madhu" could have come from "Marutha madu", where we note that the Sanskrit. "madhu" means mother, or 'Amman'(Tamil). "Kannaki Amman", or 'Paththni' of non-Saivite worship has been associated with the heroine of the Tamil epic, "Sillappadikaram", (written by the the ascetic brother of the Cēra king Ceṅkuṭṭuvaṉ, and author of the Cilappati- kāram) . "Manikekhalai", the daughter of Kannaki became a Buddhist nun, and the worship of Pattini is also a part of Sinhala-Buddhist custom since Gajabahu I (114-136 CE). The Sri Lankan version of the "Silappathikaram" is called the 'Kannaki Valakurai Kavyam'. See entries under Kannakipuram, Kannankuda, Gomarankadawala, Chankanai.
Also, G. Obesekera, The Cult of the Goddess Pattini, 1984 (Chicago U. Press)
See Controversy reg. the Madhu Church.     A Catholic perspective:   The LTTE, the Army and the Church
Hostilities in 2008 April led to the removal of the Venerated Statue of Madhu by the LTTE into the region under their control.
Report in the Asia Tribune    Comments by Rev. Emilianus Pillai, care taker of Madhu    map of Marutha Madu area
A fully liberated Madhu church celebrated a festival open to all pilgrims on the 15th of August 2009, with the Archibishop Malcolm Ranjith officiating.
මදුපල්ලිය

Mahakachchathkodiaya(Vannimava[Vavniya])
TITHTHAVAELKADA (Viharaya), Mahakassapakodiya
NOT a tamilized form. However, it may have been 'Mahaakassapa kodiya' as it is a recognized ancient Buddhist site.
There is a large tank, as well as meditation caves,and inscriptions dating to
pre-christian times. H. C. P. Bell has transcribed some of the inscriptions.
One of the caves is a shrine with at least 2 Buddha statues, seven Sri Paada stones
Beyond the shrine there are remnants of a square building, with 9 stone pillars
still remaining. There is also a stupa, and Sri pada stones which are unusually
thick.
The place-name "Tittavaella" or "Tittaveli" has been proposed by Henry Parker (British irrigation engineer) who presented a series of Sessional Papers to the Legislative Council in 1886 (vol 8 of 1886 p 4-5. S.P. vol 46 of 1886 p 11), on the subject of irrigation in the Northern Province. The existence of the "Thithavaelikada" Maha viharaya suggests that this name may also have been used more recently, while the name goes back to the time of the Magha invasions.
Labeled #89 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
තිත්තවැල්කඩ
මහකස්සපකොඩිය

Madukanda(Vannimava[Vavniya])
MADUKANDA (Viihare) Ancient Buddhsit site, reputed to have hosted the Dalada relic.This is reputed to be the natal village of Nandhimitra, the "giant" general of King DutuGamunu. The recorded history goes back to the end of the 3rd century BCE, prior to the Gamunu-Elara battle that unified the entire country under Gamunu (or DutuGamunu) in the 2nd century BC.
Some archaeo-objects are in the temple site, while others are on the 'Madukanda" hill. The "Ruvan maedura" at the temple site has old stone pillars, and several chambers. The old entrance is well preserved, with a stairway and "Korawak" stones, and a Naaga guard stone.
Madukanda Vihara, entrance with guard stones, 2nd BCE
Madukanda Vihara, detail of a guard stone.
There is a stone carving of a dancer with four hands, and many other valuable artifacts which need great care
The Madukanda(hill) itself has ancient meditation caves, Sri Pada stones
and other archaeo-objects. See also, Madukanda Balumgala , and the book by
Ven Kadurugoda Pangnasara on "Madukanda Dalada Viharaya"
Labeled #100 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
මදු කන්ද

Madukanda Balumgala (Vannimava[Vavniya])
Ancient Buddhsit site, reputed to have hosted the Dalada relic.
See the book by Ven Kadurugoda Pangnasara on "Madukanda Dalada Viharaya"
Labeled #92 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
මදුකන්ද බැලුම්ගල
Madurankuli, Mathurankuli (Puttalama)
Meeran kuliya, MADURANKULIYA

The word `Kuli' was used in old sinhala for hamlet or village. 288 the verse (9th century), Sigiri Mirror-wall, "I am Gunakara (of) Ambagam-kuli (of the) Northern Province
The name may also have originated after a Pandiyan king, as in
'Madurantagam' near Chennai.
මදුරන් කුලිය
Madurankernikulam(Madakalapuva [Batticaloa])
MEERANKAENNA Vaeva
The name may also have originated after a Pandiyan king, as in
'Madurantagam' near Chennai.
මීරන්කැන්න වැව

Mahamylankulam, Mahamallankulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
MAHAMELAVAEVA
Ancient Buddhist site; in the list by Archaeo. Dep. Mr. Somasiri, 1982
Labeled #126 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
මහමේලවැව

Maduvankulam, Maduwankulam, Matavankulam(Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
UPULUVAN VAEVA
Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982.
Disc.- 'Matavan' is used in Tamil, from the Sanskr. Maadhva for Vishnu,
and by implication in the Sri Lankan context, for Upulvan,
a Buddhist deity often equated to Vishnu.
Note 'Upulvan' → 'Upuluvan' in the usage of the place name.
Labeled #40 in Vanni Buddhist sites map

Ancient Buddhist site with the same name near Gokanna[Trincomalee]
Labeled #136 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
උපුල්වන් වැව
Mahanagapuram (Ampare)
MAHANAAGAPURA
මහනාගපුර
Mahaoya (Ampare)
MAHAOYA
මහඔය
Maharambaikulam, Maharamaikulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
MAHARAMBAVAEVA
මහරඹවැව
Maharugiramai (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
MAHARAGIRAMA
මහර ගිරාම

Mahamailankulam(Yannimav[Vavniya])
MAHAMELAVAEVA
Labeled #44 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982
However, the location given in Archaeo. map is different from this.
Map
මහමේලවැව

Mahathalithagama, Mahatalitagama (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
NO Tamil allonym is available.
Ancient Buddhist site. Mentioned in the Poojavaliya, Mahavamsa (Lxxxiii, vv15-18)
Labeled #64 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
මහතලිතගම

Mahaukulan kulama (vannimava[vavniya])
MAHAMUGALAN VAEVA
Ancient Buddhist site; in the list by Archaeo. Dep. Mr. Somasiri, 1982
Labeled #122 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
මහමුගලන්වැව
Mahilankulam, Makilankulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
MAHILAVAEWA, VAKULAVAEVA
See discussion under 'Mahilavettuvaan'
The same toponym exists in the Mannaaram area.
මහිලවැව
Mahiappitti, Mahiyapitti, Makiyappiddy, Makayappiddi(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
MAHIYAPITIYA, MAHILAPITIYA
Disc.- 'Mahila', 'Maila' may refer to a small tree, Bauhinia racemosa with Jasmin-like flowers. Another possibility is "Moonamal", or Mahila, is 'Mimusops elengi'.
Ancient Buddhist ruins. A Buddha statue and parts of a Dagaba and ruins of other buildings have been unearthed. See Thambimuttu's article , reg. discovery of a Buddha statue in the courtyard of the Meenachchi Amman Temple. Indraratna (Ph. D Thesis 1965) writes: "In a Saiva temple at mahiyapitti a Buddha image was found under a stone step in the temple tank".
Map
මහියපිටිය
Mailaddi, Mayiliddy, Myliddy (yapanaya[Jaffna])
MAHALIYADDA, MAILAEDDA
'Maila gas→Mali gas' is a small tree with Jasmin-like leaves. The name is probably malayalam in oigin (Bauhinia racemosa). 'Maligas', in Maligaspitiya is likely from 'mailagaspitiya'. The place-name may also be a deformation of the sinhala 'Mahaliyadda'. This area is being developed as a third harbour for the Jaffna area.
Selvara Pathmanathan alias KP, the arms dealer and International Head of the LTTE was a native of this village. There has been much traffic between this coastal town and south India. KP's parents who were fishermen, but not Karaivar,lived in Veeramanicthevanthrai. It is a hamlet near here named after a Maravar Clansman from Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu, who settled in Myliddy with his clan centuries ago. The LTTE leader known as Castro was also from this fishing village. Ilam Puli (Thurairathinam Kalairaj), a "black Tiger" implicated in the Anuradhapura air-base attack is from this fishing village. See A Tamil Nationalist view
See Map
මහලියද්ද   මයිලැද්ද
Mayilang-koodal(Yapanaya[jaffna])
MAILANGOLLA
'Maila' is a small tree with Jasmin-like leaves. The name is
probably malayalam in oigin (Bauhinia racemosa).
මලි ගස්ගොල්ල
Maha Mayilang Kulam (Vavniya)
MAHAMUGLAN VAEVA, MAHAMELAVAEVA Disc.- Mugalan is a senior Sraavaka of the Buddha
maha Monara vaeva, i.e, attributing the name to a peacock,
or attributing the name 'Maila' to the small
tree Bauhinia Racemosa, are other possibilities.
මහමුගලන්වැව
Mayilagasthidar, mayilakastitar (Ampare)
MALIGASPITIYA
Maila is a small tree, Bauhinia Racemosa, with jasmin-like
flowers. The name Maila is probably malayalam in origin. It could also be the tree Mimusops elengi
මලි ගස්පිටිය

Maligai, Malikei (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
MAALIGAAVA
Ancient buddist site listed in 1982 Archae. Dept. (Somasiri) inventory.
Meaning:   'Maaligava' is a palace or chateau.
Labeled #60 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
මාලිගාව
Mailambaveli(Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
Recent military confrontations.
MAL-AMBA-VAELLA
Disc.- Due to dry conditions, sometimes Mango can flower and produce
fruit through out the year. Such "flowering mango" may occur in the dry zone
Normally, the mango tree bears fruit biannually.
However, the details of the process are not well understood.
E. K. Chako, ISHS Acta Horticulturae 291: III International Mango Symposium
මල්අඹවැල්ල
Makilavettuvan, Mahilavettuvaan, Makizhavedduvaan, மகிழவெட்டுவ ான் (Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
VAKULAVAEDDA
Disc.-Vakula is the sanskrit name for the tree Mimusops elengi
known in Sinhala as 'Mahila Gasa', or 'Moonamal'. 'Magilam' in Tamil.
"Maila" could also be a small tree, Bauhinia racemosa, with jasmin-like flowers.
In Tamil 'Vedduan' refers to an open land, usually devoid of large trees
. In contrast, Sinhala 'Vaedda' refers to a
'forest' or to a an opening/clearing for arrival (Vaedeema), i.e., a Portal.
In this instance, VAKULAVAEDDA is an area overgrown with Vakula trees.
Vakula is also linked with nagula,'mongoose' in sanskrit, and the flowers
are used in religious and 'hooniyan' (witchcraft) ceremonies.
Vakula is also the name of a Buddhist Sravaka who was deified as
'Nakulesvarn' in the Hindu Pasupatha sect. See 'Keerimalai'.
වකුලවැද්ද
Malayadi Kanda (ampare)
ILUKPITIYA
Pre-christian Buddhist site.
Disc. 'Ilukpitiya Vihara' is the name of the temple.
Tamil name may refer to Malay or Kerala people. "Iluk" is " Imperata Cylindrica" (bot.)
There are two hills in this location. The ruins are mostly on one hill.
On this hill are 27 caves used for Buddhist meditation.
About fifteen of them have inscriptions,
and in one cave there are many primitive paintings.
The inscriptions establish connections with Mahanaga, Ghotabhaya,
Yataalathissa and Kavantissa.
ඉලුක්පිටිය
Malikei(Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
MAALIGAVA
Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982
මාලිගාව
Mallakam (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
MALLAGAMA, Malalagama
'Malla', refers to wrestling and related sports of strength. It is also the name of the dynasty of Malla kings in the Buddhist tradition (c.f., citiy of Kuncinara of the Mlaas). Dis. Ancient village mentioned in the 'Nampotha, Buddhist ruins
Two fragments of a Yantaragala (chamber-stone) and a rock pond (gal-pokuna)
may be seen today. The rock pond was found by Paul E. Peiris.
A stone inscription found in nearby aanakotte written in Brahmi script mentions the trading of horses in this area in ancient times.
The Mallagama railway station plundered by the LTTE and at the end of the war Map
මල්ලගම
Mallavi (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
MALLAAVA, MaLLAVA
This is located on the Mankulum-Vellankulum road, 13 km from Mankulam or Muvaavewa The name stub "Malla" occurs in many old place names, e.g., Mallagama (Jaffna), and in the name of the King "Nissanka-Malla, and in the " Malla" kings of India.
This is a region with a small very rurual population affected by chronic kidney disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu).
මල්ලාව
Mallikativu (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
MALIGADOOVA
මාලිගාදූව
Malwattai (Ampare)
MALWATTA
මල්වත්ත

Mamadu (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
MAMADUWA, MAHAMADUWA
Labeled #87 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri.
මහමඩුව
Mampurai (Puttalama)
MAAMPURA
The form 'Mahagampure → Maampura'.
මාම්පුර
Mamunai(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
MHAMUNNA, MAHAMUNA
From 'Maha+Amuna → Mahamunna'.
see Jaffna map1
මහමුන්න
ManalAru, Manalaru, Manal Aru (Mooladoova (Mulaitivu])
VAELIOYA, Welioya Weli Oya
The name 'welioya' is used in old Sinhala literature. Similar names are found in the south, near Balangoada, Kalupahana etc.
This is the much-contested Weli Oya development ares, which includes Kokilava (Kokkilai), Kalu-naedakaenna (Karunaddukeni), Kokkuthudaava (Kokkuthuduvai), Kumbal-amuna (Kumalamunai East and West), Gammalé (Chammalai or Chemmalai), Uththiya-kanda (Othiyamalai), Handuvaana (Tanduvan), Thibbatuvala (Mulliyavalai East), Diyaunna (Thannirootu West), Kaanukaenna (Kannukeni) and Vaellampila (Alampil). Various "farms", e.g., Dollar farm, Kent farm Navalar farm, Ceylon Theatres farm, Menik Farm etc., also fall into this region.  Map See entries under the corresponding place names for more maps etc. Two maps which includes many of these places are the marithimepattu-Mullaitive Map   and the mullaitivu-oddusudan Map
Regional Map, and fighting in 2008   Welioya satellite pictures
See UTHR special report 5 reg. colonization policies
  Sinhalese of the North and East
වැලිඔය
මන්ඩ දූව
Manalkadu(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
VAELIKADUVA
This is almost a mini-desert with sand dunes, with isolated communities. see Jaffna map1
වැලිකඩුව
Mandakal aru, Mandekal aru (Giranikke [Killinochchi])
MANDAGAL OYA
In Skrt. 'manda' means slime. This river falls into the Indian ocean on the west coast, near Kumbalamauna (Kumulamunai), while another branch falls into the see near Kumburukanniya (Chempankundu), near Punnakara (Punranna, Pooneryn)
මන්ඩගල්ඔය
Mandaitheevu, Mandativu, Mandaitivu (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
MANDADOOVA, MADADOOVA
In Skrt. 'manda' means slime. repeated military and terrorist activity
see Jaffna map1
මඩදූව
Mandur, Mandpur (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
MANDAPURA
This is a town associated with "mada" or "manda" and situated near Madakalapuva.
මන්ඩපුර
Manipayi, Manipai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
MINIPAEE, minipaaya, Minipe, Mampe
Ancient Buddhist site
Meaning. In Tamil "payi" may mean "net", or "sail", and has no contextual sense; the Sinhala name means "gem-castle" In Sinhala, `pe' also means `village' as in 'Dompe', and `Minipe' means `gem-village'. This name may have a relation to the 'manikyaparyanka" of the Legendary visit of the Buddha to Naagadeepa (Nagadipa) ?
While Horsburg claimed that the ancient Sinhala name was "Mampe" in concurrence with Rev. S. Gnanaprakasar, S. W. Kcoomaraswamy claimed evidence for "Mampaya".
See Jaffna map1
මිනිපේ
Maniyankotte (Japanaya [ Jaffna])
MAHANIYAM-KOTUVA
Near Ariyali (Ariyagala). "Hama-niyamaya" is a Royal Decree. Thus land granted under Royal decree are called "Niyam gam, Ninda gam" etc, or "raasa-maaniyam" in Tamil. The placenames seems to refer to a fort built by a specific Royal decree, or a fort where military tribunals were held. Ariyagala near by is an archeological site and mentioned in earli Pali literature, e.g., Sihala-vattu-prakaranaya.
මහනියම් කොටුව
Manirasakulam(Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
MINIRAESVAEVA
See also entry under "Kurankupanchan" in Gokanna (Trincomalee).
ම්නිරැස්වැව
Mankemi (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
MAANAGAMA
මහනාගම
Mankerni, Makerny(Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
MAANAKURANA
War LTTE base till 2006
Vedda villages, with known clans ("varige").
Map
මානකුරන
Mankulam (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
MUVAAVAeVA, Muvaweva, MAANAVEVA
Muva in S., 'Deer', becomes Tamil, (also Maly, Telgu and K.) 'maan'
, War: Prabhakarans first military trainintg camps were set up here in the 1976-1977 period. Read the founding-LTTE treasurer Ganesh Ayer's memoires Dayan Jayatilleke's discussion of 'Hitlarism' in the early LTTE
The 'Jayasikuru' offensive, 1997, was aborted here. 1998
32 km. south of Giranikke (killinochchi).
See Jayasikuru.
The Mankulam railway station plundered by the LTTE, in 2009 the end of the war
මුවාවැව
Mankulam (Sri Gonakanda[Trincomalee])
MUVAAVAEVA
Ancient Buddhist site; in the list by Archaeo. Dep. Mr. Somasiri, 1982
මුවාවැව

Mannakandal (Vannimav [Vavniya])
MONARAKADOLA
Disc.- 'Kandal' is probably 'Kandelia rheedii' or related Mangroves
Rhizophora mucronata and Rhizophora candel.
The word 'kandal' may also be a tamilization of 'gandara',
that is, the watery edge or swamp, where gan(ga) =river and 'dara' is
related to 'addara', i.e., neighbourhood.
Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
Ancient Buddhsit site, reputed to have hosted the Dalada relic.
See the book by Ven Kadurugoda Pangnasara on "Madukanda Dalada Viharaya"
Labeled #93 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
මොනරැක්ක
Mannankulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
MAANAVAEVVA, MAURAVAEVA
මානවැව, මයුරවැව
Mannar (Mannarama [Mannar])
MANTOTA, MANNARAMA
We should revert to MANTOTA
Hist.:
Manthota (mattottam) or Mantota
was a great sea port known to
the Babylonians, Chinese etc. Many names have been used:
Mahathitha, mahavoti, Mahaputu, Mahavatu, Mahavatutota, Mahapattana
Matota, ManthiDhathuwamsa uses the name 'Lankapattana', and some
scholars have considered this to be Mannar. However, 'Lankapattana'
is probably in the east coast, near Vihare (see entry: Vakarai)
'Man-ara' (i.e., the river flowing to mantota, i.e., malvatu oya)
may have given rise to the name 'manaram'.
Landing site of Vijaya's second wife.
Easy access to Anuradapura along Malwatu oya
The Tiruketheesvaram Temple is probably a recent construction. It is recorded that Ibn Batuta in the 14th century visited Mantota. The Kokila Sandesaya mentions it as a trade centre, but no mention however is made by these early sources of a Hindu Temple there. H. C. P. Bell in 1907 recorded that "some wealthy Tamils in search of the reputed 'Lingam' used 300 workmen for six months with the help of a soothsayer but found none except for some Buddhist objects, which was also reported by Hocart in 1927. The Edict of King Sena is near by.
The Mannaram Kachcheri location has an Sinhala edict of Kasyapa IV (9 CE).
Earliest conversions to Catholicism in Sri Lanka.
But 26% Muslims in 1981 census
see Carswell, John. 1991. "The Port of Mantai, Sri Lanka."
Begley, American Journal of Archaeology, Vol. 87, (1983), pp. 461-481
S. Kiribamuna, "The role of the Port city of Mahathathitha
in the Trade networks of the Indian Ocean", in
"Reflections on a Heritage", Part I 2000.

Currently there exists a Mannaram Buddhist temple, known today as the "Mathota Buddhist temple".
Sinhala article on Mannarama Buddhist temple

Note that the place name Mantota itself exists just near Mannar.
See Map   Map indicating Military action 2008
මාන්තොට
Manniyakulam (Giranikke [Killinochchi])
TAMMAENNAVAEVA This is located on the Pallavrakadu (Pallavarayandaddu)-Thelamurakanda (Terumurikandy) road. See Map
තම්මැන්නා
Mannittalai, Manniththalai, மண்ணித்தலை (Yapanaya[Jafna])
VAELITHALAAVA
This is a sandy peninsular area near Punnakara (Punranna, Pooneryn). This may have been an ancient Potter's village. The name may also have come from the "maan" stub found in "Maanthota", "tham-maennava" etc, associated with the mannaarama region.
වැලිතලාව
Manthai, Mantai (Mannarama [Mannar])
MATOTA, Mahatheetha, MAANTHÉ Maennava
This was a great seaport on the Silk route and the spice trade. Peepr and cloves which are from 20 centuries BCE have been uncoverd here. World?s oldest clove? Here?s what our find in Sri Lanka says about the early spice trade, y Kinwell-Banham. The conversation, 2019
This area was regarded as a province of a Naga tribe who were artisans - devakanmi. Legend has it that `Visvakarma', the architect of the Gods, was their chief. Lankapura, the Yaksha capital, was said to be near here, and many Yakka kings are said to have found their queens here. We state here the legends without attempt at critical evaluation.

The wife of the Asura King Sura Padma defeated by Skandha was a Naga princes from Maathota. Ravana himself had a wife from here, while Kuvera, the uncle of Ravana had married Chitraleka the daughter of another Devakanmi. Visvakarma is said to have built an iron fort here. Sailors were lured into it by pretty women while their men (pirates) attacked the ships (c.f., the Ku-veni story) Kadira. The iron fort is said to have been destroyed by Vijaya. Some attempt to give credence to the Rama-Sita story by claiming that place names like Sita-Sangula, Sita ella are indicative of places associated with the princes of the Ramayana is nonsense. Sita-ella simply means "Cold (sheetha)" waterfall ((Ella), and similarly for most other such names. The ramayana story and related versions of it can be found in most cultures along the ancient silk road connecting the orient with India and Persia.

The name "Ra-vana" is a contraction of Elu-prakrit words "Raj"(king) of the Vanni(Forest) . In Tamil, the grammatical rules since the time of the Tolkappium require the additon of a vowel I in front of the R for Tamilization. Hence, in Tamil writings the name modifies to Iravannan.
The name Ku-vweni is also an Elu-Prakrit name meaning Dark(ku)-Coloured (Veni=Varnee)
The name "maennava" is related to "Tammmaennava", and "Manthai" is a close cognate of "Maanthota". This location has been linked with the legend of Vijaya.

A mass grave containing some 325 skeletons was discovered in 2013 during excavations for construction at a commercial site. The Tamil Net and LTTE-linked diaspora groups and some Western Diplomats claimed this to be evidence against the Sri Lankan army. However, carbon dating of the remains established that the bones are from the 1499-1719 era. Other grave sites at Galle, Matale and Batticaloe (Sathurukondan-Sinna Savukkadi) have been uncovered since then.

Historians have suggested that the Mannar grave is most likely to be those of Tamils who converted to Christianity and were massacred by the Local Hindu Tamil King Cankilli. The History of Sri Lanka, Vol. II (University of Peradeniya, 1995), p 108 says

"By the early 1540s Portuguese missionary activity on the Indian Fishery Coast had led to the conversion of substantial numbers of 'parava' (karava) fishermen. In 1543, some 'paravas' of Mannar wished to follow suit and invited St. Francis Xavier to come over to Mannar to preach the new religion. Xavier accepted the invitation and on his visit converted about 600 'paravas' to Christianity. This event was reported to the King of Jaffna. It was clear to Cankili that the conversion of the 'paravas' involved more than a mere change of a religion. Cankili was determined to check this erosion of his authority, andmarching to Mannar in 1544 with a force of 5000 men; he put to death all the Christians who refused to give up their faith..."
The events are also recorded in the Yalpana Vaipava Malai, 1736 CE, page 33, (Editted by Britto) "By the force of their (Catholic priests') preaching, a number of families embraced the Saththiya vetham at Mannar. As soon as Sangkili ... heard of this conversion, he put six hundred persons to the sword without distinction of age or sex. His insane fury longed for more victims and he fell upon the Buddhists. The followers of Buddhism were all Singhalese, and of them, there were many in this kingdom. By an order which he issued he expelled them beyond his limits and destroyed all their numerous places of worship. They betook themselves to the Vannis and the Kandiyan ... territories, and not one Singhalese remained behind nor ever returned hither.”
See also: The mass grave in Mannar; what type of further studies are needed?, CDW, Island, 18-03-2019
Historical evidence of Mannar Mass graves dating back to the 16th Century. P. Weerasekera, 26-03-2019, Island

Map and Army action 2008
මාන්තේ
Manthikai, Manthihai(Yapanaya[Jafna])
MANDIKKA
The name implies a muddy, salty or sandy-slimy place.
The Point Pedro (Vak thuduwa) hospital which was at the time an IPKF army camp is in Manththi and many clashes between the LTTE and the armed forces took place in the area. The area was also badly affected by the Tsunami, the 2010 cyclone etc. A refugee camp for IDPs existed here.
Onions, tobacco etc., have been cultivated in this area, about 4 miles from Point Pedro.
Map
මන්ඩික්ක

Manthriviharaya Manthirivihare (Vannimava[Vavniya])
MANTHRIVIHARÉ
Ancient buddhsit site
Labeled #99 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
මන්ත්රිවිහාරෙ
Mantivu (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa]))
MANDOOVA
Compare etymology discussions under Manthai etc.
Map
මාන්දූව

Manukfarm   ⚓name, Kadirgamar IDP village(Vannimava[Vavniya]), MENIK FARM
This is a private land, adjavent to Intembifarm, and Appapillege Idama. These areas, together with Dollar farm, were subject to LTTE attacks on settlers in 1984 and colonization efforts by the government and by the LTTE.
See Malinga Gunaratne's book For a sovereign State (Sarvodaya Vishvalekha Publication 1988).
In 2009 this area began to be used for "internally displace people" (IDPs). The "Kadirgam village" has been established near here. When two other names, Ramanathan and Arunachalam were proposed, there were objections from dissident writers like Sebastian Rasalingam.   Ramanathan, Arunachalam and the IDP villages, by S. Rasalingam ,   See also Upulvan in the safe zone
These lands contain ancient Buddhist archaeological sites, as cited in the (Somasiri) archeological Commissioner's report. "Mahathalithagama" mentioned in the Mahavamsa and used for encamping Tamil supporters of Sri Vallabha (9th century CE) may have been this area, and the surroundings.
Manik farm and Dollar farm area, the Maha-Thalitha-gama of Sri Vallabha, 9th century CE.
There are two buildings with stone pillars, a stone pond, and ancient ruins.
Labeled #110-116 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
මහ-තලිත-;;ගම
Marailuppai(mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
MAARAMEEYA, GAETAMEEYA
'Iluppa', see MEEPATHOTA, which was rendered 'Iluppaikadavai',
after the Magha invasion. 'Maarameeya' suggests a knotted "Mee""tree,
as more explicitly used in 'Gaetameeya'.
Ancient Buddhist ruins.
More Buddhist ruins at "Periyamarailuppi", or MAHAMEEYA.
map
මාරමීය,   ගැටමීය
Marakkarampalai, Marukkarampalai (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
MALLAKARANAPOLA
Meaning:  In S., site for wrestling sports.
map
මල්ලකරන්පොල
Maranwadiyai,Maranvadi(Sri Gonakanda [Trincomalee])
VARAN-VAEDIYA
Disc.- Names suggests a 'place for blessings.
Ancient Buddhist site; in the list by Archaeo. Dept., Somasiri, 1982.
වරන්වාඩිය
Marathamunai (Ampare)
BURUTHAMUNA,MARUTHAMUNNA
See under 'Maruthamunai' for details and map.
බුරුතමුන්න
Maraviluppai, maraviluddai (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
MAHAVILA-UDA, MAARAMEEYA, Gaetameeya
Meaning. In Tamil "vil" means "Bow" and has no immediate meaning. 'Iluppa', see MEEPATHOTA, which was rendered 'Iluppaikadavai',
after the Magha invasion. 'Maarameeya' suggests a knotted "Mee""tree,
as more explicitly used in 'Gaetameeya'.
මහවිල්උඩ
මාරමීය
Maravanpulavu(Yapanaya[jaffna])
MAAVANPOLAWA
Disc.- 'Maavan' exits in Sinhala places names , e.g, Mavanella.
It may refer to a 'mahavana', a timbered forest
'In T., 'maravan' could be related to to 'mararam, trees.
Paluva here refers to a grove of Palu trees.
see Jaffna map1
මාවන්පලුව
Maracci(Japanaya[Jaffna])
MARACHHIRATA
As given by Dr. K. Indrapala in his Ph. D. thesis.
මරච්චිරට
MarichchiKaddi, Marichchukkaddi (Mannarama [Mannar])
MIRIJJAKADA, MIRIJJAKARA
This is near the Mannar-puttalam border, in the Musali AGA division, a Muslim majoirty area that was subject to "ethnic Clensing" by the Tamil Tigers in 1990 as part of their "homeland" bid.
Disc. 'Marchchi', Marikki, Marikku' etc., have no meaning in Tamil
'Kaddi, Kattai' etc., also do not provide a useful meaning in T.
'Mirijjakada', Mirijjakara' in Sinhalese would mean 'a strip of unsalted water'.
N.B., 'salted water is 'Karijja' in S., where 'kara' is sea shore.
Dutch VOC records give Marsikatte, Martikatte.
Hence the name had already changed by the 17th century.
Colonial ruins
On Oct 22nd a roup of Muslims from Marichukkatty were arrested by the LTTE for allegedly having likns with the armed forces. On Oct 23rd the villagers of Marichukkatty were ordered at gunpoint to leave. An eviction order to all muslims (Oct 24th) was issued in the Musali AGA division where Marichukkatty is situated. The Muslims were forced to escape to government controlled areas in the South. Unfortunately, civil society activists in the South, the UN and "human rights" organizations remained silent as they were "trying to bring the Tigers to the negociation table" and had no wish to criticize them!
The Northern Provincial Council established in 2013 after the elimination of the Tigers, and controlled by Tamil politicians like Wigneswaran have resisted the return of the displaced Muslims.
ම්රිජ්ජකඩ
Maripututivu(Puttalam])
MALIPUTHU DIVA
This is 'Malia-puthra theeva', found in the Puttalam kalapuva (Lagoon).
මලිපුතු දූව
Marthand, Markand, Markandal (Madakalapuva [Batticaloa])
MALKADOLA
This is small Island located in the Kivul-ara (Upparu) Lagoon close to Vaakaraya (Vakarai). The island's Sinhalese name originates from a type of flowering mangrove ('Mal Kadol') found in such islands.
මලිපුතු දූව
Marukaraimoddai, Mathukkaraimotte மருக்காரை ;மோட்டை (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
MARU-VAELI-MADDÉ
'Moddai', 'Motte' are derived from the sinhlala "muddy place=maddé", as discussed under "Adaikkalamoddai", or "Athimottai". Also "Maru-Vaeli" in S. means "quick-sand", "dangerous shore" or "dangerous bank". "Karai" in Tamil, and "Kara" in Sinhala also means "shore" or "bank". The name "murukarai" may also signify a type of thorny shrub in Tamil ("emetic nut tree in English, Kukurumuvan in Sinhala, Madana-phala in Skrt., Randia dumetorum, in L.).
මරුවැලිමඩේ
Maruthamadu (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
BURUTHAMADUWA
Meaning:  'Burutha' in S., and Marutha in T. is Kumbuk (Terminalia arjuna), or sometimes "Satin",
a teak-like tree, "Chrolophylla sweetnia".
Map
බුරුතමඩුව
Maruthamunai,Marathamunai (Ampare)
MARUTHA-MUNNA, Kumbuk-amuna
See discussion under 'Maruthamadu'for another meaning of "Marutha. However, we believe that here "marutha" is the sinhalese word "Maarutha" for "storm". Also, "Munna is facing-point, usually near the sea.
This location was strongly damaged by the 2004 Dec. 26 Tsunami, and about 3000 people died in he area.   Tsunami in Maruthamunna Regional map
බුරුතමුන්න
Maruthankulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
BURUTHAVAEVA, Kumbukvaeva
See discussion under 'Maruthamadu'
බුරුතවැව
Maruthodai (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
BURUTHUOYA, Kumbukoya
Meaning:   In S., 'Burutha+oya → buruthoya'.
In T., 'odai' is an 'oya' which dries up occassionly
Sinhala 'Burutha' is Satin, Chrolophylla sweetnia. Marutha in T. could often be used for: Terminalia arjuna, Kumbuk.
බුරුත ඔය
Matavittikulam, Madaviddikulam, Mattavithikulam,
Mathavuvaithakulam, Matavuvaittakulam (Vannimava, [Vavniya])
MAEDAVITIVAEVA
Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dept. (Somasiri), 1982
However, although the same name, the location is different.
map
මැදවිටිවැව
Mathagal (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
MAETTAGALA
No meaning in Tamil.
මැට්ටගල
Mathalai, Matali (Mathale district)
MATHALE, Maathalé Matale
The name may have arisen from "Maha-thalé:' meaning big plateau in Sinhala. The town is at the base of the Dumbara Kandu-yaaya, known in English as the `Knuckles range', famous for its bio-diversity. New Flower species in Dumbara Kanduyaya 2011

Matale is 142 km from Colombo. The `Aluvihara Temple' is where the Pali Canon was first written down circa 29-17 BCE on ola (palm) leaves, during a period beset with the Brahmana-Tissa' famine, when Vattagamini was the king with the capital in Anuradhapura. The temple was then probably called the `Abhayagiri temple', and possibly also the "Aloka Vihara". The latter probably gave rise to the name `Alo Vihara'. The writing of the canon has been discussed by Russell Bowden

Matale was also the site of the Matale Rebellion in 1848 when the British garrison in Fort Macdowall was placed under siege by Weera Puran Appu, Gongalegoda Banda and their troops. Monarawila Keppetipola, the leader of the Wellasa rebellion (1817-1818, or Uva uprising) against the British had his ancestral home (Kappetipola Walauwa) in Hulangamuwa, Matale. The Amman Hindu Kovil, the `Christ Church' which was built in 1860, and many Islamic Mosques are found in this city which has acquired a growing Muslim population.
මා ත ලේ
Mathawachchi (Vannimava [Vavniya])
Maedavachchiya
No meaning in Tamil. The village is populated mainly by Sinhala and Muslim people.
මැදවච්චිය
Mattakkalappu (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
MADAKALAPUWA
see Batticaloa under letter B
There is an unidentified 'mattikaratitha'
referred to in the Pali chronicles.
මඩකලපුව
Mattutivu (Puththalama [Puttalam])

MAEDDE-DOOVA   ⚓name
The 'D' here is the soft 'dh' sound as in 'the'.
Meaning:   'Maddu'(මද්දු) and "maedda" (මැද්දෙ) means 'in the middle'. Thus 'Madya' in Sanskrit appears in Sinhala and and indeed absorbed into Tamil as well. This is an island in between the Kalpitiya (Galpitiya) jut-out and the mainland. Map Part of the post-war tourist development project: Sri Lankan government to lease out 10 more islands in the Kalpitiya area for tourism
මැද්දෙ දූව
(මද්දු දූව)
Mattuvil (see Madduvil) (Jaapanaya [Jaffna])
MADDU-VILA
Ports at Mudduvila (North) and Valigama (Valikkamam) are mentioned in the campaigns of Parakramabahu I. Madduvil can be accessed via the water way extending south-west towards the Jaffna lagoon.
There is a Mudduvil North and a Madduvil south. Madduvil is North west of Javakacheriya (Chavakachcheriya), while Siripura is opposite the lagoon, N-W of Madduvil. There is a Murugan kovil in Madduvil N. Map of the Madduvila area
මද්දු විල
Matauvainthankulam(Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
See entry under Maduvankulam
උපුල්වන්වැව
Mavadimunmari, Mavadi Munmari(Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
MAHAVAEDI - MULVAERIYA,   A` sound as in AT
Dis. 'Mulvariya' seems to mean cultivation before the rains arrive.
'Mahavaedi' may mean chief Veddha, or it could also be 'mango' tree in T.
This has been an LTTE military training camp or 'Kottam'
See also 'Berawa Munmari'
Map
මහවැදි මුල්වේරිය
Mavediodai(Ampare)
MAHAVAEDI-ODE
'ODE' is pronounced with a long 'O'.
This is close to Thopigala and has been an LTTE camp/td>
මහවැදිඔඩය
Mavadippalli, Maavadippillai (Ampare)
MAHAVAEDIPAHALA, MAHAVAEDIPALLIYA
'Mahavaedi' may mean chief Veddha, or it could also 'mango' tree in T.
'Palli' could refer to a non-hindu (e.g, jain, Buddhist) shrine or,
a low-lying region. See the entry under 'Pachchilaippalli'.
Also, 'palli','halli, alli' mean village or place ('pala' in S.), a
current usage in telugu and kannada (c.f., Thiruchirapalli, Jalahalli.)
It also means a place of worship as villages usually involved
a temple. In modern usage in SL, it refers to a christian church or mosque.
මහවැදිපහල
මහවැදිපල්ලිය
Maveliturai (Naedundoova [Delft])
MAAVAELITHOTA
SL-government Naval base.
Ancient Buddhist Ruins. Mr. D. T. Devendra, during a visit in the 1940s
to Delft , discovered a mound which on closer examination turned out
to be a Dagoba. No recent excavations have been done.
Map
මාවැලිතොට
Mawadichenai, Mavadichenai (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
MAHAVAEDIHENA
මහවැදිහේන
Mavidivembu, Mawidivembu, Mavithivempu(Ampare)
MAHAVAEDIKOHOMBE
This is located east of Toppigala(Baron's cap)
'Vembu, Vempu' (T, M) refer to the Neem tree.
මහවැදිකොහොඹෙ
Mavilaru, Mavil Aru (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
MAVILOYA, MaavilAara, Mavilara, MAHAVILOYA
War: Confrontation over Maviloya Anicut started on 21- July- 2006, when the LTTE high command closed the water supply to some 20,000 farmers. The objective of the LTTE was to make the government yield the Gokanna (Trinco) area and the harbour which was vital for linking with the Jaffna garrisons, as all land routes to Jaffna were under the LTTE gun. THe Jaathika hela Urumaya organized public protests in the area. The area includes Galaara (Kallar), Thoopapura (Thoppur), Seruvila Rajamaha Vihara area, Pallikulissa (Pallikudirippu), Girivaedda (Kiliveddy), Sankavaella (Kanguweli) and other multi-racial as well as Sinhala villages, all of which seem to have had established sinhala place names, said to be found even in Dutch records.
Quite unexpected by the LTTE, their advisers as well as the UNP-led opposition, the government stood firm. General Pannipitiya led the offensive, fought hard and captured the Anicut. The Tigers intensified the offensive and launched the Eelam IV war which they eventually lost, in May 2009. One of the heroes of the Maavil Aara war, General Parakrama Pannipitiya fell out with the commander Gen. Sarath Fonseka, and this led to a court martial of Pannipitiya launched by Fonseka. The Court Martial was challenged by Pannipitiya, and it was eventually overturned by the supreme court.
After the defeat of the LTTE in May 2009, Gen. Fonseka turned against President Rajapaksa, and formed the UNP-JVP-TNA alliance against the President. This alliance was strongly supported by the West as well as the Tamil-speaking diaspora, but was decisively beaten by the incumbent president who polled almost 60% of the votes. During the campaign Fonseka claimed that the government forces killed off white-flag bearing LTTE leaders seeking surrender. This claim led to a court martial of Gen. Fonseka.
map
මහවිල්ඔය
මාවිල්අɔර
Mavittapuram, Maaviddapuram (yapanaya [Jaffna])
MAVITAPURA
Mavitapura is in the vicinity of the shrine Keerimallai (Vakulakanda). The Kandasamy Kovil, close to the High Security Zone, Vaeligama (Valikaamam) is located here.

The word Maavita most probably means a demarcated area (c.f., old Tamil, maavItal, and mavita in Sanskrit, signifying 'bound', 'marked-of' or 'tied together' (Monier-Williams). Thus the area is associated with the more important Keerimalai (Vakulakada) shrine. In fact, an alternative Hindu name that has been used from time to time was "Kovil Kadavi", which can be taken to means "the neighborhood under the control of the Kovil". So the latter is consistent with Maavittipuram, the long-standing name. The "designated area", i.e., Mavittapuram, was also designated mainly for the higher castes who had sufficient purity to work in a sacred area. Hence, this area has always been a hot-bed of casteism. The area has been represented by "Maavai" Senathirajah of the ITAK (Illankai Tamil Arasu kadchi) included in the Tamil Nationa Alliance (TNA) for almost 25 years, until he failed to be elected in the 2020 parliamentary elections, after a viscious campaign against co-TNA members Sumanthiran and Sritharan led by the newpaper "Uthiyan" owned by Saravanapavan.

Local anecdotal story-tellings (with no historical foundations), similar to the legend of a blind Lute-player giving rise to the name Yalpanam have been sometimes offered for the origin of the place-name Mavittapuram. Thus, one story claims that Ma could refer to horse in Tamil, while Vitta could be construed to mean removed, while puram (Skrt. Pura) means city. So the intriguing horse-removed-city name is substantiated with the following story. A teenage Chola Princess in South India was cursed by a sage (clearly a very spiteful sage !) when he was laughed at by the princess. In some versions of the story, the sage had a "horse-like" face and it was this that caused the princess to laugh at the sage. The curse turned the face of the princess into that of a horse. In order to undo the curse, the princess had to come to Lanka and bathe at the Keerimalai (Vakulakanda) sacred springs, and invoke the blessings of Murugan.
The story is inconsistent, or has incorrectly confused several threads of Hindu iconography and representations of the avatars of Vishnu, Ganesh, Murugan etc., as well as the historical facts associated with the Keeramali (Vakula Kanda) shrine. Keerimalai (Vakulakanda) is associated with Lord Nakulesvaran (rather than Murugan), i.e., the mongoose-faced God of Hinduism and also of early Mahayana Buddhism where Vakula is the name of a Mahayana-Arhant (i.e., a Buddhist saint who has achieved one of the higher mental states leading to emancipation). In contrast, the horse-faced Hindu deity is Hayagriva, and is a part of Vaishnavite worship rather than that of Murugan. Furthermore, many of the Hayagriva Kovils are old temples designated to God Naka, the God of the Naga tribes, and are found in towns with links to a Nagpur (Nallur), and not at all associated with God Murugan.

Shanmugathasan's Peking-wing (Communist Party) agitated in 1976-1977 here for low-caste temple-entry-rights, schools, water-wells etc., and accused the TULF-Federal party and S. J. V. Chelvanayakam for supporting the caste system. He challenged S. J. V. to re-contest his seat on the caste issue. This has been historically a very caste conscious area. Thus recorded caste clashes here are found from 1871 up to modern times. The earliest documented clashes occurred between Vellalar, Vanavar (dhobies) and Ambattar (barbers) groups in Mavittapuram. The conflicts started when the the dhobies refused to wash the barbers' clothes. The Vellalar have been blamed for the conflagration where they attempted to impose the usual orthodox hierarchy.
The Maviddapuram railway station plundered by the LTTE and at the end of the war, 2009
මාවිටපුර
Maviddapuram, maavitapuram (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
MAHAVITAPURA
Meaning: 'Mahavita' would mean a 'demarcated area.
මහවිටපුර
Mayavan Aru (Puttalam)
MEE OYA
Disc. Near Halawatha; (Chilaw)
Historic Munneswaram Temple near Mee Oya (Mayavan aru)
මීඔය
Meesalai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
MEESAeLA
See Map
Meaning:  In T., 'meesalai' could mean 'big street', however,
it is a small place bit off the highway. In S. it means a honeyshop
The state of the Meesaela railway station in 2009, plundered by the LTTE, at the end of the war
මීසැල.

Melinchimunai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
MADINNAMUNNA, madina-amuna
මදින්නාමුන්න
Metikumbullai(Mooladoova[Mulaitivu])
MAETIKAMMULLA
Labeled #27 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
Ancient buddhsit site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982
Dis.-'Matikam' is brick and pottery related work.
මැටිකම්මුල්ල

Mettukulam (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
IHALAVAEVA
Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
Labeled #39 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
ඉහලවැව
Minipai(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
MAENIPAY, MAENIKPAYA, MENIKPAYA
Ancient budhist site.
See Interactive map of pre-CE Buddhist sites in Jaffna
ම්නිපේ
Miravodai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
MEERAVITA
Postal code BCS30426
මීරවිට
Mirakkappannai (Mannarama [Mannar])
MIRIJJAPAENNA
meaning:   In S., fresh-water spot.
This is in fact the last fresh-water point in Mannar Island.
See Map
ම්රි ජ්ජ පැන්න
Mirusuvil (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
Mirijavila, miridiyavila
meaning:   In S., fresh-water pond.
no clear meaning fitting into context for "Mirusu", or "vil" in tamil. We believe that it is an adaptation of "mirijavila". or miridiyavila
The state of the Mirusuvil (Mirijavila) station, plundered by the LTTE, at the end of the war, 2009
ම්රිජ ිල,   ම්රි දිය විල
Miyankulam(Valashena[Valachchenai])
MIYAN-VAEVA, MAHIYANVAEVA
Near Viharae (Vakarai)
'Mahiya' is probably same as 'Moonamal', i.e., Mimusops elengi.
The names 'Miyanakandura'(Badulla), and 'Miyanavita'(Kegalle) exit.
Mahiyan(gana)→Miyan ?
We have found no map for this location
Typical war zone
ම්යන්වැව,   මහියන්වැව


Mohantankulam, Mohaunthankulama, Mohunthnkulam, Mohontankulam(Vannimava [Vavniya])
MUHUNTHAENNA VAEVA
Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
There are two sites with the same area name
The site 118 has two ancient shrine rooms and remnants of a stupa.
Labeled #111 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
Labeled #118 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
stone Sripada (Buddha's foot print) and other archeological artifacts abound. But tha 1980s report states that it has been fenced off for cattle hearding. A modern Hindu kovil has been built in front of site (within the ancient vihara premises which still has Bodhi tree and a Sri-pada stone). The archeological department has not exercised its authority since the 1980s.
මුහුන්තැන්නවැව
Modarakam Aru (Mannarama)
MODARAGAM OYA
The Sinhala place name 'Modara' is derived from "Mooduthara" (its Tamilization being 'Muththur'), and refers usually to a place where there is an opening to the ocean via a river . Thus "Modara" in the north of Colombo is effectively the exit of the Kelani (Kaelani) river to the sea. Thus Kaelanithota or "kolonthota" 'Kolon-ahamba" (Colombo) are all words with kindered toponymic structure.
'Modaragam Oya' falls to the sea near Mannarama (Mannar)
මෝදරගම්ඔය
Moolai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
MULLA
This is located in Vaeligama (Valigamam ), on the Jaffna-Karainagar road. The Vishnu temple here was found to have vestiges of ancient remains of walls and a broken seated Buddha image.
The TULF political leader Amirthalingam had his home here while his father Appapillai had Malaysian roots where he had worked as a station master), and his wife Mangaiyarkkarasi (Vallupuram), famous for singing the blood-curdling songs at TULF rallies (Oru Senkalam Aadi, dancing in a battlefield of blood) of "Kasi Anandan" (actual name Kathamuthu Sivananthan) was born here. The father of Mangai, the fire-brand "Queeen" of the TULF had owned for many years a general store in Bandarawela which was burned in 1983 during the communal attack on Tamils. She had uncles who had businesses in Welimada. Thus a number of Tamil merchants from the Moolai area had links in the Uva district.
මුල්ල
Moondumurippu,Moonrumurippu (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
THUNKANDIA, THUNMURAYA
see the etimology of murippu
Map
තුන්කන්ඩිය
Morakkottanchenai (Madakalpuwa [Batticaloa])
MORAKOTANHENA
Meaning:  : in S. ' Mora kotan' are logs of 'Mora tree'
Pometia Tomentosa is a common species of Mora.
Nephelium longanum / Dimocarpus longan are other forms.
This is a large tree with Lychee-like fruits.
See Map
මොරකොටහේන
Mottuvarm, Muhattuvaram (Sri Gonakanna[Trincomalee])
MUHUDUVARAMA, Lankapatuna
Hist.- Located N. of Verugala, The tooth relic was brought
here by Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha of Kalinga, in ~310 AD.
King Keerthi Sri Megavanna's time; Samudra Giri temple, ancient port.
The LTTE Illankkasthurai camp was established here.
There is also a "Muhathvaram" in Batticaloa.This is also
of historical interest, as it is believed to be an ancient port.
ලංකාපටුන
මූදුවරම
Mudalakkuli (Puttalama)
MUDALIKULIYA

The word `Kuli' was used in old sinhala for hamlet or village. 288 the verse (9th century), Sigiri Mirror-wall, "I am Gunakara (of) Ambagam-kuli (of the) Northern Province (Jaapanaya).
See entry under 'Mudaliyakulam'.
මුදලිකුලිය


Mudaliyakulam, Muthaliyakulam (Vannimava[Vavniyava])
MUDALIYAVAEVA
Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
Disc. The word "Mudali" is probably of Kannada (modaliga) or
Malayalam in origin. It is also a caste title of a section of the
Velalas (cenkuntar group), it is also used by a Jian sect in Tanjore.
In Sri Lanka it refers to a local chief, or landowner and this
became a title under the British.
Clearly, an older place name besides MUDALIYAVAEVA should exist,
and presently we do not know what that was.
Labeled #90 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
Labeled #117 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
මුදලියවැව
Muthalikulam, Mudalikkulam (SriGonakanda[Trincomalee])
MORAVAEVA, Moraweva
Also called 'Katukulampattu'. (East)
This tank became the focus of a colonization scheme around 1960
This village was at ~60% Sinhala speaking, but came under LTTE
"ethnic cleansing", while the Tamil nationalists claim that this was an original Tamil village. For details, see Malinga Gunaratne, "For a sovereign State" (1988)
On the othe rhand, UTHR(J)-writer Rajan Hoole writes (Sri Lanka: Arrogance of Power - Myth, Decadence and Murder. )
"There was of course a good deal of ill-feeling among Tamils about the manner in which Sinhalese colonisation was carried out at Mudalikkulam (Morawewa) and Periyavilankulam (Mahadivulwewa), and the orchestrated violence against Tamils in 1983. The ensuing bitterness was among the motivations of a large number of Tamil youth joining the different militant movements. The arming of Sinhalese villages in early 1985, as pointed out, made the situation explosive. However from May 1986 there was violence of a new intensity, where the LTTE broke several months of calm, creating insecurity for the Tamils and playing on their feelings by offering revenge."
මොරවැව
Muhamalai, Muhamaali, Mukamaalai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
MURA MAALÉ,   MUHAMAALÉ, MUHAKANDA
Meaning. "Muha" could mean "mouth" or "face" in Tamil.
There is a "Mohakulam" near Kerala, where "Moha" is
perhaps related to "Moham". Maali in Tamil would refer
to a garland, c.f., Maalé in Sinhala.
This area has always been a nothern defence line since ancient
times, and the name "muramaaé" means a defensive ring.
The most likely possibility is that
"muha" is a typonym from the Sinhala "maha".
Military base and frequent clashes
see 2006 October Clashes
Forward Defence Line
Map
මුරමාලෙ,   මහකන්ද
Muhathankulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
MAHATHANVEVA
මහතැන්වැව
Mulankavil (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
Morangavila
Meaning. In Tamil "vil" means "Bow" and has no valid contextual meaning here. The area is rich in history, although very little archaeological research has been done. The word "molagu" in Kannada, and its Tamil cognate "mulanku", may mean "to roar, thunder", etc., and the name may suggest a tank with "roaring water". Moranga refers to "murunga", a tree known now a days as "Murunga". There is a hospital and this has been an important garrison town and ceremonial site of the LTTE until August 2008 (used for Maavir day celebrations etc.). Kollanvillu (kollanvila), 4 km south, has been an LTTE training site for some time. Army report and Map
මූලකොවිල
Mulativu, Mullativu, Mullaittivu, Mullaiththeevu, முல்லைத்தீவு (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu] district)
MOOLADOOVA
Governor Northe's dispatch in 1798 (Sri Lanka Archives- Log 5/1- File (1), Paragraph 17) spells the place name in English as Mulativu, with minimal tamilization.
'Muladive', or 'Mooladoova' means the 'principal islet, or main islet', and this name may have been given to it during its use as a central depot of a sea port. Another possibility that has been proposed is that the name is derived from the name of trees like Cassia fistula, "Ehela" (Aehaela) in Sinhala, commonly ''Konnnai', or rarely Mullaimaram' in Tamil, or possibly from solanaum Indica, known as 'Mulli' in Tamil, and "Thibbatu" in Sinhala. However, no 'Cassia fistula' type vegetation is found here to justify this name.
Hist. This was an ancient sea port during Anuradhapura-Pollonnaruwa era. Even today 109 Buddhist archaeological sites have been identified in the Mooladuva district. See D. somasiri, Archaelogy Dept. Report, 1982.
In the post-Eelam wars period (under the Northern Provincial Concil) there have been attempts to forcibly build Kovils in archeoligical land, e.g., at the "Nayara Gurukanda" Vihara Land. But an injuction was issued by the Mulativu magistrateS. Lenin Kumar (January 2019).
Nayara Gurukanda Vihara archeological site.
  • 2014 "Katina Pinkama" festival at Mullaitive
    War:  This was a frequent hot spot during Eelam wars;
    Some 1200 soldiers killed on 18-July-96 LTTE battle.
    Ethnic cleansing Expulsion of Muslims by the LTTE,
    Read views of Satyendra, Balasinham, Prabakaran etc.   Map
  • මූලදූව
    Mullikulam(Mannaram[Mannar])
    Thibbotuvaeva
    Disc. Thibbotu is 'solanam Indica', 'Mulli' in Tamil
    This is near the forward defence line in Mannarama.
    තිබ්බටුවැව,   තිබ්බොටුවැව
    Mullikulam Malai (Ampare)
    BATUVA`VKANDA
    Disc. Thibbotu, Katuvalbatu, etc., e.g., Solanum Indica , 'mulli' in Tamil
    Hist. There are two short rock inscriptions of the 1st century B.C.
    beside a flight of steps cut on the hill of MULVAGIRIYA (Mallikulam Malai).
    Below the drip ledge of a cave is a cave inscription (1st century B.C).
    Seven lines of the inscription are given in Ven. E. Medhananda's book (2003).
    there is no toponymic information in the inscription.
    බටුවැව්කන්ද
    Mullivaikkal, Mulliwaikkal (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    MUL-AGALA,Mulvakkkadé MULVAKKDE   ⚓name
    Meaning:  In S., Agala is a channal or sewer. Vakkadadaya is a water sewer or "Agala, (va)ggala, vakkala". In Tamil vaikkal could also mean a water sewer or drain. "Mulli" could also refer to "Tibbatu", but in this context we believe that it is based on the stem "Mul".

    This is in the No Fire Zone in 2009   designated in 2009 during the LTTE last stand
      Claims of civilian casulties in the NFZ
     A review of the souring of Canadian and Sri Lankan relations over claims of humam-rights abuses during the Eelam wars.
    In 2018, (during the Sirisena-Wickremasinghe govenment), an Eelamist motor bicycle drive-in by youths (mostly polticized Jaffna University Undergraduates) wearing black outfits, black and white flags etc. brought them to Mullivaikkal. A rally was held here as a "rememberance day" event where the leading politicians were excluded, in a manner remnicent of the exclusion of the TULF by the early LTTE, and other early youth movements of the late 1970s. It was declared a day of "genocide remembrance" by C. V. Wineswaran, the first Chief Minister of the Northern provincial council who was the only traditonal politician allowed in. Wigneswaran, an upper class Colombo Tamil and Ex-Judge who collaborated with the government before he came into politics, has embraced political extremism, rejecting inter-marraige between races to safeguard "tamil" racial purity. He also holds a romanticized view of the history of the Island where the Tamil people have a long and glorified role not usually found in the standard historical narrative. The Eelamists hold that the North and East of Sri Lanka are the "traditonal homelands of the Tamils", a doctrine inunciated in 1949 by the Tamil political party "Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi" which means "Lanka Tamil State party", but usually translated as "Lanka Tamil Federal Party". For details of the events, see:
    The commemoration ceremony organized yesterday in remembrance of the Tamil civilians died in the Wellamulliwaikkal during the last days of the ethnic conflict- Asian Tribune, Rajasinghan, 19-May-2018
    Mullivaikkal, a call for reason, By Chamindra Weerawardhana, 19-May 2018 Colombo Telegraph

    See discussion under "Mulliyavalai"
    මුල්වක්කඩේ
    මුල් අගල
    Mulliyan, Mulliyaan (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    THIBBOTUVANA
    Disc. Thibbotu, Katuvalbatu, etc., e.g., Solanum Indica, 'mulli' in Tamil
    තිබ්බොටුවන
    Mulliyaditidal(SriGonakanda[Trincomalee])
    BATUVANTHUDAAVA
    See discussion under "Mulliyavalai"
    Map
    බටුවන්තුඩාව
    Mullikkandal(Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
    BATUGANDARA
    Disc.- Gandata or Gamthara is a low-lying marshy edge
    of the river (gang-addara -. gandara, gamthara). Regarding "Batu', 'Mulli",
    see discussion under "Mulliyavalai"
    'Kandal' is also related to the 'kadol tree', Rhizophora mucronata
    Rhizophora candel, and related species./td>
    බටුගන්දර

    Mulliyawalai Molliyawalai,Mulliyavalai (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    THIBBOTUVALA
    Labeled #32 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    Disc. Thibbotu, Katuvalbatu, etc., e.g., Solanum Indica, 'mulli' in Tamil
    Here 'Vala' in Sinhala does NOT mean pit, but 'thicket' or forest
    Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982
    Map
    තිබ්බොටුවල
    Munsal(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    Madurusaala
    මදුරුසාර
    Mundampiddi, Moondrampitty(Mannarama[Mannar])
    Mullepitiya
    Disc.- 'Mundam' in T., also can be understood to mean
    'first', 'primary' equivalent to Sinhala 'Mul'. This is on the A32 road.
    මුල්ලෙපිටිය
    Mundamuripu, Mundumurippu (Mannarama[Mannar])
    THUNKANDIYA, Thunmuraya, MULMURAYA
    see the etimology of murippu
    The name perhaps implies 'three dams', or the 'Main watch-station'
    Historically, the port of invasion used by the Magha, i.e.,
    Meepathota(Illupaikavai) is close by.
    තුන්කන්ඩිය
    Mundel (Puttalama)
    MUNDALAMA, MUNTHALAMA
    'Mundalama' is currently in use.
    It is a 'partial tamilization' between 'muntalama' and 'mundel'!
    Tamil for 'junction of three roads' is 'muntal'. In sinhala, munthalam
    would mean 'flat region or field (talama) where 'mun peas'
    (e.g., Phaseolus mungo) are grown. Note the existence of place
    names like 'Munthana' on the Maduru Oya, Vaelikanda area.
    Postal code PXP61250
    මුන්තලම
    Munaggam, Munnagam, Munnakkam Mooladoova ([Mullaitivu])
    MULGAMA
    Mulgama suggest the existence of an older village or settlement here, and is consistent with the Tamil "munna" which could also mean "old or ancestral". This is in the Welioya area. This was part of the LTTE complex involving the Munnakam, Michael and Sugandan bases. Toops of the 59th division captured these in the first half of August 2008. See Military front August 2008   For other maps of the region etc, please see entries under Manal aru (Weli Oya). Map   See Military activity in the area  : This is also an area full of ancient Buddhist archeological ruins.   See Buddhist archeological sites in the Welioya-Mooladoova area
    මුල්ගම
    Muntiriveli, Munthiroveli (Mannarama [Mannar])
    MIDIVAELLA
    This is on the Mannaram island, near Talaimannar.
    'Mudrika → midi' in sinhala is grapes, probably the wild form
    'Vitis latifolia'. The Tamil 'muntiri' may also have arrived from
    the root 'murdika' just as in Sinhala.
    The Malayalam word for 'Cashew' may also be a source of the word 'Muntiri'.
    MAP
    ම්දිවැල්ල
    Murakottanchanai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    MULAKOTAHENA
    Postal code BCS30392
    මුරකොටහේන
    Murasumoddai (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    MURATUMOTTE'
    'Muratu' in Sinhala, 'moradu' in 'Kannada', and muratu in T., may mean
    rough, knotty, poorly grown part of trees.
    'Motte ← Modde ← Made' signifies a muddy, swampy place.
    The latin word for 'marsh' is 'madeo', while Skrt. 'manda' means slime.   Regional map
    මුරටුමොටේ
    Murukandi, Murikandy, Murikkandy, Murugandi (giranikke [Killinochchi])
    MURAKANDA
    Note that Murikandy on the A9 road and Murikandi west of it are two separate villages.
    "Muri" in Tamil, முர, or 'murik', 'muru' do not have contextually useful meanings for the place name. "Murrikka' in Malayalam may mean 'to snap'. By contrast, the sinhala place name indicates a watch (mura) located on a hill. The elevation here is about 100 meters. The "Murikandy Pillayar shrine" is located here. The name Pillayar is given to Ganesha - `remover of obstacles and Lord of auspiciousness'. It is a stop point for Hindus who worship for a safe journey. Interestingly enough, new kovils with the 'Pillayar' name have sprung up in the south with the migration of the Tamil-speaking population to the south during the Eelam wars. Thus a 'Visa-Pillayar Kovil', using by people planning to go aborad, has appeared close to Ramakrishna Road, in Colombo
    On 19th Jan 1985 TELO blew up a Colombo-bound 'Yaldevi' train here. This was a stronghold of the LTTE that fell to Govt. forces on the 21st, october 2008. See also "Terumurikandy".
    Map
    The state of the Murukandi Kovil (Murakanda -kovila) station, plundered by the LTTE, at the end of the war, 2009
    The state of the Murukandi (Murakanda) station, plundered by the LTTE, at the end of the war, 2009
    මුරකන්ද
    Murunkan (Mannarama [Mannar])
    MUDUNGAMA
    Colonial ruins
    මුදුන්ගම
    Muruthanai(Madalalapuva[Batticaloa])
    MURATHAENA
    Dsc.- 'Murutan' has no contextual meaning in Tamil or related languages.
    'Thaenna' is a common sinhala ending for 'place', location
    In pure Tamil the usage is '(s)thaanam', and the form 'thanai'
    However, 'Mura' for watch is common to old sinhala and tamil, possibly
    derived from etruscan sources which fed the early prakrit forms.
    see the etimology of murippu, mura etc.
    found only in Sri Lanka is probably a sign of adaptation from Sinhala.
    Map
    මුරතැන්න
    Murutumadam, Muruthumadam (Jaapanaya[Jaffna])
    Muratumadama, Murugumadama
    Muratuva is a controled gateway or watchpost. Mutatu madama is a garison location of a watch post. Muruku, or Murugu in Sinhala (a name probabaly derived from Tamil usage) is a variety of sour-lime (Citrus hystrix, murkut, or makrut ) found in the dry zone. It is called "kudalu dehi", or "gada dehi" and also "Murugu dehi" in "Sinhala".
    Ramanathan Academy (later College) in Maruthanamadam was founded by Legislative Councillor Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan, active during the first three decades of the 20th century.
    මුරටුමඩම

    Murutumadu, Muruthumadu (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
    Murugumaduwa
    Muratuva is a controled gateway or watchpost. Mutatu maduwa is a is a watch-hut.
    Muruku, or Murugu in Sinhala (a name probably derived from Tamil usage) is a variety of sour-lime (Citrus hystrix, murkut, or makrut ) found in the dry zone. It is called "kudalu dehi", or "gada dehi" and also "Murugu dehi" in "Sinhala".
    Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
    Labeled #75 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    මුරටුමඩුව
    Musali, முசலி (Mannarama [Mannar]) MUHALA, MUSALA
    THe AGA division with the same name was created in 1981. The name is most probably from the sanskrit Musalee→Muhala (crocodile) and thus refers to a place (e.g, swamp, tank) with crocodiles, (kimbula in Sinhala); Chaanaakam in Tamil; Crocodylus Palustris in L. The name could also refer to "face, mouth, bud or flower" as in "Kehel-muha", (flower of the plantain) or in the Skrew-pine ((Pandanus odoratissimus). Note that in Skrt. "Muha" or 'Mukha" may have this meaning and exists in standard Sinhala and literary Tamil. The Muhala (Musali) village is in an area which was called "Muhala pattuva", or "Musalai pattuva", where "pattuva" is a subdivision of a ``Korale''. Note that the sinhala "Patuna" (e.g., as in Yapa Patune, c.f., Jaffna) and the corresponding sanskrit word "pattana" is used in the Mahabharata to denote a town or village, and "Dharmapattana" is a name given to the city of "Sravasti" in Pali. Enter Pattana into Univ. of Cologne dictionary
    See the write up under අගස්තිමුරේ Akattimurippu.
    See water management in Ancient Lanka
    මෝහල,   මුසල
    Musalpitti, Musalipiddi (Puttalama)
    MUSALPITIYA
    This is in the thin strip of land forming the western edge of the Kalpitiya Lagoon, and north of the Talavila sanctuary of St. Ann.
    මුසලපිටිය
    Muthaliyarkulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    MUDALIVAEVA
    මුදලිවැව
    Muthauyan Kaddakulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    MUDUNKOTUVA VAEVA
    It is unlikely that the name has anything to do with "Burutha". 'Burutha' is Ceylon satinwood, Chloroxylon swietenia.
    It is more commonly known in Tamil as 'Varimari' or 'Varimarai', etc.
    Perhaps 'Buruthe' → Murutha → Muthau is unlikely. See "Muttiyankattu" below for a discussion of "Muduna" (sinhala).
    මුදුන්කොටොව වැව
    Muttiyankattu, Muththiankattu, Muttiankaddu (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    MUDUNKADUVA
    "Mutti" in Tamil also indicates "crown", "head" etc., and agree with the sinhala meaning "Mudun", i.e., 'crest' or 'top'.   Area Map, and military activity in 2009
    මුදුන්කඩුව
    i Mutur,Muttur (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
    MOODUTHORA, MOODUTHARA(anchor name), MODARA
    Mutugama ?, Girinuwara ? are other less likely possibilites sugested by various writers.
    In Tamil, `Mooththa' means old, 'oor' is town or city
    and 'muttur' may mean 'Old-city'.
    Hist. In 1762, Pybus, the British Ambassador to Kandy was received by the king's officers at Mooduthora, when Trinco was used as a port of the King of Kandy. Almost a century before that, the British Sailor Robert Knox (and his father, Knox Sr. who was also a seaman, and their crew working for the East India company) had landed at Koddiar Bay (Koti-Aara) in 1659 November when their ship was damaged by a strom. The sailors had began to repair the ship with the help of the local sinhalese residents. When the news of Robert Knox reached the King (in Kandy). The king sent a minister (DIssawa) to investigate. However, Robert Knox's arrogant behaviour led to his arrest by the Dissawa. Robert Knox and company surrendered to the Disawa of the King of Kandy, at Moodutara (Muttur), under a now famous Tamarind Tree. This should be regarded as perhaps the second historical tree of Sri Lanka, the first being the Sri Maha Bodhi (Boo Tree) in Anuradhapura. See under Tamarinddus Indica, for a picture of the famous tree. Unfortunately this tree was destroyed by the floods of 1957 and the cyclone in 1964 but a sapling of the original tree survives today at the same place with the tombstone. Knox was allowed to roam and live freely in the country but not to leave it. However, he escaped in 1680 via the Dutch Fort Arippu. The senior Knox had died of Malaria earlier. Robert Knox wrote the now important work "A historical relation of the Island of Ceylon", published in 1681 in London. The book gives valuable insight to the life in Sri Lanka under King Rajasinha II (1629-1687) during the Kandyan period.

    G. D. A. Perera has suggested that "Mutur" is derived from "Old city", which was "Girirnuwara".
    We feel that Girirnuwara was a much larger city, while Muttur, (c.f., Modara), is derived from Moodutara, and was a sea port near Girinuwara. The long pronunciation, "Mootur", which is locally found, is more consistent with Mooduthara, than the Tamil "Mutoor", where "oor", or "(p)oor" means village in Tamil, and sinhalizes to "Mutugama".
    That is, the original Sinhala "Mooduthora" became Moothur and Mutur.
    Note that many journalists write the name as "Muttur"
    See Link to GDA Perera's article under "Sampur" .
    මූදුතර,   මෝදර
    Mutuaripputurai (Mannaram)
    MOODUSIPPITHORA
    Colonial ruins
    මූදුසිප්පිතර
    Mylanthanai, மயிலந்த னை (Madakalapuva [Batticaloa])
    MAHILATHAENNA
    'Mahila' in sinhala is a tree, also known as 'Moonamal' when used
    in exorcisms etc in the low-country Sinhala areas. See discussion
    There is some ambiguity as it may refer to Mimusops elengi
    or to a small tree, Bauhinia racemosa, with jasmin-like flowers. See also under "Mahilavettuvaan'.
    This area was noted by the Dutch Governor Rycloff Van Goens as being
    "populated by the Kandyan King's subjects". Other related records are
    given in Dutch records, nos. 2507-2508, SL National Archives.
    Similarly, north-eastern villages were noted by 19th Century British
    administrators like Hugh Neville to be populated by Sinhala peasants, and
    changing to Tamil speaking populations coming to the interior from
    the coastal area. This is similar to demographic changes in Kaddukulampattu.
    (see entry there). Recently, this area has been subject to the ebb
    and flow of the civil war and the character of the population has changed. accordingly.
    මහිලතැන්න
    Myliddy,Mayiliddi, Mailiddi(Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    MIRIDDA
    See entry under "Mailaddi, Mayiliddy, Myliddy"
    මහලියද්ද   මයිලැද්ද

    N
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    Naanaaddan, naanaattan(Mannarama [Mannar])
    NAANADDDANA, NAANADESSA, Navanthanna
    This is probably a settlement of merchants belonging to a trade guild that operated in the south-asian region, esp after the 8th Century. There were such settlements near Manthota, an important port The word `navandanna' may have arisen from the use of craftsmen by this guild.
    Map
    නානදද්න
    Nachikuda, Nachchikuda, Nachchikkuda, Natchikkuda நாச்சிக் குடா (Giranikke[Killinochchi])
    NAGATHUDAVA, NAKATHUDA
    Disc.- This location, north of Mannarama (Mannar) is a very old pre-christian site, and linked with pre-Vijayan 'Naga' settlements. Even today Nachchikuda is a fishing port and has currently no religious significance. The use of the Tamil meaning 'nachchi'→'Lady'→Parvati→Kaamaakshi etc. is found in, for example the 'Naachchimaar Kovil', Jaffna, and signify the apotheosis of Naga animistic cults into Hinduism.
    Possible sea-Tiger base here in 2008.
    Military activity in July 2008     Regional map
    නාගතුඩාව
    Nachuvantivu (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    NAPITADOOVA, Naapitadoova
    Disc.- The name nachuvan may be நாசுவன், and this agrees with the Sinhala name 'Naapita' which is a reference to a Tamil barber caste.
    නාපිට දූව
    NaddanKandal(Vannimava[Vavniya])
    NAEDAKADOLA
    Disc.- 'Naddankandal' is most probably Tamil for for giant mangrove, e.g., Rhizophora mucronata, 'mahakadol or naedakadol. See p. 0688 of the Madras University tamil Lexicon.
    Map
    නැඩකඩොල
    Naduturitti (Japanaya [Jaffna])
    Madduriththa
    Disc.- c.f., The name 'Maddu-riththa', or 'Madya-riktha', means 'middling' reef, or middling leftover-ledge, adjacent, in this case to Pungudoova (Pungathhetha of the Pali chronicles) or Tamil form: Pungativu.
    මද්දුරිත්ත
    NagarKovil, Nakarkovil, Naakarkoayil (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    NAGAKOVILA
    Military/LTTE confrontations. Nakar, Nagar can also mean Town. But we believe that here "Nakar" even in tamil is related to Naaga, see also Madras Tamil Lexicon, p 2198
    නාගකෝවිල
    Nagasivanthurai (Yaapanaya [Jaffna])
    NAAGASIHATHOTA, NAGAESIVTHOTA
    The names "Naagasiha", Naagasikha", and "Naagasiva" are found in early budhhist writings, and in the name " Nakhasikhā Sutta" of the Buddhist cannon. There are many allusions to Nagas in Buddhist and Jain texts. In Tamil, Naaga and Siva are not usually linked together in place names. But the two parts exist in Indian proper names (e.g., Naga Siva Kumar), and may have also been the origin of the place name. Shiva is worshipped as a snake god in India (e.g., Nageshwar). The Puranic account of the encounter of Krishna with the Naga king Kaliya, and his victory over the Nagas signify the suppression of the Naga cult by the Krishna-Vishnu main-stream Hinduism. In the Ramayana, "Surasa" is said to be the "mother" of the Nagas, and no divinity is attached to the Naagas. On the other hand, the MahaBhrata mentions "Kadru", wife of the sage "Kasyapa" as the mother of the snake people, i.e., the Nagas.
    This costal location is near Punranna (Poornaryn), and has a boat yard jetty and communication center. The LTTE and the SL-navy have clashed often. News report Aug. 2008
    නාගසීහතොට
    Naidalnagar(Mooduthara[Muttur])
    NAAGALNUVARA
    Map and news item
    නාගල්නුවර
    Nainamadai (Puttalama)
    NAGAMADUWA
    නාගමඩුව
    Nainamadu (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    NAGAMADUWA
    නාගමඩුව
    Nainativu, Nainathivu, Nayinativu (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    NAGADEEPA, Naagadoova
    Ferry link to main Island In ancient times, the name "Nagadeepa"applied to the whole Jaffna peninsula. An early reference to Nagadeepa is in Ptolemy's map, which mentions "Nagadiba". The classical Tamil names "Nakatheepam", "Nakanadu" and "Manipallavam" have been displaced by the name "Nainathivu". This name was used mostly among fisher communities and mariners. In 2015 a controversy arose when The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) chief minister of the Northern Provincial Council, Mr. Wigneswaran, had proposed the exclusive use of the name "Nainathivu", but wiser counsel prevailed (the gazetted name has been Nainathivu for decades). br> See also: Map of Buddhist sites in Jaffna
    Regarding the Nainathive edict by Parakramabahu VIII, the historian Kathigesu Indrapala says "the fact that this edict was issued not by any subordinate official, but by the king himself shows that the monarch was in supreme control of the northern most region of the island?" (UCR.Vo.XXI, p.66). Here, in our view, Nainathive implaies Nagadeepa, the mainland.

    Legend attributes a visit to Nagadipa by the Buddha, to settle dispute between the nagas who lived on the mainland, and the "sea nagas" who lived on the islands. Ancient Napadipa was the main island (Jaffna Peninsula) and not nainativu. For an account (that takes legend on par with historical fact), see the article NAGADIPA What Ptolemy understood but we do not. Island 29-11-2015 A naga king (perhaps 3-4th century BCE), named Valavana (Valai Vanan in Tamil) is mentioned in the one of the few surviving Tamil Buddhist texts, viz., the Manimekali a sequel to the Silappadikaram (5-6 century CE ) mentions Nagadipa as Manipallavam, and narrates the conversion of the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi to Buddhism. The story involves both Nagadeepa and Kaveripattinam (buried in the sea, near Poompuhar of today)
    The island would have been much larger and connected to the mainland during the last ice age some 5 centuries before the Buddhist era. After the conversion of Lanka to Buddhism, it became a well known ancient (BC) Buddhist center. The "Nagapooshani Amman" temple has a five-headed cobra figure,and shows how naga worship (God natha) has survived in low-brow Hinduism. It is very likely that the present Nagadeepa Buddhist temple was inaugurated in 1948. Ven. Nawadagala Padumakitti Tissa has been the Head Priest since 1973 and during LTTE times. The Nagapooshani Amman temple was inaugaurated about the same time as the Buddhist temple.

    The Deity of the Naga people was adopted into Buddhism as the "Natha Deviyo", who is recognized as a Bodhisatva (a potential Buddha). There are many shrines dedicated to God Natha in Sri lanka, and the "Naa tree" (Ironwood tree) is closely associated with the shrine (see also, write up under:
    Nalluruva,   Lankaweb article  Nagapoosahni temple

    There has been a Military base on this island during the LTTE war. The communist party activist and book publisher Poopalasingham was from this area.
    නාගදීප

    Nakanagar(Mooladoova[Mullaitive])
    NAKANAGARA
    Labeled #62 in Vanni Buddhist sites map Ancient Buddhist site
    නාගනගර
    Nalladarankattu (Puttalama)
    NAALADAARAKADUWA
    Naaladaara katuva is said to be a forest where a monk named Naala lived as a recluse.
    නාලදාරකඩුව
    Nallimuruppu (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    MAEDAMURAKIYA
    'Maeda-murakiya' means, a centally located watch-point. This meaning can also be accomodated within Tamil, as in "நள் +. Middle place, central", p 2182 of MTL
    මැදමුරැකිය
    Nallur (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    NAGAPURA, NALLURUVA. naagapura
    නල්ලූරුව
    Nallur (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    NAGAPURA, NALLURUVA. nalluruwa, naagapura, ⚓name: nalluruva
    The English spelling Nellore was used in the 19th century, e.g., in CMS (Church Missionary Society) documents. Today it is a Murugan- shrine-centered suburb of Jaapanaya (Jaffna) 3 km south. The Kandasamy Nallur temple was built in 1807; the original shrine, destroyed by the Portuguese in 1625 honoured Hindu Gods, the Buddha, Prince Sapumal Abu-mahalu ~ Mahalu-abhaya as well as as an Islamic Sufi saint.
    According to the Portuguese historian de Queroz, Nallur was populated by Sinhalese, Muslims, Vadukas, and Tamils. There were several tanks (reservoirs) in the area.

    Although many theories exist for the origin of the place name (see below), we favour the following:
    The earliest name for the whole of the Jaffna peninsula was Nagadeepa, or Naakadeepa. The capital of Nakadeepa was Nagapura → Nakpura → nakpur → nakkur → nallur. The Nagas lived in many parts of Sri Lanka including the Maaya Rata, with the capital near the mouth of the Kelani river. Naga Deviyo → Natha Deviyo is a deity revered in the Kelaniya Raja-maha viharaya (Buddhist temple) and many other Buddhist shrines. The place name "Nallur", i.e., Nagapura, is found even in the western province today. Similarly, the proto-forms of Nallur, viz., Nak-ur, Nagpur etc., exist even today in India. The ancient site named Adichanallur (etimologically, the prakrit form "Atheetha-naakpur", old naagapura) in "Thoothukudi", South India where an ancient capital of the Pandyan kingdom is found. The oldest written proto-Tamil text (inscription, Tamil Brahmi) dated to 500-300 BC has been found in Adichanallur. This is an indication of the beginings of the Tamil language.
    Adichanallur inscription and views of Tamil scholars

    In Sri Lanka a village near Panadura south of Colombo, and a coastal village near Mooduthora (Muttur) are known for their "Nalluruva" placename.
    The Nagadeepa island (Nainaative, or Nagadiva) even today has a shrine to a five-headed Cobra. Today it is the sanctum of the Nagapooshani Amman Kovil, which is located near the Nagadeep Vihara.  Nagapoosahni templein Nainativu

    Pandit A.M. Gunesekera (1890s) had suggested that Nalluruva was originally 'Yahapura', but with little evidence. Similarly, suggestions that "Nallur" mean Nalla-(p)ur, or "good-city", given by Pandith W. F. Goonawardena, and also favoured by Gnanaprakasar, are not consistent with the history of this region which was originally occupied by the Naga people (who presumably revered the Cobra as a sacred protective deity manifesting as the God Natha). The largest Buddhist shrine to God Natha was in Chavakakachcheri (Javakachcheri). This was destroyed by the Portuguese. On the other hand, interpretting Nallur as Nakpu is also consistent with the historical and legendary traditions recounted in the chronicles and similar place namesin India.
    Nallur was the principality of various local rulers of Nagadeepa until the advent of Chardrabhanu (13th century) who settled Javanese ("Ja") people near here, creating Jaapané (Jaffna), as discussed by Paranavithana. It has also been claimed to be the same as Chunguinayanar (Singai City). However, see Rasanayagam, History of Jaffna. The work Kailayamaalai refers to Nallur as Nallaimoodhoor, where 'Moodhoor' may be Mooduthora→Modara, i.e., sinhala (portal to the sea), or 'Mootur', i.e, 'old city' in Tamil as well since (p)oor=pura was absorbed in to Tamil.

    Nallur (nagapura) is located at the eastern Edge of Jaffna, on the road to Irupalai (Hirupala). It has the old "Kandaswami Kovil", re-built by Parakrmabahu's generals in the 15th century as a goodwill gesture, then destroyed by the Portuguese, and rebuilt in the 18th century. Bhuvanekabahu's(1470-78) viceroy Sapumal Kumara ruled from Nagapura (Nallur).   Lankaweb article
    See Giritharan for a recent discussion which is more of a a nationalistic treatment going beyond empirical historiography. LTTE 'fast-unto death' human-sacrifice of Tileepan was staged here. In effect, although similar fast's unto death in India during the Gandhi-Nehru led liberation struggles always stopped short of death, Prabhakaran pushed the Thileepna fast into an act of human sacrifice. This was followed by other such fast-unto-death events that are less well known now, and had the effect of drawing the Hindu population behind the largely Christian-led LTTE and helped to boost its offensive against the Indian Peace-keeping force.
    Typical Kavadi (mortifying penances), including the use of young children have been practiced here since the induction of Saiva practices into the Peninsula after the decline of Tamil Buddhism, and Pasupathi cults that were vimportant until at least the 8th century AC. U-tubbe video of Kavaid at Nallur Temple in 2017, using young children.
    President Rajapaksa visits Nallur Temple, Jan 10-2010
    නාගපුර
    නල්ලූරුව

    Nambankulam, nampankulam (mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
    SAMBUDUVAEVA
    Labeled #86 in Vanni Buddhist sites map Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982 'Namban' could mean 'Sacred, divine', or of 'Siva' in T. map
    සම්බුදුවැව
    Namaloyai (Ampare)
    NAMALOYA
    නාමල්ඔය
    Nanattan (Mannarama [Mannar])
    NAVANTHANA
    See Naanaaddan
    නවන්තැන
    Narakkali (Puttalama)
    MORAKAELÉ
    This is on the coastal strip of the Kalpitiya Lagoon
    ෙමාරකැලේ
    Narikulam (Vannimava [Vavniya])
    NARIVAEVA
    'Nari' in Sinhala, Malayalam, Tamil (Nariyadu) etc, means Jackal. IT could also more likely to be "Naari".
    නාරිවැව
    Nanjundankarai (Puttalama[Puttlam])
    DEVIANDARA
    MeaningTamil "nanjundan",or the one who "took poison" is a reference to Shiva and the legend of his retaining the poison in his throat, and "karai" is "side" or place". Thus the Sinhala "Deviandara" agrees with the tamil, God being "shiva". Note also, 'Devundara' in the south.
    දෙවියන්දර
    Nanthi Kadal, Nanti Kadal, Nandikadal(Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    NadeeKadola, Nadkada
    Kada is a forest, while Kara is land near the sea or edge of a river. Kodola is a mangrove growth. This location has the confluence of a stream (Nadee), the sea and mangrove growths. Hence the name Nadee-kadola makes sense. If we look for a Dravidian etymology, the word "Nandu" may be the stem from "nadthi" or "Nandi" discussed below. It could also come the Sanskrit "sanku" for conch shells. However, this should have given rise to the form "Nanthuk-kadal". In fact, we have other place names involving "sanku", "Chanku" etc., e.g., Sangupitty, Sanguveli, but the form "nanthi" is not found. A more likely explanation of the etymology is that "Nanda, Nandhimitra" etc., are old Sinhala proper names which can be traced to the source languages (Sanskrit, Pali, old Tamil) and are probably connected with Nandi, the Bull-faced attendant of Siva.
    Thus there are strong possibilities that the root name was either Nadeekadola or Nandi Kandal if it were tamil, as the word Kandal could have been the source of "Kadal", However, a form of mangrove called Nandi-kandal is not known in Tamil or any Dravidian language.
    This is a lagoon where Mooladoova (Mullaitivu) is located, and served as an ancient sea port.This area has been the theater of dramatic escape of people from the No Fire Zone in 2009, or "safe-zone", during the last confrontations of the LTTE in April-May 2009. See Report in the Island Newspaper
    Map, A-34 to Welioya area


    This was the last encampment of Velupillai Prabhakaran and some 300,000 Vanni Tamils that the LTTE held as "human shields" in 2009 April-May, under siege by the Sri Lankan forces. Prabhakaran died here on May 18th, 2009.
    The book, Oru Koorvaalin Nizhalil, an autobiography of a high-level LTTE cadre, Subramaniam Sivakamy alias 'Col' Thamilini published in 2015 by her British-based husband Jeyakumaran Mahadevan has revealed details of Prabhakarans end. She was a person who had access to LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and top LTTE battlefield commanders, throughout the eelam war IV.

    Thamilini recounts the situation in the area, under heavy artillery fire on May 15, 2009, four days before fighting ended on the Vanni east front. Purni, the head of Sea Tigers' Women Wing, had confided in Thamilini that Prabhakaran and several other senior commanders were planning to smash through Army defenses by crossing the Nandikadal (Nadee-Kadola) lagoon in small boats. According to Purni, Prabhakaran's armed group planned to reach the sea through the jungles. Another woman fighting cadre had told Purni and Thamilini that her boy-friend too confirmed the plan. According to Shamindra Ferdinando, a veteran journalist who had covered the LTTE war in detail, Thamilani's revelations meant that, "the LTTE leadership planned to desert the fighting cadre and those who had been wounded in battle". Prabhakaran made his attempt in the early hours of May 17, 2009. Within 24 hours Prabhakaran and some of his close associates died in combat.

    After the defeat of the LTTE in May 2009, Gen. Fonseka turned against President Rajapaksa and claimed that the Rajapaksa government ordered the killing of the white-flag bearing LTTE leaders seeking surrender. This claim was presumably made for electioneering purposes, at an interview with the Sunday Leader.i in Dec. 2009, without considering its wide implications. The ex-general contested the Presidential elections, as the candidate of the joint UNP, JVP and TNA, and garnered 38% Votes, mainly in the TNA-favouring areas, compared to Rajapaksa's 58%. Rajapaksa also captured a very respectable vote in the Tamil areas. (The 158,000 votes in 2010, from the Jaffna district, of which nearly 50,000 went tp Rajapaksa, compare well with the 130,000 or so that the TNA polled in the post 2000 elections.)   Presidential election 2010,
    The unsubstantiated white-flag claims led to a court martial of Gen. Fonseka in Sept. 2010. Frederica Jansz's version, Jan 2010 : Fonseka on the demise of the LTTE leaders
    නදී කඩොල
    නන්ද කඩොල
    Naranthanai, Narantanai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    NAARANTHAENNA, Naarandeniya
    In sinhala 'naaran' is a tangerine-like citrus variety (bot. Citrus crenatifolia). 'Thaenna'← Sthana' (Skrt.) is a common sinhala ending for 'place', 'location' In pure tamil '(s)thaanam' is used, and the form 'thanai' found only in Sri Lankan T. is probably a sign of adaptation from Sinhala. 'Naarai' can mean 'cranes and water birds' in Tamil. Map
    නාරන්තැන්න
    Naruvilikkulam(Mannarama[Mannar])
    NARABILIVAEVA, BAHUVARAVAEVA
    "Narabiliveava" is alleged to have earned its name from people drowning in it. "Nara" = human, "bili" =scarifice, in Sinhala. The 'b" in Sinhala becomes 'v' in Tamil. An alternative name has also been suggested, viz., 'Bahuvara' or 'Koola" is a tree with cherry-like fruits
    Cordia obliqua, and known as 'naruvili, ali, namviri' in Tamil.
    නරඹිලිවැව   බහුවරවැව
    Natchikkuda,Nachikuda (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    NAGATHUDAWA
    නාගතුඩාව
    Natpitiyamunai (Ampare)
    HATHPITIAMUNA, HATHPITIMUNNA
    Regional map
    හත්පිටිඅමුන
    Nattandi (Puttalama)
    HATHHANDIYA (NATHTHANDIYA)
    Originally, probabaly "Naaga-kandiya".
    හත්හන්දිය,   නාත්තන්ඩිය
    Navagirinagar (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    NAVAGIRINAGARA
    නවගිරිනගර
    Navaly (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    NAVAELLA, Naavaella
    නාවැල්ල
    Navakkiri, Navarkiri (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    NAVAGGIRI
    Disc.- A limestone Buddha had been discovered at Nilavari close by.
    නවගිරි
    Navanturai, Navanthurai (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    NAVANDARA
    see Jaffna map1 Navanthurai is mentioned in the Yalpana Vaipava Malai, 1736CE text (YVM, Britto's translation), p55 in regard to the expulsion of the Muslims during the 16th century.
    “After a time they (the Muslims) abandoned Usan and founded a new settlement in Nallur, on and around the site of Kantha-Suvami-Kovil. The Tamils viewed their presence with displeasure, as they thought that it might be detrimental to the cause of their religion when the time should come for the restoration of the temple. They tempted the Sonakar (Muslims) to leave the place, with money and entreaties, which when they found unavailing, they had recourse to a plan that proved effectual.
    They put a quantity of pig’s flesh into the wells of the enemy by night. When the defilement was discovered, the Sonakar were in great distress of mind. They could neither drink the water nor cook their meals with it, and they saw themselves driven to the necessity of choosing between starvation on one hand and emigration on the other. They chose the latter and sold their place for whatever money they could get from the Tamils and retired to the east of Navanthurai.”. Many Muslims took refuge in the Sinhalese areas in the South However, Captain Percival's account of Jaffna during the period 1800-1820 shows that the Muslim population in the Jaffna peninsula had risen to be at least equal to that of the Tamils, or possibly more, at the time of the capture of whole Island by the British.
    නවන්දර
    Navathampirumkerni (Japanaya [Jaffna])
    NAVAGAMPURAKAENNA
    Postal code: BCS30018
    The names means the digout (or quarry) for the 'new village', in Sinhala. This is in the "Punagudoova (Punkuduthivu) island east of the Jaffna penninsula.
    නවත්කඩුව
    Navatkaddu (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    NAVATHKADUWA
    Postal code: BCS30018
    'Nawat-tuduva, Nawat-alwatta and Navat-hispane' are known. Postal code BCS30018 same name exists in yapanaya and Mannarama as well. "navath" probably is the local name of a type of creeping verbena.
    නවත්කඩුව
    Navatkuli (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    NAVATh-ThUDUWA, NAVATHKULIYA, Navakukliya

    The word `Kuli' and 'kuliya' were used in old sinhala for hamlet or village. 288th verse (9th century), Sigiri Mirror-wall states: "I am Gunakara (of) Ambagam-kuli (of the) Northern Province (Jaapanaya)
    See also entry under Navatkaddu (Madakalapuwa). The name has originated from a marine village "Naevu-kuliya" that used the Jaffna lagoon as well as the inland lagoons for marine activities.
    The state of the Navathkuliya bridge, destroyed by the LTTE, at the end of the war, 2009
    The state of the Navathkuliya station, destroyed by the LTTE, at the end of the war, 2009
    The LTTE used Kaithadi to set up an attack the Navatkuli Army Camp (300-400 soliders) on 14th Febuary 1987, soon after Prabhakaran returned from India to Sri Lanka. The plan was to send a water bowser to the camp laden with explosives,as the Navatkuli camp depended on a Kaithadi man for the daily water bowser. An accidental explosion occuring during the set up, and killed 43 and injured 51 LTTE persons. These included Lt. Colonel Kugan alias ponnamman (Mulaitive commander), Major Theleepan alisa Curdy, Capt. Vasu, Lt. Paran and Lt. Siddarthan and several other regional leaders died.


    Navakkuliya is one of the few villages in the Jaffna Peninsula where even today (post-LTTE) there is a sugnificant number of Sinhalese residents. Navakkuliya Station Name board.,2017
    Judge Chandrasekeran supports buliding operations in the Tmple and helps good will between the commu nitries. Historinc judgment of a Tamil Judge in Navakkuliya- Divaina, 15-July-2017 See Map
    නවත්තුඩුව   නවත්කුලිය
    Navithanveli, Navadinveli (Ampare)
    NAAVITA-VAELLA
    Possibly from the Skrt. 'Naapita', i.e, babar (caste or profession) %See Map
    Here, former LTTE terrorist Karuna Amman who broke with Prabhakaran stated at a voters gathering, some weeks before August 2020 general elections, how he had massacred over two thousand Sinhala soldiers at Elephant Pass in one nigh'?s carnage and many more at Kilinochchi at the height of the Eelam War.
    Karuna and the killing of 2,000-3,000 soldiers in one night at Elephant Pass, DBS Jeyaraj, Daily FT 24-June 2020 Postal code: APRS32308
    නාවිටවැල්ල
    Nawaladi, Navaladi (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    NAWALAEDDA, NAVALA
      Regional map
    නවලැද්ද   නාවල
    Nawaladi, Navaladi (Madakalapwa [Batticakloa])
    NAWALAEDDA, NAAVALa VAADIYA
    Note that there is no type of tree caleld "Naval", and the meaning "at the foot" (adiya in Sinhala, "ati" in Tamil) of the "Naval tree" cannot be supported. The name in Sinhala means "Vaadiaya in the forest of ironwood trees". For the meaning of Vaadiya, see VAADIYA
      This location was soemtimes used by the LTTE to celebrate its heroes using the "Nawalady Poopathy Memeorial". Annai Poopathi (Mother Poopathy) sacrified herself in protest against the IPKF. For example, according to reports at the time, on the 20th March 2003, during the Cease-Fire agreement, the "Commander" Ramesh hoisted the Tamil Eelam flag at the Navalady Poopathy Memorial. "Martyr" Lt. Vijaya Kartig's mother hoisted the flag of Mother's Front. Batticaloa-Amparai district head of LTTE political section, Kausalyan, lit the ceremonial flame. Rev. Joseph Mary and Priest Bramasiri Jeyanatha Kurukkal lit the sacrificial flame. TTE's Banuka and MP Joseph Pararajasingam addressed the gathering.
    According to P. Lawrance (american sociologist), people of the area were strongly divided on the LTTE account of Poopathy's life and her "scrifice" and do not necessarily support the LTTE view.

    The sinhalese who inhabited this region thinned out during the latter part of the 19th century (as recored in British adminstrative reports of the period) and today it is a majoritarian Tamil speaking area. We give some details of Hindu Temple practices among the tamil fishermen as they apply to most of the coastal villages in the area like Kallady (Galaadiya or Galvaadiya, Tiraimadu etc. (Titaimadu or Theeramaduwa was the main refugee center for this regionduring the post-Tsunami period).
    The main Hindu temple is dedicated to Kadaltci Amman goddess, where Kadal,sea + atci ruling + amman mother is a fierce but protective goddess. It is also claimed that Kadaltci Amman was "Mari Amman", a sister of Pattini Amman (Kannaki Amman). and Kappalenthi Matha(Mother who protects and "clasps" the boats, or "lady of good voyage") , who are all supposed to have come to the Island from Kerala. But "Mari Amman" may be an adaptation of the Virgin Mary. According to local folk lore, Kapalenthi Matha is a goddess who had converted to Catholicism. There is a "Kappalenthi maatha" catholic chruch in Amrithakali (Amirthakaeley) in Batticoloa and many Hindu fishermen prey there. The Caritas foundation linked to the church directed its Tsunami aid to the area, building houses (worth about Rs 12 Lakhs in 2008 funds, about $10,000).
    History of the Kappalenthi Church, U-tuve video. Image of kappalenthi Matha holding a ship in one hand and baby Jesus in the other, Amithakaeley, Madakalapuwa.
    The temple was distroyed in the'Tsunami and rebuilt by 2007. But there is considerable post-Tsunami anger against the goddess for letting the people down, with increased attendence in the Kappalenthi Matha Catholic church which remained "miraculosuly" unsscathed (it is farthur inland), and partly as a consequence of the relief work by CaritaS . The Tamil fishermen sing songs to placate her, and to the Catholic virgin Maryu when they launch their boats.
    The ocean is well known for its sea snakes, that bother fishermen and coastal dwellers, e.g., during the Tsunami (2004 Dec.), and during hurricanes. The "Naga-pucini Amman" is a scared virgin female cobra raised to deity status and associated with fetitity.
    නවලැද්ද   නාවලවාඩිය
    Nayanmarkaddu (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    MAAGALMANKADA
    The name originates from the existence of a passage way near a "mahagal", or bastion-like stone work in a fort or temple. Note that the Nallur temple is near by. The Sinhala "mahagal → Maagal → naayal in Malayalam is distorted to Nayan in tamilized adaptation. The LTTE leader Pottu Amman is from this area.
    මාගල් මන්කඩ
    Nayaru (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    NAAYAARA
    The name refers to an "ara" or "oya" which has originated from the ground sinking and erosion. This has been cited as a se-tiger base during the civil war.
    The Nayaru Rajamaha Vihara was built by 19th Gemunu Watch Battalion opposite its military camp at Nayaru, more recently, circa 2009 and was mainly used by armed forces.
    see Map
    නායාර
    Nedunkandal, nedung kandal (mannarama[Mannar])
    NADUNKADOLA
    This name may probably be attributed to a type of mangrove, botanical name Kandelia rheedii. or Rhizophora mucronata and Rhizophora candel. The word 'kandal' may also be a tamilization of 'gandara', that is, the watery edge or swamp, where gan =river and 'dara' is related to 'addara'. map
    නැදුන්කඩොල

    Nedunkerni, Nedunkerney, Nedunkaerni, Nedunkeni(Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    NADUNKURANA, Nadunkaenna
    Labeled #51, #56 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982 There are two modern 'Naedunkerni's as well. These are along the Vavniya-Mullativu road. An important set of ruins is associated with a stupa, remnants of a temple, and a small tank Around it there are many stone slabs, inscriptions etc. A 4th century AD rock inscription at the site refers to donation to the monastery. Ancient balustrades, guardstones are scattered in the neighbourhood.,

    However, there has been sustained attempts to obliterate these ancient Bu8ddhist ruins by poltically motivated groups who attempt to build Hundu places of worship on buddhist sites even when they wre allocated land 500 meters away from the archeological area, for that purpose. This activity has gone on even after the end of the Eelam wars. See for instance Attempt to constuct a Hindu shrine and drill a tube well in the Nedunkerni-Vedukkunari archeological site '
    The material given here should be read in co njuction with the entry under Vedu-k-kunari-kulam. An NGO named "The Anti-Mahaweli Tamils' Heritage Forum" (AMTHF) is in the fore-front of this effort. In a 29-Aug-2018 letter to President Sirisena, the AMTHF stated that

    6. Further, it has been reported the archaeological department is trying to manipulate the history and declare some ancient Tamils? cultural and religious locations as Buddhist temples. The recent examples are the Nayaru Hindu temple Versus Buddhist temples issue and Vedukkunari Hindu temple issue in Nedunkerney.
    7. Thousands of fishing families of Mullaitivu District are depending on the Nanthikkadal and Nayaru lagoons for their livelihood. However, recently both lagoons have been declared as nature reserves by the government. This will badly affect the income generation and livelihood of the poor fishing families.
    The nature reserves have been declared after detailed surveys. The archeological sites had been recored sicne British times, and in many anuual reports of the Dept. of Archeology, and hence the claim that the present-day archeology dept. is trying to manipulate history is onsense. These efforts are also supported by certain sinhalese elements. A Friar Jeewantha is seen speaking at a meeting where he claims that the Mahaweli program is undermining the Tamil Homeland, and the rights of the Tamil fishermen.
  • Fr Jeevantha's political action and Sinhala speech. 28-Aug-2018 defending the "Tamil homeland"
    So we see that this activity is not motivated by the needs of Hindu Worshp, but parft of the "Tamil Homeland" program of the LTTE.

    Nedun tree is the Sinhala name for 'Pericopsis mooniana', (Latin) while "Kaenna" is a fast tense of "Kaeneena", to dig.
  • නැදුන්කුරන
    නැදුනකැන්න
    Nedunkulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    NADUNVAEVA
    නැදුන්වැව
    Nedunteevu, Delft (Jaffna [Japanaya])
    Meadundoova, Naedundoova, Nedunduva see Delft
    මැදුන්දූව
    නැදුන්දූව
    Neduvarampu(Mannaram[Mannar])
    NAEDIVARAMA
    Disc.- Land given to a king's relation.
    නැදිවරම
    Neelavanai, Periya Neelaavanai, நீலாவணை (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    NEELAVANAYA MAHA-NEELAVANAYA
    This is in the GS area of Galmunna (Kalmunai) and the name "neelavanaya" arises from the blusih appearance of the landscape ("vanaya") as reflected in the lagoon. See also Thuai-neelavanai (Neelavanthota).
    නීලවනය
    Neerkozimpu, Negombo, Negambo (Halavatha [Chilaw])
    MEEGAMUVA, MEEGAMUWA
    "Mee→Nee", "Gammuva→Gambo", gives the European "Negambo". The name Meegamuva may refer to a village which was reputed for its honey. Thus the Mahavamsa-based tradition has it that honey was procured from this region for Queen Vihara Maha Devi, (2 century BCE), at first from a honeycomb found in an up-turned boat. It could also refer to a forest of Mee trees (Madhuca Longifolia (Koenig); in our opinion that is probabaly the most likely origin of the place name. Another legend is that the name is related to "Nihumbala", the Nephew of the Yakka king "Raavana". The Tamil form நீர், nīr, may mean water, and 'colompu' is sometimes claimed to mean 'village', but such a meaning is not recognized in standard Tamil Lexicons. Also, the Tamil name originally applied to the lagoon-like area, and, given the ancient history of the village, it may have come from the sinhala "kalapuva" attached to tamil "nir". Thus "Neerkozimpu" is probably based on the older name "meegamuva→ neer-kalampu→Neerkozimpu".
    Maya Oya flows north of Negambo and falls into the ocean near Kochchike.

    This was an early center of the cinnamon trade, set up by the Moors in medieval times. The Portuguese ousted them in the 16th century and built a fort, and established a strong Catholic religious centre here. The Dutch ousted the Portuguese in the 1644 CE. The ruins of the fort, with its fine archway marked '1672' can still be seen. In 1796 the British took over Negombo, by which time the cinnamon trade had declined. The town has remained strongly Roman catholic to this day.

    Frivolous folk-lore etymology attributes the name 'Negambo' to "nikam biruva'. A a dog 'just barked' is said to be the response given by a non-comprehending bystander to a colonial who asked 'what is the name of this town?.
    මීගමුව
    Neervely, Niraveli, Neeravaeli, Neelaveri (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    NEELAVAELLA, NILAVERIYA
    Hist. Limestone Buddha found here, now in Jaffna museum
    Ancient well, Bo tree and unexcavated site. Stone pillars etc. Pre-christian to 6th century (?) Buddhist site Archaeo. Dept. file EC/B/N/56 folio 73. Neglected ancient Buddhist stupa at Neelaveri, Jaffna
    The place name is locally sometimes shortened to "Neeravai".
    Blue Indigo is "Nil Averi", and this may also be the origin of the name.
    On March 25, 1981 the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization (TELO) robbed a van from a bank carrying Rs. 8.1 million near Neervely. TELO leaders were finally destroyed by the LTTE which is listed as a terrorist organization by USA, Canada and many other countries.
    නීලවැල්ල, නිල්ඇවරිය
    Neeraviyadi, Neeraaviyadi (Anuradhapura)
    NIRAVADIYA
    'Neeravi' could mean an open space/park with a well, as in a game sanctuary. This location, only 6km north of Anuradhapura, may have been an old park or sanctuary. 'nirvyaadhi' Sanskrit, means 'no-hurting' presumably, of animals. 'Niravi', Malayalam, signifies a well.
    නෙල්ලියද්ද
    Nelliyaddi, Nelliyadi (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    NELLIYADDA
    'Nelli', (phyllanthus emblica, 'Dhatri' in Skrt., is a medicinal fruit. LTTE' first suicide bomb, by "Captain Miller", 5 July 1985 occurred here. "Miller" is Vallipuram Vasanthan, from Vak Thuduva (Point Pedro). See also, entry under "Umrumpirai"
    නෙල්ලියද්ද
    Nelukal (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    NELUGALA
    Hist. Very ancient (3d century BC), extremely important Buddhist ruins Stupas, Pilima ge, meditation caves, fountains etc. 2 century Stone inscription Destruction. Forced occupation, New Hindu Kovil built.
    නෙලුගල

    Nelukulam, Nelukkulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    NELUNVAEVA
    Labeled #102 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    Disc.- Note that 'Nelun' is not in the Tamil Lexicon. Latin Nelumbo nucifera , Tamil 'Ambala'. Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri Hist. 30 ft. stupa, set on a square stage, stone support rod constructed to hold a stone circular structue at the center Excavations show stages of construction, from 3-6 century B.C. Other old ruins of temples etc, stone pillars etc. Recent attempts to build a Hindu kovil here Destruction This site has been completely destroyed. The stupa has been flattened and a lance (shula) has been embedded on a concrete slab. Top of a stupa flattened and capped with an embedded lance
    Stones vandalized from archeological ruins have been used by vandals to build earthen walled huts. These matters were raised in parliament(Hansaard report), Oct. 7, 1983 i.e., prior to the Eelam wars which prevented any conservation measures. There has been no action since the end of the Eealm wars in 2009.
    See Archaeo. Dept. file EC/B/N/57 folio 124,22,185
    නෙලුන්වැව
    Neriyakulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    NERIYAVAEVA
    'Ne-eriya' is probably a kind of tall grass; c.f., Minneeriya is the well known Tank built by Mahasena, 3Cen. AD
    නෙලුන්වැව
    Nilaveri, Nilavarai,(Yapanaya[Jaffna]) NEELAVEHERA, NILAAVARA
    This is in the Vaeligama (Valikamam) DRO div., near Navagiri(Navakkiri). Ancient Buddhist site; A Buddha statue in the "Abhaya-Mudra" has been recovered and displayed in the Jaffna museum. There
    are ruins of a ~10CE dagaba, shrine room etc. Indraratne (Thesis, 1965) writes: "A lime-stone Buddha image and the remains of an ancient dagaba were unearthed at Nilavarai, in Navakiri. Among the debris were two sculptured fragments of shaped coral stones with a stone railing design. According to D.T. Devendra, who conducted the excavation at this site, the dagaba can be dated at least to the tenth century A.D. Near these ruins are the foundations of an ancient building and in the middle of these is a modern Siva temple. It has been conjectured, and rightly so, that the old foundations are those of the vihara attached to the ancient dagaba.
    Pre-christian to 6th century (?) Buddhist site Archaeo. Dept. file EC/B/N/56 folio 73. Neglected ancient Buddhist stupa at Neelaveri, Jaffna

    On March 25, 1981 the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization (TELO) robbed a van from a bank carrying Rs. 8.1 million near Neervely. TELO leaders were finally destroyed by the LTTE which is listed as a terrorist organization by USA, Canada and many other countries.
    Blue Indigo is "Nil Averi", and this may be the origin of the name.
    However, the plant known in 'Sinhala as Seneha' (laxative) or nilaevari, 'Cassia senna', is known as 'avaram, nilavirai, nilavakai, and
    Nilavarai' in Tamil.
    නීලවෙහෙර
    Nilaveli (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
    NILVAELLA
    Ancient Buddhist ruins, Old dutch ruins.
    This is a very popular beach area. The `pigeon island', (Parei gala, Purankallai, ?, புறா=pigeon; two rocky islands inhabited by Rock pigeons) is a nature reserve under the nay since 2003. It is one km into the sea, and is unusal for its coral-covered shores. Pigeon islands
    නිල්වැල්ල
    Nintavur, Nintavoor (Ampare)
    NINDAPURA
    Nidndagama, or Nidndapura are alotments given by the king to
    temples of feudal chiefs. Today it is mostly a moslem region, with
    great sociological interest from the point of the "kula-vrige" (Kudivali)
    system. See the account of the caste system under batticaloa.
    See also The land of Matri-clans by A Hussein.
    War: Massacre of Muslims, June 1990

    A safe house owned by the National Thawheed Jamaath (NTJ) was discovred here after the 21-April-2019 Easter bombings. Postal code APRP32340
    නින්දපුර
    Nirveli(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    MIRIVILA
    see Jaffna map1
    ම්රිවිල

    Niraviya(Vannimava[Vavniya])
    NOT a tamilized place named
    Ancient Buddhists site.
    Labeled #80 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    නිරලිය
    Nasiventivu(Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
    Nadee-paen-doova
    Dis.- 'Nadee' in Sanskrit → river.
    'Paen' → water
    Vedda villages were located here
    නදීපැන්දූව
    Niyankallikulam, Niankallakulam (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    NIYAGALAVAEVA
    Ancient Buddhist site; in the list by Archaeo. Dept., Somasiri, 1982
    Euphobia Tirukalli, is known in Tamil as 'Kalli',
    The sinhala name has prompted the 'Niyan' prefix.
    Although 'Niyagala', Gloriosa Superba is 'kantal' or '..kilangu', the
    form 'Niyankallikulam' is a transliteration of the Sinhala "Niyangala---". This cyanide containing plant is poisonous. The LTTE has adopted the flower as their 'official flower'.
    නියංගලාවැව
    Nochchikulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    NIKAVAEVA
    This is close to Vvniya town.
    නිකවැව

    Nochchimoddai, Nochcimotte (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    NIKAMOTTE
    'Motte ← Modde ← Made' signifies a muddy, swampy place. The latin word for 'marsh' is 'madeo', while Skrt. 'manda' means slime. Nika is 'nika' tree 'Vitex negundo', see 'Killinochchi'. Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri. About 8km north of Vannimava, and near the stream "Parangi-ara", there many ancient buildings with stone pillars and remnants of a Buddhist monastery. Bulldozers used here for framing etc., are destroying these ruins. The railway bridge (located between Tandikulam and Omanthai (Omanda)) was destroyed by the LTTE but was rebuilt in 2010. Labeled #77 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    නිකමොටේ
    Norochcholai , Norachcholai, Nuraicholai (Puttalama)
    MORAGOLLA,
    The name probably arose from "Mora", Nephelium longanum. It is a large tree with small lychee-like fruits. In Eastern-province Tamil it is also known as Murali or Nurai. The name "Murali" for Nephelium longanum itself seems to be a modification of the Sinhala "Mora", as it is not known in other Dravidian languages.
    The word stems "Nora", "Noro" or related forms do not occur in Tamil. In effect, the changes "Mora → Nora → Nora" seem to accommodate "cholai", the tamilized version of Golla=grove. In sinhala, and also in some Hindi forms, "golla" is also used for people (logga), as in the Sinhala "Devigolla"=gods, "Degolla"=two-groups of people etc. "Golla → kollai → choalai → cholai" சோலை cōlai. The form "nurai" also means ``paddy stub'' in Tamil and Malayalam, a word-stem found in the place name "Nuraicholai". This is a neighbouring area. The place name "Nuraicholai" is also found in the Ampare district.

    Initilaly highly contested installation of 900MW coal-powerd electricity Generation station, funded with a Chinese grant. First stage completed in 2010. Second and 3rd stages to be completed by 2012. Development spin-off in the area.
    මොරගොල්ල
    Nunavil(yapanaya[Jaffna])
    AHUVILA
    Disc.- 'Ahu' has the botanical name Morinda citrifolia This is a type of Mulberry, and is known as 'noni' or 'nuna' in Tamil. see Jaffna map1
    අහුවිල
    Nunakal(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    THIUNGALA
    This is in the Punguduthive (punkuduthivu) Island Here 'Thiun' means 'thiunu' or sharp, and refers to the sharpness of the corals The Tamil name 'nuna' can probably give a similar sense. See Map
    තියුන්ගල
    Nuraichchoalai (Ampara, also Puttalama) MORAGOLLA, Horagolla
    The name probably arose from "Mora", Nephelium longanum It is a large tree with small lychee-like fruits. In Tamil it is also known as Murali or Nurai.
    Nuraicholai, Puttalam is on the coastal strip of the Kalpitiya Lagoon. See also Norochcholai.
    මොරගොල්ල

    O
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    Odawelikulam, Odavelikulam (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
    MAKULAVAEVA, MAKULUVAELI VAEVA
    Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982. Labeled #57 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    මකුලවැව   මකුලුවැලිවැව
    Oddakarantivu, Oddakarentivu, Ottakarantivu (Puttalama)
    OTHTHAKADOOVA, Uddakaadoova
    'Oththan', malayalam, (ஒட்டன்) are a labourer-caste group involved in digging tanks etc, and/or trade-guild, possibly descendants of people from Orissa (Kaalinga), Ottar, who came with the Maagha invasions. 'Ottam' is also a Kerala folk dance. See write up on Oddamavadi given below.
    ඔත්තන්කන්ද
    උද්දන් දූව
    Oddamkulam, Oddankulam, Oththankulam (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
    OTHTHANKANDA, Uddakanda
    This located on the Vannimava (Vavuniya)-Dunukaaya (Thunukkai) road. See write up on Oddamavadi given below.
    ඔත්තන්කන්ද
    උද්ද කන්ද
    Oddamavadi, Oddaimavadi (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    OThThAN-VADIYA, Uddan-vaadiya
    'Oththan' are a labourer-caste group involved in digging tanks etc, and/or trade-guild, possibly descendants of people from Orissa (Kaalinga), Ottar, who came with the Maagha invasions. 'Ottam' is also a Kerala folk dance. Ottacci is used for Fuller's earth, but this is not found in this region. map
    ඔත්තන්වාඩිය
    උද්දන් වාඩිය
    Odduchudan,Oddusuddan,Oddusudan,Oddichuddan (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    OThThAN-THUDA, Uddanthuda
    Disc.- 'Oththan' are a labourer caste group and/or trade guild, probably linked with Orissa. 'Oddevaadu' in Tamil. War:- Many battles between LTTE and SLF here. Ratwatte, 1998
    Further inland, near Vaavaetiya (Vavetti in Tamil usage) there which is on the Oththanthuda (Oddisudan)-Muvaveva(Mankulam) road, there are signs of archeological remnants of Buddhist shrines. Unfortunately, no detailed studies have been made.
    The 643 Brigade built a large vihara visible from the outside at its base at Oddusuddan in the latter end of Eelam IV war.

    Map
    Postal code: BCP30420
    ඔත්තන්තුඩ
    උද්දන් තුඩ
    Oddupeli(yapanaya[Jaffna])
    UDUPAELLA
    see Jaffna map1
    උඩුපැල්ල

    Odiyamalai, Otiyamalai, Othiyamalai (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
    UTHTHIYAKANDA
    Labeled #91 in Vanni Buddhist sites map Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982.
    Disc.- 'Odiya' has no Tamil meaning; 'Ottia' could refer to sorcery However, given that this is an ancient Buddhist site, and 'Uththiya' is a canonical Buddhist name, thus 'Othiya' may be a translit. of Uththiya. We need more authentication for this name. The hill forms one side of a tank; there are remains of a temple, limestone Buddha etc. at the site. Buddhist ruins extend over at least a square mile. A Kovil has been erected recently on the tank bund. map
    උත්තියකන්ද

    Odivettikulam (Vannimava [Vavniya])
    UDAVAEDDAVAEVA
    Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri. This location is labeled #83 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    උඩවැද්දවැව
    Okantai, Okanda mallai(Yala)
    OKANDA, Okanda
    "O,ඕ" in Sinhala means "yonder", as in "Obadawatta", "Omanda" etc. "Kanda" is a small hill.
    This is an eastern entry point to the Yala sanctuary, and a seasonal hamlet for fishermen. That is, starting from Pothuvila, through the villages of Panama and Helava, arrive into Okanda. The Okanda-Kudumbigala is a shrine dedicated to Alexander the great, subsequently deified as Iskander or Skandha, the God of Katharagama. Cults associated with Valli Amma, Ukantha Malai, Velayudha, Murugan, Al Khadir (Moslem) etc. also flourish. The Murugan Devala has a note-worthy entry tower Gopuram. The "Valli-amma" temple is on the "Okanda malai", where "malai" in Tamil, and "malé in Sinhala are other words for "kanda", or hill, or rock. Murugan (Skandha), Valli and Devani are claimed to have arrived in Lanka using stone boats and landed near Okanda.

    Ancient Buddhist meditation caves are found nearby, e,g,, at Kottadamuhela, and in Kudumbigala (15-20 km from Panama).
    The meditation cases at Kudumbigala are claimed to go back to the time of Devaanam Piya Tissa in the 3rd century BCE, and are beack in use today after the elimination of the LTTE. This site has an unusual "cylinder-shaped" Stupa and many Buddhist ruins and inscriptions in Brahmi script. For a write up, see Meditation caves at Kudumbigala" by Chula Wickremasinghe et al
    ඕකන්ද
    Olumadu (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    OLUMADUWA
    ඕලුමඩුව

    Oluvil, Oluwil (Ampare
    OLUVILA)
    Meaning. In Tamil "vil" means "Bow" and has no immediate meaning. The meaning of the sinhala place-name is self-evident.
    Marginalization by the peace process and fear of living under a terrorist LTTE regime radicalized many young Muslims, who began to demand a separate Muslim region in the southeast. On January 29, 2003, students of the South Eastern University put forward a separatist Muslim platform- the Oluvil Declaration. Echoing the 1976 Tamil separatist declaration, the Batakotte (Vaddukodai) Resolution, it asserted that Muslims are a separate nation with claims to a 'traditional homeland', self-determination, and political autonomy apart from both Tamil and Sinhala domination.
    The Oluvila fisheries habour and port project has been supported by Denmark. The port authority uses the palatial house built by Mr. Asharaff as its circuit bangalow.
    JVP activists have worked against the port project (due to local politics), claiming that the Piyangala rock is being used as a source of stone, destroying "ancient veddha frescoes". We visited the Piyangala rock caves as well as the stone quarry in June 2009. We talked to the monks who lived there, and found that the politically motivated newspaper claims were unfounded. In 2009, the Piyangala cave monastery was still protected by an army unit as this had been an area subject to strong LTTE attacks.
    The Oluvila harbour project is on track. Sunday Observer 1st August 2010 report
    ඕලුවිල

    Omanthai, Omantai, Omanthei (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    OMANDA, Omantha, Omaththa
    Road-side destination board. Labeled #79 in the clickable Vanni Buddhist sites map, Omanda turns out to be an ancient Buddhist site.
    The name "Omanthai" in Tamil has no clear contextual meaning. However, in Sinhala it has a very clear meaning where the "O, ඕ" means "yonder", as in 'Obatawatta', 'Omatta', 'Okanda', 'Omaththa' etc. The "O" sound with the same meaning occurs in "Oba", i.e., 'you'. The sinhala word "manda" is derived from the same Indo-European cognate as "mundane", "earthly, muddy", or "manda" in Sanskrit. In Latin, "mateo" signifies a "marsh". while the sinhala 'Maetta' means a 'mire' or 'clay-laden' place.

    With the renovation of the Omandtha-Jaffna railroad (destroyed by the LTTE), the railroad sign was written to correctly reflect the names Omantha and Omanthai in Sinhala and Tamil respectively, instead of the exclusive use of the Tamil form imposed by the Tigers. However, some writers, egged on by Tamil nationalists, claimed this to be an example of "Sinhalization". See Discussion about Omantha and Omanthai, Sept. 2011, Island Newspaper. Hist. Buddhist ruins. Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
    Omanda was the checkpoint (LTTE) and entry into Vanni during the Eelam wars. Read Omantha check-point Three-hour delays at the Tiger frontier were not uncommon. Such delays may have sometimes been used for arranging attacks on conveys that would be marked for their destruction. Rajive Wijesinghe on NGOs entering the Vanni   Sri Lanka, A9 to reconcilliation, euronews 2012
    The Omanthai (Omanda) station, plundered by the LTTE, at the end of the war, 2009 is being repaired for the new construction of a railway station.
    ඕමන්ද

    P
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    PaalamPoddaaru(SriGonakanda[Trincomalee])
    BALANBODA ARA, BALANGODA ARA
    The 'p' in Tamil often replaces the 'B' in Sinhala. Thus 'Balanboda' is probably more likely than Balanagoda. Tamil 'Pottal→poddal', open space → 'boda'. The word "boda" also occurs in words like "Obodawatta", "Mebodawatta", in Sinhalese villages . Recent (2005s) construction of a Buddha statue here has lead to ethnic acrimony
    බලන්බොඩ ආර
    Pachchilaipalli, Periya Pachchilai Pallai (Giranikke, [kilinochchi], Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    PATHTHIRAPAHALA, PATHTHIRAPALLIYA
    Hist. Baldeus, 1658, Patchiarapahlle
    Disc.- 'Pathhira' tree is also known as "rata-goraka" tree Skrit: Pichchalabija, Malaylam, K.: Paccila, T: Pachchila. Botany: Garcinia family. 'Palli' could refer to a non-hindu (e.g, jain, Buddhist) shrine or, a low-lying region, or 'back-yard, and may imply 'burial grounds'. Also, 'palli','halli, alli' mean village or place ('pala' in S.), a current usage in telugu and kannada (c.f., Thiruchirapalli, Jalahalli.) It also means a place of worship as villages usually involved a temple. In modern usage in SL, it refers to a christian church or mosque.

    This village is mentioned in Paul E. Pieris's Kingdom of Jaffnapatam" where we are told that “In the time of the native Kings the inhabitants of Pachchilapalai and Illidematual used to go to the Vanni to cultivate camas (Sinhalese gam -villages) there and would pay to the renters from ten to twenty lachas (Sinhalese Laaha, a measure of grain, and correspondingly, the area coverd by sowing the grain) of foodstuffs for each cama, in accordance with its size.
    පත්තිරපහල
    Padahuthurai(Mannarama[Mannar])
    PAARUTHOTA
    Disc. 'Padahu' in Kannada for small 'Pada' boat
    The Tamil word is 'patavu', படவு,
    'Paaruva' is a similar sinhala word This a small coastal hamlet near Mannarama and there is no Map Map of Mannar
    පාරුතොට
    Padappamodi, Pattapamoddei (Mannarama[Mannar])
    VAETAPAMADÉ
    This is located on the Mannarama-Punnakara (Punranna, Poonaryn) road. The name means a muddy area designated by a fence or a parapet wall, bund etc. The etymology of "modei, moddei" etc., has been discussed previously (see, e.g.,Tuvarimoddei ). "Padappa" in Tamil may also mean a "vaththa (sinhala)", i.e., a garden or region demarcated by a fence or barrier.
    වැටපමඩේ
    Padavikulam, Pathavikkulam(ANURADHAPURA district)
    PADAVIVA`VA
    පදවිවැව
    Padaviya (ANURADHAPURA district)
    PADAVIYA
    This is an ancient name resurrected during the D. S. Senanayake's time when irrigation schemes were being constructed. Tamil nationalists claim the name "Parvathi Giramam", a name introduced in recent times. Padaviya, or Padavi-parakrama pura is situated in the North-Eastern part of the North Central province, bordering the Northern and Eastern provinces; ~96 kilometers from Anuradhpura. There are relatively few Brahmi cave inscriptions in and around Padaviya. Gradually the region developed to be the centre of the Eastern Division (Pacinadesa) of the 'Rajarata'. One of the earlier names of Padaviya was Padinnoru which is derived from the Pali form Pacina-nagara or the Eastern city. It also came to be known as Padirattha or Padavi country. The Padaviya tank was built by King Mogggllana in the 6th century CE., and known as Dhanavapi, and subsequently Padavapi. The Moragoda inscription of Kassapa IV (898-914) records the grant of immunities to a track of land belonging to a Buddhist monastery irrigated by the reservoir. The inscriptions and ruins in and around Padaviya indicate that the region had grown into a large town of commercial and religious importance by the 11th century. During the Chola rule of the Rajarata (1017-1070 CE), Hindu temples etc., were constructed. A Tamil inscription from the 26th year of the Chola king Raja raja I records endowments of gold lamps, cows and other gifts to the saiva temple in Padaviya. A Tamil inscription referring to Chettis, Nanadesis and Ainnrruvar (south Indian trading communities) is found in Padaviya (c.f., R. L. Brohier). tamil inscriptions of the 11th century show that Padaviya was an important trading center with links to Gokanna. After the demise of the south Indian invasions, Parakramabahu I restored the padaviya tank. A stone inscription on the bund of the Padaviya tank claims that Parakramabahu I constructed it; but this should be understood to mean that he restored it. Ancient names and builders of the Padaviya and nachchaduva tanks
    For historical aspects of irrigation, colonization etc., see the entry under "Galoya".
    පදවිය
    Paddanichipuliyankulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    PADANTHA-KODTIVAEVA
    පදන්තකොටිවැව
    Paddippalai,Padippali(Ampare) GALOYA
    Now identified with the 'Galoya development project, spear-headed In 1936, D.S. Senanayake as Minister of Land and Agriculture proposed to dam the Galoya river at Inginiyagala and divert the waters to a build a large reservoir, and proposed the Gal-Oya multi-purpose project. The dam is 3,600 feet long and 154 feet tall at its highest point. J. S. Kennedy, the Director of Irrigation, proposed a deep-water reservoir to prevent loss of water by evaporation. The reservoir was appropriately named Senanayake Samudra (sea) the biggest man-made tank in the whole of Ceylon. Gal Oya Development Board spent a US $67.2 million on the Galoya colonization project. The dam was built by the American engineers, Morrison Knudsen of San Francisco, completing it in 1947. The Gal Oya Board was officially inaugurated by Senanayake, the first prime minister, on August 28, 1949. Tamil Nationalists led by G. G. Ponnambalam accused Senanayake of discriminatory colonization favoring the Sinhalese, during the years leading to these colonization schemes. These accusations were rejected by the Soulbury commission. Michael Roberts, reviewing the period 1920-1955, claims that there is no evidence for for a 'racial land grab' in the colonization policies of that period. However, tamil nationalists continue to claim this as "addippalai Aru", a part of "Tamil Homelands". In fact, much of the `"dry zone" have been claimed as "Traditional homelands" by the Ilankai Tamil Arasu kadchchi since 1949, and this claim has been reaffirmed at the vadukkoddai (batakotte) resolution of 1976, and the TNA claims of the 2010 manifesto. A recent review of Dry zone colonisation and myth of demographic displacement of Tamils" has been given by Prof. Shantha K. Hennayake Department of Geography University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
    See Tamil Claims.
    ගල්ඔය

    Paddikudiruppu, Pattikudiruppu(Vannimava[Vavniya])
    PATHIKULISSA, PADIKULISSA
    Labeled #26 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    Disc.-'Patti' in Dravidian languages and in Sinhala have meanings associated with cow hearding. However, given the ancient Buddhist history of this site, the name "Path", derived from "Pathra" means that this is a village designated by a royal decree or "Pathra" Thus "Patti" is a "designated village", a usage found in Kannada and also Tamil etc. 'Kuliya', Kulissa, in S. and 'Kudiyirupu' in T. both mean 'quaters' or area;
    The word `Kuli' was used in old sinhala for hamlet or village. 288 the verse (9th century), Sigiri Mirror-wall – "I am Gunakara (of) Ambagam-kuli (of the) Northern Province (Jaapanaya)
    See Paddiruppu below Also, alternatively 'Padda' or 'Paedi'is a caste group'.
    Map
    පත්කුලිස්ස
    Padiennakulam, Padiannakulam, Patiannakulam (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    PADIYANTHA VAEVA, the 'D' is soft, like 'the'.
    Ancient Buddhist site; in the list by Archaeo. Dept., Somasiri, 1982.
    පදයන්ත වැව
    Paddiruppu(Madakalapuwa[batticaloa])
    PADIRISSA
    "Pati", in Tamil may mean 'hamlet, quarters', etc. In K. and M., it becomes 'padi'. The Sinhala 'Pada', 'Padaviya' etc., are related to 'Pradaanthya', or settlement. Map
    පදරිස්ස

    Padivettikulam(Vannimava[Vavniya])
    PARIVAASAVAEVA
    Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri. A large rock plateau; three excavated ponds; set of stone steps. Several caves and ruins of at least 10 temple buildings are scatterd here. Labeled #125 in Buddhist sites map
    පරිවාස වැව
    Paduvankara.(Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
    PADDANKARA
    Disc.- 'Puduvankara' in Tamil could mean "shores of the rising (sun)". However, the name is "PADU-" and not "Pudu-" or "Puthu-". This is an east coast village, and the Sinhala name relates to a caste-designated hamlet. The "Padu" or "Padda" caste, also known as the "bathgama" caste is an agricultural "low"-caste group. There was a significant presence of "Padu" people in the Kumana forest area, and in the Batticaloa jungles. Some of them may have been low-caste Kandyan peasants forcibly evicted by the British when creating coffee plantations. A similar caste name exists among the Sikhs, but no connection with the "Padu" caste of the Sinhalese has been established. The "padu" people were also used as palanquin bearers during colonial times. See D. Wickramanayake's article (p179-190) in: "Case studies on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, A world survey", Vol II, Edited by Willem Veenhoven et al., (Published by M. Nijhoff, The Hauge 1975).
    A newspaper article on the caste system in Sri Lanka
    Padda caste among the Sikhs
    'Kara" here implies a costal location, and is not related to the "Karaava" caste.
    පද්දන්කර
    Pairikkodddal, Payirikkoodal பயிரிக்கூ டல் Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    PAS-IRI-GODAELLA
    "Pas-iri" is a ground creeper [meaning "lines (iri) on sand (පස් pas)"] with small fleshy leaves, related to the Purslane family. Also, note that "Dheera" in Sanskrit. → Iri or the Tamil "Keera" for herbs. Hence see the discussion under Hirikaaenna (Thiraykkeani, Tiraaikeni). 'Godaella' is from 'ගොඩ' as in the sinhala 'egoda', 'megoda' etc., i.e., a stretch of high ground. The is a small location in Karainagar island.
    පස් ඉරි ගොඩැල්ල
    Palachenai (madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    PALUHENA, PAHALAHENA
    Disc. 'Palaa' is green herb or 'Keerai' War: Sea Tiger base.
    පලුහේන, පහලහේන
    Palachcholai (Madakalapuwa [batticaloa)]
    PAHALAGOLLA, PALUGOLLA
    See Map
    පහලගොල්ල   පලුගොල්ල
    Palai(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    PAALLA, PALUYAYA
    Palai is also a common Malayalam place name. The 'Palu' (timber) tree is Mimusops indica, and is known in Tamil as 'Paalai'. The tendency in Tamil to substitute 'p' for the sinhala 'v' may suggest an origin from the sinhala 'vala', i.e., depression or water-hole. However, 'vala' usually occurs with a prefix to it, as in 'Vattap-palai'. See areas 236,237 in Map for 'Chankanai, Sandilipai, Tellipallai'
    පාල්ල, පලුයාල
    Palaikkadu, Pallaikkaadu, Pallikaadu (Ampara)
    VIHARAKAELE
    Vihaara→Palli, Kaele → Kattu→Kaadu seems to be the evolution
    of the tamilized form for the old Sinhala name.
    This is close to Deeghavaapi and once part of the
    temple lands. Now it is being used for a Saudi sponsored
    Housing complex.
    විහාරකැලේ
    Palaikkallu (Vannimava[Vavniya])
    PALUGALLA
    Map
    පලුගල්ල
    Palaikkuli, Paalaikkuli (Mannaram[Mannar])
    PALUKKULIYA

    The word `Kuli' was used in old sinhala for hamlet or village. 288 the verse (9th century), Sigiri Mirror-wall – "I am Gunakara (of) Ambagam-kuli (of the) Northern Province (Jaapanaya)
    MAP
    පලුකුලිය
    Palaimoddai (Vannimav[Vavniya])
    PALUMOTTE
    'Motte ← Modde ← Made' signifies a muddy, swampy place. The latin word for 'marsh' is 'madeo', while Skrt. 'manda' means slime. 'Palu' is a timber tree. Map
    පලුමොටේ

    Palaimoddai,Palaikoddai(Mooladoova[Mulaitivu])
    PALUMOTTE, PALUKOTTE
    'Motte ← Modde ← Made' signifies a muddy, swampy place. The latin word for 'marsh' is 'madeo', while Skrt. 'manda' means slime. 'Kotte ← kotuva' usually means a fortified or secured square. Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982 Labeled #48 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    පලුමොටේ
    Palaitalvu (Mannarama[Mannar])
    PALUTALAAVA
    MAP
    පලු තලාව
    Palaitivu (Giranikke [Killinochci])
    PALUDOOVA
    is an island near Poonakaraya (Pinkaraya, Poonryn). The same name occurs for an island near Pungadoova in the Jaffna district.
    පලු දූව
    Palaiyadikkulam (Jaffna )
    PALUYAAVAEVA
    This signifies a tank near ('ya' ← yaabada) Palu trees.
    Map
    පලුයාවැව
    Palaiyatisirukkulam, Palaiyadisirukkulam (Mannarama[Mannar])
    PALURAAJAVAEVA
    The name probably means 'Tank near dominating Palu trees'.
    Map
    පලුරාජවැව
    Palaly, Palali (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    PALUYALA (ALYALA?)
    War Airforce base, runaway etc Map, Eealm war iv Mahindapala on Austin Fernado's visit to Palaly
    පලුයාල
    Palamattalan (M ooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    PALAMASSALA
    This was part of the No Fire Zone in 2009 LTTE last stand. civilian hostages of the LTTE, and area map
    පලාමස්සල
    Palamoddai,Palmottai (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    PALAMOTTE
    'Palaa' is 'green herbs' in Sinhala
    'Motte ←- Modde ←- Made' signifies a muddy, swampy place.
    The latin word for 'marsh' is 'madeo', while Skrt. 'manda' means slime.
    Ancient Buddhist site.
    Slab inscription in Sinhala by King Vijayabahu (10 CE.)
    පලාමොටේ
    Palampiddy (Mannarama [Mannar])
    PAELUMPITIYA, Palampitiya
    Ancient Buddhist ruins, see p.78 E Medhanada(2003).
    පැලුම්පිටිය
    Palampoddaru(Sri Gonakanda [Trincomalee])
    PALUPOTHOYA
    පලුපොත්ඔය
    Palamunai (Ampare)
    PAHALAMUNNE
    An empty lot in this village was used by the Islamic Radicals of the National Thwaheed Janma'at (NTJ) based in Kattankudi (Kaadankuliya) to test out their explosives used in the Easter bombing of 21 April 2019.
    පහලමුන්න
    Palamudeercholai, Pazhamudircholai, pazhamudhirsolai (Madakalapuwa[Batiicaloa])) KUMBURUMULLA
    This area was orginally a part of the KoralePattu and Kumburumulla area. The Murugan temple is of recent origin and named after an iconic Hindu Temple is Tamil Nadu, located about 20 km north of Maduari. Subsequently, the name began to be applied to the locality as well.

    The government has began various housing schemes in this area since 2014.
    කුඹුරුමුල්ල
    Palavi, (Giranikke[Killinochchi])
    PALAAVA
    See Palavi in Puttalam for a discussion.   Regional map
    පලාව
    Palavi, Pallawi,Paalaavi(Puttalama[Puttlam])
    PALAAVA
    Meaning "Pallavi" in Tamil stands for the lead stanza which defines the tune of a Karnatic poem/song or dance ritual. It is also a personal name in North India, but it hardly found as a place name. A form of Brahmi script, and an Odessi classical dance are also called "Pallavi". However, 'Paal' in T. is milk; and the word 'aavi' is a tamilzed form of the sinhala 'vaapi or 'vaeva' for an irrigation tank. Thus 'aavi' does not occur in tamil nadu with this meaning. But one may stretch the Tamil etymology a little bit and 'Paalaavi'may perhaps be a 'reservoir' with milky water. On the other hand, if we assume that this is a sinhala place name, then the meaning is more direct. It is also a common place name found in the south. The sinhala "palaava" implies a place where 'greens' (palaa), i.e., herbs, are found or grown. The same old sinhala place name occurs in Mannar and Jaffna.
    පලාව
    Palayadithona, Palaiyadittona, Paalaiyadiththoa'naa (Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
    PALUDONA
    'Palu' is a timber tree, Mimusops indica, and 'dohona' is an inlet (c.f. 'donaava') in Sinhala. Map
    පලුදොන
    Pali Aru (Giranikke [Killinochchi])
    PAEHAELI OYA
    This empties into the western seaboard near Bellanvaeva (Vellankulam). "Paehaeli" here probably means "free-flowing" or "clear".
    පැහැලිඔය
    Palk Strait, Palk straits, Palkkai sandhi, Palkkai-sandhi (Mannarama [Mannar])
    SETH-SAMUDRA YAAVA
    The Tamil name 'Palkai-sandhi (பாக் சலசந்தி), or Palkai jalasandhi is sometimes mentioned, and is clearly an adaptation of the English name (after Robert Park, the Governor of the Madras British Protectorate during the middle of the 18th century). The Sinhala usages 'saagara-yaava' for strait, moodhu yaav', or samudra yaaya සමුද්‍ර යාය are consistent with the word 'sandhiya', derived from Sanskrit.
    The Sanskrit epic, Ramayana. is mythical history enshrined in the Ramayana epic, where an army led by Hanuman the monkey king, comes to help Rama to get back Sita, i.e., his wife who had been abducted by Ravana (i.e, Raja-Vana, King of the forest or Vanni). He was the king of Lanka. The name Rama Sethu රාමසේතුවhas been being associated with the natural ridge that connects Dhanushkodi (India) with Talaimannar (Lanka) Sinhala and the 'Palk strait' connects the ocean across the 'Raamaseth'. Palk strait is appropriately called the seth samudrayaaya, or the `sethu mooduyaaya' සේතු මූදු යාය
    There has been an attempt by Hindu fundamentalists who believe that the rama story in a historical fact, to claim that a "man-made bridge" dated back to 1.7 million years existed and that "NASA" has proved it!. See: The Hoax Of The NASA Bridge:The Myth of the "NASA-discovered" Rama's bridge.
    Debunking Adam's Bridge: DEbunking the Aadma's bridge.
    The Indian continent and Lanka were connected by relatively dry land during the most-recent glaciation and humans and animals passed across from Lanka to India and vice versa (see Who were the Nagas, Jains, and Buddhists in Pre-Christian Lanka ? . In addition, Lanka was an important sea route bringing in Sumerian and other early sailors. The Ramaayana alludes to hoards of monkeys and other 'forces' of Rama crossing to Sri Lanka to fight Ravana, the legendary Raksha king of Lanka. Thus the legend harks back to social memories of the most recent cold spell of the earth. The Seth Samuduram shipping canal project has run into religio-political, as well as conservationist opposition. There are also oil and gas explorations undertaken in this area by Sri Lanka and India. These and especially the digging of the rama-sethu ridge for deepening the strait for shipping have very serious ecological implications, as such diggings bring out heavy-metal toxins in to the biosphere and total contamination of the sea in the area, killing plankton, fish sperm, oysters and pearls, crustaceans, and affecting coral reefs, and ultimately the bigger fish in the food chain.

    The alternative Sinhala name 'Seth samudra-yaaya' uses the word 'seth', සෙත්. It is clearly derived from the 'Raama sethu' name, and basically means the 'bridging sea-passage' in Sinhala. This is also an appropriate name as the strait links the Mannar Bay (Mannaram Bokka) to the 'Bay of Bengal' (Bengaala Bokka). Finally, it should be noted that some Sinhala geography school texts use the name 'Palk samudra sandiya' (Palk sea-junction).
    රාම් සාගර යාය

    රාම් සමුද්‍ර යාය

    සේතු මූදු යාය
    Pallai (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    PAEHAELLA   Regional map
    පැහැල්ල
    Pallama (Puttalam)
    PALLAMA
    Disc. No tamilization here
    පල්ලම
    Pallamadu (Mannarama [Mannar])
    VIHARAMADUVA
    This is located on the Mannarama-Punkaraya (Poonaryn) road Palla (i.e., Palli) is a Tamil rendering of "Viharé".
    විහාරමඩුව
    Pallavarayandaddu, Pallavarayankaddu (Mannarama [Mannar])
    PALLAVARAKADU
    This is located on the Mannarama-Punkaray (Punranna, Poonaryn) road. The Pallava and Lankan kings collaborated against the Cholas during the Vijayabahu-Parakramabahu era. This may be a town designated to a "Pallavarayan", i.e., probably a Pallava General.   Regional map
    පල්ලවරකඩු
    Pallikkuda, Pallikuda (Giranikke [Killinochchi])
    PALLI-THUDAAVA, Pahalathudaava
    The name suggests a religious shrine near the bay. Ancient Buddhist temple ruins are found near by at Palavikkulam (Paluvaeva). The usage 'palli' could imply a mahayana Buddhist shrine, a Jain shrine, or a low-lying region('pahala' ion S.), or 'back-yard', and may imply 'burial grounds'. Also, 'palli','halli, alli' mean village or place ('pala' in S.), a current usage in telugu and kannada (c.f., Thiruchirapalli, Jalahalli). In modern SL usage, it refers to a christian church or mosque.
    විහාරකැලේ
    Pallikudiyiruppu, Pallikkudiyiruppu Gokanna ([Trincomalee], Ampare)
    PAHALA-KULISSA, Pallikulissa.

    The word `Kuli' was used in old sinhala for hamlet or village. 288 the verse (9th century), Sigiri Mirror-wall – “I am Gunakara (of) Ambagam-kuli (of the) Northern Province (Jaapanaya)
    For a discussion, see entry under 'Pallivasalthurai'
    Map
    පහලකුලිස්ස
    Pallimunei, Pallimunai, Pallimunnai (Mannarama [Mannar])
    PAHALAMUNNA
    For a discussion, see entry under 'Pallivasalthurai'. The word "Munna" is a frontal projection ("muhuna") or abutment of land into the sea or lake.
    A Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L. family Bombacaceae) in this town is said to be some 800 years old. The circumference of the tree is 19.5 meters and 7.5 meters tall in 2011. It is a protected archeological site. An attempt to place a statue of Mary next to by Fr. Peter Manoharan of St Lucius Church, Pallimunei, and erect crosses at the Baobab, and in the mannar area were faced with litigation. Public outcry against Crosses and Statute illegally planted across Mannar
    පහලමුන්න
    Palliwasalturai, Pallivasalthurai (Puttalam)
    PARIVAASALATHOTA, PALLIVAASALTHOTA, Pahala-vaasalthota Disc.- 'Palli' can apply to a non-hindu religious building. 'Palli' may have come from Brahmi-Maghada usage for Jain monasteries. The sinhala 'Palliya" is today mostly used for Muslim and Christian places of worship, and hardly ever for Hindu Kovils. 'Palli',pari, may also be related to 'low-lying', or 'pahala'. 'Vaasala' in sinhala (and indic sources) is a distinguished building. Also, 'palli','halli, alli' mean village or place ('pala' in S.), a current usage in telugu and kannada (c.f., Thiruchirapalli, Jalahalli).
    පරිවාසලතොට
    Pallivasalveli (Mannarama [Mannar])
    PAHALA-VAASAL-VAELLA, PALLI-VAASAL-VAELLA
    see the entry under Palliwasalturai.
    පහලවාසලවැල්ල
    Pallugaturai, Palugaturai (Puttalama)
    PALUGASTHOTA
    This is in the Vanathavilluva area near Wilpattu
    පලුගස්තොට
    Palukamam, Palugamam (Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
    PALUGAMA
    Hist.- This was an eastern residence of the Kandyan kings.
    Map
    පලුගම
    Pammivedduvan (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    PANIVAEDDUVA
    This is located near Vihare' ( see Vakarai)
    'Pammi' in T. has no contextual sense
    Veddu, vedduvan do not occur in the Tamil lexicon, buti may refer
    to open land; vettuvan may refer to hunter.
    In S. 'vedduva' where the d is a soft 'dth',is e recognized place name,
    and exists in the S. province, and may have arisen from 'vaeduma,vaevuma', plantation.
    පැනිවෙද්දුව
    Pampaimadu (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    BAMBAMADUVA
    Disc.-In T., "pampai" could mean a Tammatan drum The name "bambamaduva" suggests a place used for religious services. 'Bamba' is sinhala for 'Braahma', also a type of Drum. There is also a tank by the same name. Map
    බඹමඩුව
    Panama (Ampara)
    PANAMA, Panama (anchor name), Paanama.
    Disc.-"Panaya, Panama, Pané, Pé " are words synonymous with village, that we find occurring in place-names like Ja-panaya, Uda-panama, Thum-pane, Dompe, etc. The name has been phonetically modified to "Paanama".
    This village is close to the Kumbukkan oya, and the Kudimbigala sanctuary (3rd century BCE Buddhist rock caves, Brahmi inscriptions etc are found here). The Muhudu Maha Vihara, picture by cdw, 2009, dating back to probably the 3nd century BCE, and at the edge of the sea, surrounded by sand dunes, is in a state of utter neglect today. The temple name is often anglicized as "Mudu Maha Vihara", and has a 3-meter high Buddha statue and several Bodhisatva statues, all subject to erosion. Some traditional settlements of Panama villagers are still found inside the Kudimbigala sanctuary. The Pada yaathra route to Katharagama falls near by. There is also a Pattini Devala in Panama. The Panama area, originally Buddhist Sinhalese, Veddaha, and Tamil has now acquired a larger Muslim presence, and the temple-land area of some 300 acres donated to the Muhudu Maha Vihara by royal decree has absorbed recent settlers, especially during the Eelam conflict This has reduced the temple to a small pocket of land at the edge of the sea, c.f., Lakbima July 11, 2005 report.. There is one monk, Katharagama Sri Rathana Thera, picture by cdw in 2009, living in an impoverished 'aarama', with a meager supporting community in 2009.
    පනම
    පානම

    Panankamam, Panamkamam, Panankaamam (manvaeva[Mankulama]) PAHANGAMA
    Labeled #45 in Vanni Buddhist sites map 10th CE inscription at Isurumuniya confirms this name. More recently, a vanni chieftain known as Vanni bandara (also known as 'Pandara Vannian' in Tamil) fought with the British at Kohilamaduva ( Katsilaimadhu). Map
    පහන්ගම
    Pandarikulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    BANDARAVAEVA
    See discussion under "Bandarikulam".
    බන්ඩාරවැව
    Pandaterippu (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    BandhaKalapuva
    The place-name means `twin-pond' or two small connected bodies of water. The word 'Terippu' in Tamil could also mean `pond', as well as other meanings inconsistent with the context. Hist. coins of Queen Lilavati (12th-13th Century A.D.)
    බන්ධ කලපුව
    Pandikkeitakulam ( Vannimava [Vanniya])
    BAENIDIKAETIVAEVA
    බැඳි කැටිවැව
    Pandiruppu (Ampare)
    BANDARA-PATTUVA, PADIRIPPUVA
    `rippa', and `rippuva' have been used in place names to mean `village'. Regional map
    බන්ඩාරපත්තුව
    Pantrichurichchan, Periyapantrichurichchan (Mannarama)
    OORA-KURAHANA
    'Pandi' in Tamil, and 'Pantri' in Malayalam do mean "Pig" or wildboar. Kurakkan (Eleusine coracana) is a millet planted since ancient times in Sri Lanka. The Tamil names, Keazh-varaku, Thinai, etc., are not used in SL Tamil. In fact the Sinhala name "Kurakkan" has also been adopted in SL-Tamil. குரக்கன் This differs from typical Dravidian-language usage (Indian tamil- Iraaki, 'Raagi' in Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu), confirming the borrowing from Sinhala. "kurahana" may refer to the shape of the early flower of this type of Millet. see Kurakkan etc.
    There are varieties of kurakkans, and they require little water.
    Cereals cultivated in the medieval period included different varieties of rice, as well as "kurakkan, iringu and amu, java, meneri, undu, mun, tal", green gram, mae-ata and barley. Even today, "thalapa" or gruel made with kurakkan and a curry made with "kollu" is eaten in the dry zone. See also the entry under: Kurrakkan-Kaddukulam
    ඌරකුරහන
    Pandivirichchaan (Mannarama)
    ORRAKURAHANA, OORA-VIDI-THAENA   See discussion under Pantrichurichchan
    ඌරවිදිතැන

    Panemiyankulam(Mooladoova[Mulativu])
    LUNUVILAVAEVA
    Labeled #29 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    Disc.-'Lunuvila' is L., Bacopa monnieri or water hyssop. An old tamil word for this is Piramiyam although other names, e.g, "neer-brahmi" etc are used in Aurveda. Sanskrit name: "Brahmi". See also p 2691 of Madras Tamil lexicon. The name needs more authentication. This is an ancient Buddhist site, listed in 1982, by Arch. Dep. Somasiri.
    ලුනුවිල
    Panichankemi, Panichchankeni, -kerni (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    PANIKANGAMA, Thimbirikaenna
    Disc. 'Pannikka' in S. refers to the barber caste. In T., 'panikkan' may refer to 'teacher, dancing master, carpenter, mahout, barber, etc., or a subcaste of the Pallar caste The 'Mahout-Pannikiya' subcaste existed mainly in the Vanni The Timbiri tre is called 'Panichchai (Embryopteris glutinifera)' in tamil. (Note: Timbirigama in the Gampaha district.) Map
    තිඹිරිකැන්න, පනික්කගම
    Pannikkaddi Murippu (Gokanna [Trincomalee])
    Pannikettiyaava
    පනික්ක කෙටියාව
    Panikkaniravi, Penikaneeravi(Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    PANIKKANIRUWA, Thimbiritheeruva
    Disc. 'Pannikka' in S. refers to a caste designation which may be barber, athletic trainer, etc. 'Iruwa' is a portion of land, well or tank ascribed to this caste In T., 'panikkan' is not necessarily a specific caste designation. It may refer to mahout, barber, etc., or a subcaste of the Pallar caste 'Panikkan' ←- Panichcha could arise from the name of the Timbiri tree The 'Mahout-Pannikiya' subcaste is present in the Vavnimava area Map
    පනික්කන්ඉරුව, තිඹිරි තීරුව
    Panikkankulam (Giranikke[Kilinochchi])
    PANIKKANVEVA
    Disc. 'Pannikka' refers to the barber caste. In T., 'panikkan' may refer to 'teacher, dancing master, carpenter, mahout, barber, etc., or a subcaste of the Pallar caste. Vanni elephant trainers in Dutch times as well as the "caste" of elephant catchers in the Vanni, were known as the "Panikkara" - a name originating from "Vannikaara". See also the entry under "Eravur" regarding elephants. The LTTE had an airstrip in this location, and it fell into the hands of the SL-forces on 30-Sept-2008. Defencewire report   Map
    පනික්කන්වැව
    Panichchaikkulam (Mannarama [Mannar])
    THIMBIRIVAEVA, PANIKKAVEVA
    Disc. 'Pannikka' in S. refers to the barber caste. In T., 'panikkan' may refer to 'teacher, dancing master, carpenter, mahout, barber, etc., or a subcaste of the Pallar caste. Also 'Panichchai' is Tamil for the Timbiri (Embryopteris glutinifera) tree Map
    තිඹිරිවැව,   පනික්කවැව
    Pankudavely, Pankudaveli (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    PANGODAVAELLA
    This is towards Thoppigala, and an LTTE center till 2007.
    පන්ගොඩවැල්ල
    Pankulam (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
    PAENVAEVA
    South east of Vilpanakulam, ~25km west of Trinco. GajabaLen Vihaara is found here. Large stone pillars, and several meditation caves, 3 with inscriptions. Listed in Archaeological Dept. surveys.
    පැන්වැව
    Pannai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    PAENNA
    Disc. This is an area accessing Yapanaya via a bridge and connecting Valigama (Valikamam) to Jaffna islets Meaning Pannai in T. could mean 'farm' or related to farming 'Pannai-pay' in T. It could be contrived to mean 'dive and play in water' The latter meaning is consistent with the S. alloform 'Paenna' which could mean 'water' or 'jump'.
    පැන්න
    Pannaham (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    PAENNAGAMA
    For the etymology, see Pannai. This was the "home town" of Mr. Appapillai Amirthalingam, then MP for Kankesanthure and TULF leader. He was gunned down the LTTE on 13 July 1989, together with ex-Jaffna MP Vettivelu Yogeswaran (Ex-Nallur MP Murugesu Sivasithamparam was shot and wounded in the same incident). Panrikeithakulam,Pandikkeitakulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    BANDIKATIVEVA
    Map
    බැංදිකැටිවැව
    Papparappiddi, Peparaputti; பப்பரப்பிட்டி (Yapanaya [Jaffna]) GATHTHARA-PITIYA
    Disc.- It is tempting to identify 'Pappara' as 'Barbar', i.e., Muslim west African people, since the word is recognized as such in Tamil and possibly in sinhala (Baabura) usage, as well as in English. The more likely source is the word "Gaththara" used in sinhala. It is in many ways equivalent to 'Pappara', and is probably derived from Sanskrit. 'Gothra' = 'clan' → 'Gaththara.'
    It is known that an early Dutch census (1790 CE) records 196 males belonging to 'Pallivili' caste as taxpayers, and no mention of African Muslims. So this 'gothra' need not be west-africans or muslims at all. This caste is probably those who lived near a Buddhist or Jain temple but had no right of entry into the temple (Madras Tamil Lexicon). This is consistent with the Tamil விழி which could mean "watchful", and these people watched over the Temple.
    We may also remark that "Pey" or "Pei" in Tamil is etymologically related to "Pretha", and means "spirit" or "devil", and "pey-para", if taken as a Pali/Sanskrit word, would been the the devils who are outsiders (para). However, that too would be consistent with our interpretation of "pappara" as "Gaththara", the latter being the the outsiders.
    ගත්තරපිටිය
    Paranaddakallu (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    BERA-NAADHA-GALA
    Disc. The name Bera-nasda-gala (the stone with the sound of drums) may have arison because the stone refelcted Drum sounds from a nearby temple and echoed the sounds. The name may also suggest a watch post
    Vanni Buddhist sites map
    බෙරනාද
    බලනැදිගල්ල
    Paranattakulam(vavnimava [vavniya])
    BERA-NAADA-VAEVA
    ancient Buddhist ruins here. it is close to nikamotte(nochchimoddei)
    shown as label 77 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    බෙරනාදවැව
    Parangi Aru, Paranki aru (Giranikka [Killinochchi])
    PARANGIOYA
    This rivers empties into the western seaboard near Andaradoova (Viduthaltheev)
    පරන්ගිඔය
    Parankiamadu (Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
    Parangiyamaduva
    "Parangiya" refers to Portuguese.
    පරන්ගිමඩුව
    Parangikkulam (Mannarama[Mannar])
    PARANGI-VAEVA
    Map
    පරන්ගිවැව
    Parankikamam (Mannaram[Mannar])
    PARANGI-GAMA
    Map
    පරන්ගිගම
    Parangkisirukulam(Mannaram[Mannar])
    PARANGI-HITI VAEVA
    Military action in Mannar, 2008
    පරනපැන්තැන්න
    Paranpanjan, Paranpanthan (Sri Gonakanda[Trincomalee])
    PARANA-PAEN-THAENA
    Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982
    Disc.- The place name has no clear sense in tamil, M., Tu or K. The sinhala name suggest an old water disrtibution point to Pilgrims.
    පරනපැන්තැන්න
    Paruthu Thurai, Paruththith-theevu (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    PULUNDOOVA
    Indian cotton plant, Gossypium herbaceum, is "pulun". It has also been speculated that the original name was Paaruthota, since the Tamil form should have been Purutti-th-thuri rather than Paruthu Thurai.
    පුලුන්දූව
    Paranthan, Parantan (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    PURANTHANNA, PURANTHAENNA
    Disc. In T., 'Paranthamam' could mean 'heaven', or Lord Vishnu' In Sinhala,'Puran-thanna' could mean 'old-field', or 'a field gone fallow'. This is located at the intersection the A9 North-South road through the vanni and A35 East-West road. Its capture on 2nd January 2009 in the last war with the LTTE was a crucial point in the war.
    Lanka Libraray report   Regional map
    පුරන්තැන්න
    Paranthan (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    PURANTHANNA
    See previous entry
    පුරන්තැන්න
    Parappakandal (Mannarama [Mannar])
    PURANKADOLA
    Disc.- Region filled with large Mangroves. 'Poorna → Puran'. The tamil 'from' 'parappa' could mean 'full', or 'exremely extended', 'large' etc. It could also mean a type of scorpian, but scorpians are not associated with mangroves. There is no "Gonusu-kadol" variety known in Sri lanka or tamil Naadu. The various types of mangroves found in Sri Lanka are listed in our Botany Page
    පුරන්කඩොල
    Parasangkulam (Mannarama [Mannar])
    PULASVAEVA, PARASANVAEVA
    Disc.- The red flowring tree known in Sinhala as 'Pulas', or Palas, or the sanskrit name has given the form 'Parasan' in the place name. Thus there is a 'Parasangaha' in the Anuradhapura district. The tree (Butea frondosa) is commonly known in tamil as Murukku.
    පුලස්වැව
    Paravaveli(Mannarama)
    PARAVAVAELLA
    Disc. Parava is a sea fish in Sinhala, a name used by Sri-Lankan fishermen of all communities. However, in Tamil 'Paravu' is a river-fish, black, reaching 12cm. in length, latin name: Nuria danrica,
    or silvery, attaining 5 in. in length, Rasbora buchanani. Also, "Para(tha)var",பரதவர் could refer to a fisherman caste.
    පරවවැල්ල
    Paravipachchan(Giranikke [Killinochchi])
    PARAVIPATTANA
    Disc. "Paravi" (පරවි) is the Sinhala name for "pigeon", including "wild pigeon". "Paravi, Kobo, Koho", and "Gira" are types of birds, among many other birds that found sanctuary in the Killinochchi area which was a bird sanctuary even under the Magha invaders, and prior to it. In fact, the name Killinochchi was a direct adaptation by the Magha of the name "Gira-nika" that prevailed prior to the Magha invasions. "Kili" and "nochchi" are Malayalam versions of the words "Giraa" (parrot) and the tree known in Sinhalese as Nika (Vitex Negundo).
    There is an army encampment here, since the Tigers were pushed out in 2009. It came into the news in 2016 when Mr. Sampanthan, Sumanthiran and a number of other TNA (Tamil national Alliance) members of Parliament entered the army camp forcibly. No action was taken by the government which depends on the TNA in parliament. The TNA openly supported the LTTE until their demise.
    Sampanthan, others storming army camp: Probe hushed up, April 26-2016
    පරවි පට්ටන
    Pasikudah, Passikuda,Passekudah(Madakalapuwa[batticaloa])
    PAASITHUDAWA
    Beach resort 32 km north of madakalapuva, strongly affected by the Eelam wars.
    Dis. 'Pasi' in S. could mean a type of coral. Also, in Urdu, 'pasi'
    may mean 'fishery' and may have come from Moor fishermen
    Paasa in Sanskrit → & Sinhala may mean a fishing net or rope noose.
    God Varuna is depicted as such in medieval sculptures, but not in early sculptures,
    with such a noose in his hand.

    In Feb. 2013, Asela, the son of a DIG named Ravi Waidyalankara was in February 2013 was atacked by Daham Sirisena the son of the then minister Maithripala Sirisena?s on the Passikudah beach. Then Ravi Waidyalankara became a household name in the country. He was appointed as the head of the FCID (Financial Crimes Invstigation Division) after the yahapalana government came into power in 2015. The head of the FCID itself was sacked for alleged fraud and corruption in Feb.2019.

    see East coast Map
    පාසිතුඩාවව
    Patchenai(Madakalapuwa[Batticaloa])
    BATAHENA
    Map
    බටහේන
    Paddiapuliyankulammalai(Vannimava[Vavniya])
    MAHA SIYAMBALA VAEV-KANDA
    See Periyapuliyankulammali Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri. Uttiya and his consort are mentioned in an inscription here, See Archeo. Survey of Cey., Ann. Rep. 1905.
    Labeled #84 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    මහසියඹලාවැවි
    Pattiniyamakilankulam(Vavnimava[Vavniya])
    PATTINIMAHIMAVAEVA
    Disc. See also entries under Chankanai, Kannakipuram, Vattappalai, Madhu Gomarankadawala etc. regarding various aspects of Pattini cults. 'Makil' in tamil could mean 'joy, religious sprit' etc., and the Sinhala 'mahima' means 'miraculous' or 'glorious' import. Map
    පත්තිනිමහිමවැව
    Pavanai(Sri Gonakanda [Trincomalee])
    PEHEVANAYA
    Ancient Buddhist site; in the list by Archaeo. Dept., Somasiri, 1982.
    පේහේවනය

    Pavatkulam, Pavkkulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    PAWATTAVAEVA
    'Pavetta Indica' is known as "Pavatta" in Sinhala Large shrub/tree (gardenia family) with white flowers, medicinal uses, often confused with 'Adathoda', 'Agaladara' etc. See, e.g., Thabrew et al Planta Med. vol. 53, p239 (1987). Ancient Buddhist ruins, listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. (Somasiri). Two buddha statues have been destroyed in renovations of the tank. Several sets of stone pillars, a stupa, shrine room, and other ruins are near the stream known as Galara(kalaru) which flows through here. Labeled #105-108 in Vanni Buddhist sites map About Pavetta
    පවත්තවැව
    Pavattaikulam, Pavatkayikkulam(Puhulmotte[Pulmodei])
    PAVATTAVEVA
    See Pavatkulam
    Map
    පවත්තවැව
    Pembathy(Japanaya [Jaffna] or Mannarama [Mannar])
    PINGBADDA
    Disc.- According to Paul E. Pieris,Kingdom of Jaffnapatamthe “Sinhalese Patabenda, usually applied to headmen of the Fisher caste” are referred to as "Patangatin's in Portuguese texts (specifically, the Floral). These headmen had been given the village Pembathy “as an emphyteuta” by the native kings of Jafanapatam and by the Portuguese too “this was confirmed on the Patangatin Mor Thome de Mello, the heir of the last holder, on condition of his supplying yearly an aleya or aliya (i.e., elephant, usually without tusks) of not less than four covados.”-
    Anecdotally, we have been told that the old name of the village was "Ping-Badda", where "ping-badda" means a "neighbourhood" given as a gratuity. This is consistent with what is stated in Paul.E.P.
    පිංබද්ද
    Peraru (Sri Gonakanda[Trincomalee])
    NaaOya
    Disc.- 'Naa' in Sinhala is Iron-wood, 'Peri' in T., 'Peri-aru→'Peraru'.
    'Na' is L. Messua nagassarium or Mesua ferrea , adopted as the national tree of Sri Lanka, 1986. The Naa forest planted by King Dappula IV in the 8th CE still exists (~100 hectars) and is one of the oldest man-made forests. The wood is very heavy and strong.
    LTTE base near Panvaeva(Pankulam), Gokanna(Trinco).
    නාඔය
    Periya-Alankulam, Periya Alankulam (Mannarama [Mannar])
    MAHARANVAEVA
    Army action near Mannar 2008
    මහරන්වැව
    Periyakaddu (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    MAHAKADUWA
    Map
    හකඩුව
    Periyakallar (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    MAHAGALAARA
    North of Galmune (Kalmunai)
    Periyakulam(Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
    MAANAVATHUVAEVA, MAHAVAEVA, site 1
    Labeled #54 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    Ancient Buddhist site. site 2, same name. Periyakulam(Gokanna[Trincomalee]) MAANAVATHIE tank is the original name. The name Periyakulam was given in 1929. See the entry under "Vilgamvehera'. Bronze Buddha statues, figurines, coins etc. have been found here. Velgam vehera is close to this site, i.e., Periyakulam. Label 167 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    See entry under 'Vilgama Vehera'.
    මහවැව,   මානවතු වැව
    Periyakulam(Puhulmotte [Pulmodei])
    NAAMAL VATHA
    The name periyakulam had been used in some parts of the area which was extended and connected with the Naamalgama area, and the name Naamalwatha has been used for the whole, extended area. Regarding claims of tamil nationalists, see discussion under GalOya
    නාමල් වත
    Periyakunchikulam (Mannarama [Mannar])
    MAHAKUNCHAVAEVA
    මහ කුන්චවැව
    Periyamadhu (Mannarama [Mannar])
    MAHAMAUDWA, MAHAMMAWA
    Meaning:   Madhu in Skrt. may mean "Lady" or 'mother', i.e, Periya-madhu is big-mother, i.e., Holy Mary, c.f., Madhu church.
    මහමඩුව

    Periyamariluppai, Periyamara (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
    MAHAMEEYA
    Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. (Somasiri).
    Labeled #52 in Vanni Buddhist sites map.
    මහමීය
    Periyaneelavanai (Ampare)
    MAHANEELVANAYA

    Periyapuliyankulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    MAHASIYAMBALAVEVA, Nandimithagama.
    Area associated with Nadhimithra, a worrier of Dutugaemunu.
    Ancient Buddhist ruins, see p. 76, E Medhananda(2003).
    Nearby area includes
    • Kaela-bogasvaeva, කැලෑබෝගස්‌ වැව or Namalgama (xcurrent name) නාමල්ගම.
    • Saelalihini gama, සැලලිහිණිගම
    • Kochchan-chamalan-kulam or Sapumalgaskada, සපුමල්ගස්‌කඩ
    Many of this villages are now occupied by tamil-speaking settlers, but many Sinhalese still go to these areas and work in some of the traditional paddy fields. "Tkekka vatta" (teak estate) created in 1980 and many areas which were sinhla-speaking settlements, have become Tamil settlements after the Eelam-IV war. This area belongs to the Mahaweli-L settlement. New delimitations since 2015 have been carried out to reclassify these vilalges as Tamil-speaking vilalges, leading to much communal tension.
  • Divayina article on Bogaswewa, Mathugama Seneviruvan, 01-10-2017
    The area has at least 36 identified stone inscriptions related to Buddhist shrines. The Dantha Dhathu (The Buddha's tooth) is supposed to have been brought along this route from Thiriyaya and to madukanda temple.
  • මහසියඹලාවැව
    Periyapuliyankulammalai (Vannimava[Vavniya])
    MAHA-SIYAMBALA-VAEVKANDIYA
    Ancient Buddhist runs, cited in Archaeo. Dept. List (Somasiri) 1982. Uttiya and his consort are mentioned in an inscription near here. Label #84 in the Vanni Buddhist sites map
    මහසියඹලාවැවි කන්ඩිය
    Periyapullumalai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    MAHABULUKANDA
    මහ බුලු කන්ද
    Periyapullaichchipotkeni(Mannarama [Mannar])
    MAHADIVIPOKUNA
    Map
    මහදිවිපොකුන
    Periyapunchankulam(Mannarama [Mannar])
    MAHAMUVAVAEVA
    මහමුවවැව
    Periyathampanai (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    MAHADAMPANE, Maha-damana. This is
    මහදංපනේ,   මාදංපෙ
    Periyativu, Periyathivu (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    MAHADOOVA
    This name is also found applied to several islands. In particular, an island in region between the Puttalam Lagoon and Mun-thalam laggon.
    මහ දූව
    Periyaulukulam, Periya Ulukulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    MAHA-ILUKVAEVA
    මහඉලුක්වැව
    Periya Villan Kulam, Periyavilankulam (Gokanna [Trincomalee]) Maha Divul waeva, Mahadivulwewa, Mahadivuloya. Regarding this village and Tamil claims of Traditional Homelands, etc., see discussion under GalOya, and also under Mudalikkulam (Morawewa). මහ දිවුල්වැව
    Pesalai (Mannarama [Mannar])
    BERALA
    Ancient Buddhist ruins, stone pillars etc. see also Ancient Buddhist ruins, see p. 76 E Medhananda(2003). Map
    බෙරල
    Pillaiyaradi (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    PIHILLAYARA
    Meaning:   In T., 'Pillai' is a name, or a reference to Ganesh'.
    පිහිල්ලයාර

    Pilikulampam(Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
    MONARAKALAPUVA
    Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982.
    Labeled #58 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    මොනරකලපුව
    Piramanalankulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    PIYAMANARANWEWA
    පියමනරන්වැව
    Pirappuvedduvan (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
    PIDENI-VAEDDA
    This is located on the (OThThAN-THUDAVA)Oddusuddan-(Aluthkulissa) Puthukudiruppu road. "Pideni" are food offerings to deities and spirits, usually placed in a forest setting. "Vaedda" may mean "forest", or "approach" to a place.
    පිදේනිවැදද්
    Point Pedro, Pt. Pedro (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    PEDURU THUDUVA, VAK THUDUVA
    This is a name introduced by Portuguese sea farers. The Dutch called it Hamsheel Point and regarded the island to have the shape of a piece of ham (See Captain Percival, p31 An account of the Island of Ceylon, published 1803. Many names have existed among Sinhalese sailors and Muslim salors from the south who travelled north during the fishing season. Names such as "PalOli", Kapu Thuduva", "kava thuduva" and "vak-thuduva--> Vaththuduva", also seem to have existed. "Vartha", "Vak", "kava" etc., mean circular, and may have refered to the shape of the coastline here, when the easterly extension of the shore ends and the shore line curves southwards. In Pali, 'Vartha" becomes Vatta", and in sinhala it changes to "Vaka". A recognized transpositon of phonetic elements may change "Vaka" to "kava". "Varthi" in Sanskrit also stands for " growing near the water (said of water-plants)", cf. Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dict.; or "Ocean" etc.,. In Tamil, the name Parithithurai and also Paruthithurei, means cotton harbor has been used. Here again, Parithi may have come from "Vartha", the Sanskrit word for "cirum-circular", or from "ocean", Sea shells etc., accepted into old Tamil.
    This is an old sea-farer town. See   Valvettithurai sailors   Westward Ho
    G. G. Ponnambalam entered politics by winning this seat in 1934, where he defeated Sri Pathmanathan of the P. Ramanathan family. Prior to GGP, this was the "home seat of K. Balasingham, who was part of the "Jaffna boycott" of the Donoughmore commission proposals. 1931. See Jane Russell, Communal Politics under the Donoughmore Constitution, 1931-1947 (Tissara Publishers, 1982, Dehiwala, Sri Lanka).   see click "map 1 Jaffna peninsula" after clicking here.
    ප්රේරුතුඩුව
    වක්තුඩුව
    Pokkaravai (Vannimava [Vavuniya])
    PUDUKARAVAAPI
    Disc.- See Pokkarvanni below.
    'Vapi' here means 'tank' as in "deegavaapi'
    පේරුතුඩුව
    Pokkarvanni(Mannarama[Mannar])
    PUDUKARAVANAYA
    Disc.Pokharini in Prakrit means "Sacred" tank, or place. e.g, as donated to a temple. A similar meaning is found in Dravidian languages (K., T.). Effectively, in Sinhala "Poojaakarapu → pudukara" lieu. Thus "Pokkara" is perhaps a liguistically correct Tamilization. This is an ancient Buddhist site (listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982). Map
    පුදුකරවාපි
    Polikandi, Poligandy (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    PALLEKANDA
    A Coastal village in the Vaedimuraekiya (Vadamaratchy) area. The Sinhala name "Palle Kande" means the embarkment on the slope towards the coast, and embodies the topolgy of the area. The nearest Tamil word, "Palikkantu" is chaff or useless grain left in winnowing and has no toponymically meaningful context here. The Tamil spelling, with only one "k" in the placename, also testifies to its origins from the Sinhala placename. Thus the name refers to a slight ridge between the ocean and land.
    There are a number of Hindu Temples, while a Mosque that existed there is said to have been removed during the LTTE occupation.
    The sea-tiger leader soosai (Sivanesan) and several other LTTE terrorist leaders are from this village. This was one of the Urban centers in Jaffna from where the ethnic cleansing of Muslims out of Jaffna was launched by the LTTE, in October 1990 Wikipedia Article
    More recently (February 2021), and quite ironically, the TNA, an LTTE proxy party, organized a march from the south-eastern town of Pothuvila to Pallekanda claiming to high-light Human Rights issues of Tamils and Muslims.
    පල්ලෙ කණ්ද
    Polonnnaruvai, Pollonnaruwa, Pollonnaruva (Pollonnaruwa Dist.)
    Polonnagara, Pulatthinagara, Pollonnaruva ⚓
    This is the city adopted as the Capital by Parakramabahu, one of the greatest kings of Sri Lanka; he is the hero of the second part of the Mahavamsa, known as the Chulavamsa. The Chulawamsa (13th Century) gives the name "Pulatthinagara" for this city. Velakkaras were indian mercenaries used by Sri lankan Kings to guard the Temple of the tooth. The older Velakkara (Velaikkara) inscription (12th century or before) refers to a temple of the Tooth built by Vijayabahu at Pulanari, which is most probably modern Pollonnaruva. The inscription was to promulgate the assurance by the Velaieckara Soldiers that they would protect the sacred relics and the properties under all circumstances, and "unto the dissolution of the world".
    Polonnaruva is referred to in, e.g., the 12th Century slab inscription from the reign of Vijayabahu I, where the names pulanari, Polonnakara, Polonnakaru are used. However, a number of scholars including S. Paranavithana and Godakumbure have claimed that 'Pollonnaruva' is derived from 'Pulaththinagara', presumably giving priority the name used in the Chulavamsa. They have gone on to interpret "Pulatthi" as the Indian Muni-sage "Pulasthi" mentioned in the Rig Veda. Furthermore, the statue (sometimes called the Pothgul Vehera Statue) is proposed to be that of Pulasthiya. Raja de Silva and others (e.g, James Ratnam) have however claimed that the statue is that of the Indian muni Agasthiya. While the public believes it to be a statue of Parakramabahu, other views have also been proposed, e.g., by Siri Gunasinhe, who proposes that the statue is most likely to be that of a Lankan Rishi known as Kapila Siri Gunasinghe, Statue in Pollonnaruva, Oct 26 Island 2011 midweek review .

    However, the place-name "Pollon-nakara" probably came from 'Poron-nagara', where 'porana', or 'Paerani' means old, or precedent, i.e., 'Pala(mu)'. Thus the Mahavamsa writer used "Pollasthinagara" to mean "Poorva-shthaavira nagara → Pullatthinagara"; thus it is consistent with "Poronnagara" and the slab-inscriptions. Hence a correct rendering of the Pali, and rendering it into English as "Polatthinagara", rather than "Pulasthinagar" clarifies its meaning. It has nothing to do with "Pulasthi", the Indain Muni-Sage . Any details of the "old town" which gave rise to Polonnaruva are unknown at present. This would require excavations in the area.
    In effect, the spiral of speculation regarding Indian Munis was triggered by the mis-interpretation of the origin of the place name as having had something to do with "Pulasthi". It was this same reasoning that led some scholars to claim that there is a silver line corresponding to a Puna-nool (a silver strip worn by Brahamins), from the left shoulder to the right hip of the statue. During the days when Paranawithana investigated this statue, it is possible that the background stone was blackened with age, while the statue itself has been somewhat cleaned. Thus it was probably not noticed that the "puna-noola" was nothing but a more prominent line of a natural grain in the stone that continued across the statue and also appeared in the rock. This has been pointed out a number of times, and also recently by Sudath Gunasekera(12-May-2017 Lankaweb).
    Image of The Statue at Parakarma Samudra- Possibly King Parakramabahu. (click to enlarge)
    A more rational analysis of the Pothgul Vihara statue has been given by Bandu de Silva who argues that the statue is that of a sage king (e.g, Sena-I) or any ruler from the 7-9th century period, holding an offering of a book or raiment (`pirikara'), and rejects the Pulasthi, Agasthi, Kapila and other exotic explantions,or a `bodhisatva' on iconographic grounds.

    Bandu de Silva's discussion of the Polonnaruwa Statue, Island Newspaper, August, 2011

    It should be also noted that Nakara, and Nuvara are both related to the word Ur or "(p)Ur". It means "city" in many ancient languages including very ancient pre-Indic languages like Sumarian. Even the word "urban" is derived from "Ur"; and "neihbouring", nachbar, neibUr.., nuvur (Nuvara), and "nakara" are clearly closely related words of similar meaning. Click here for the Sumarian word for city Hence the interchangeability of Nuvara and Nakara, Nagara probabaly has a long history.

    (Should the English Polonnaruwa be written with a 'v' rather than 'w" as the sinhala "v" is not equivalent to the english "w"? Note that the 'w' was used in the south for rendering the ව sound (e.g. Weliwita), while in the north the 'v, வ', and not 'w' is used in English transliteration of Tamilized place names (e.g.,VaVniya). The dutch 'v' is pronounced as an 'f', and led to this distinction in the south where names were put into European forms prior to that being done in tthe North; there it was done by the American missionaries).
    The Island newspaper 29- Oct-2011
    පොලොන්නරුව
    Pomparippu,Pomparippuwa (Puttalama-Mannar)
    RANPARITHTHA, Thaambraparni
    රන්පරිත්ත
    Hist. Tamil scholars have claimed that "Ilam" means gold and SriLanka was the "gold Island", using a suggestion that Ranpariththa means "gold-spread". Having said this, they, e.g., Sirinivasa Aiyankar, also contend that "Ila" is morelikely to mean Toddy. There is also a strong possibility that the name 'Ranpariththa' may have evolved from 'tham(bra)parni' referred to in the Vijaya legend recorded at the Sanchi site in India.
    V. Begley's excavations in 1981 found no gold ornaments Clay Urns from 200 BC Dental morphology from the iron age and the early Sinhalas
    රන්පරිත්ත
    Ponnaveli (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    RANVAELLA,
    See Map
    රන්වැල්ල
    Poonagama(Giranikke[Killinochchi])
    PINGAMA, PUNYAGAMA
    From the Sanskrit, to "Purify", or "having merit"
    C.f., also, Punaka, an old name of Pune, Maharashtra, in India.
    There is a copper-plate from the Rashtrakoota period indicating that Pune,
    in India was known as "Punya-Vishya" in the 10th century CE.
    පින්ගම
    පුන්යගම
    Poonakary(Giranikke[Killinochchi])
    PINKARAYA, PUNYAKARAYA
    This the name of the region, near the western coast. From the Sanskrit, to "Purify", or "having merit"
    C.f., also, Punaka, an old name of Pune, Maharashtra, in India.
    There is a copper-plate from the Rashtrakoota period indicating that Pune,
    in India was known as "Punya-Vishya" in the 10th century CE.   Regional map
    පින්කරය
    පුන්ය කරය
    Poonagar (Sri Gonakanda[Trincomalee])
    MAHINDAPURA
    මහින්දපුර
    Poonthottam (Vannimava[Vavniya])
    PINTHOTA, punyatheetha
    Buddhist archaeological remains have been discovered in this area and reported in the annual reports the Archeology Dept., and in the report by Mr. Somasiri, Ass. Archaeological commissioner, in 1982.
    This has been a region affected by Eelamist violence and war, and a large refugee camp has existed since the late 1990s. The government allowed food and medicine to the terrorist occupied areas at all times, provisioned the refugee camps as well as the LTTE dominated areas where it maintained a skeleton government service (see Food distribution during Eelam -iV,/a>).
    The Government Agents were paid salaries etc.(For details of the LTTE war and the government, see Gerald Peiris, The Twilight of the Tigers, Oxford University Press, 2008)
    Click here to see
    the 2002 Flicker Photo of a refugee camp in Pinthota

    After the war the refugee camp swelled enormously, with the influx of some 300,000 refugees who broke out from the LTTE enclosure in April 2009 (this became part of the Menik Farm complex which covers the area Mahathalithagama of the ancient texts.). However, within two years most refugees seem to have been resettled. In 2011 Pinthota was the location of a rehabilitation and welfare center for the ex-LTTE combatants.
    Thamilani, the leader of the women's wing of the LTTE, and author of the book "In the Shadow of a Sharp-Edged Sword", has undergone rehabilitation at Poonthottam (Pintota). She was held in Welikada prison for three years, before being moved to the Poonthottam rehabilitation camp. She was released in June 2013, and died of cancer in 2015. [Subramaniam Sivakamy (about 43 yars old), aka Thamilini Jayakumaran, formerly a senior cadre of the LTTE seven years following the LTTE's battle-field defeat, completed her memoirs though she couldn't release it due to fears of repraisals from the diaspore. It was released after she succumbed to cancer on Oct 18, 2015].
    Gen. Metha of the Indian army visits the ex-LTTE rehab center in Pinthota
    පින්තොට
    පුන්යතීත
    Poornaryn, Pooneryn, Poonakarai (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    PUNRANNA, Punnarakaya
    Meaning:   If the name had been 'Ponnery' it could have meant 'golden (big) tank' in Tamil, however, there is no tank here. 'Poonaakara' or 'Poonkaraya' would mean 'sacred shore' in Sinhala. Ancient Buddhist ruins are believed to be in this area. Upatissa Nagara, mentioned in the Mahavamsa as th earliest town, may have been near here. Pooneryn's past
    In 1993 notable LTTE/SLF military battles took place at Poornaryn. See   Regional map Clean drinking water has been a problem in this area. Recognition that chronic kindey disease (CKDu) is caused by groundwater containing high ionic contents of fluorid, magneisum and other ions, charitable organizations have set up clean drinking water supplies. Tokyo Cement gifts clean drinking water to three villages in Punkaraya
    පුනනාකර
    පුන්රන්න

    Poovarasankulam,Puvarasankulam, Puwarasankulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    SOORIYAVAEVA
    Labeled #43 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    There is also a "Sinnapuvarasankulam" or PODI-SOORIYAVAEVA.
    Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982 Labeled #42 in Vanni Buddhist sites map Podi-sooriyavaeva is Labeled #74. Meaning:   Here 'Sooriya' (bot. Thespesia populnea) is the 'Portia' tree in E., 'Plaksa' in Skrt. Poovarasu' means 'king of flowers' in Tamil. Map
    සූරියවැව
    Poovarasantivu, Poovarasanthevu,Puvarasantivu (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    Sooriyadoova
    See Map
    Disc.: See 'poovarasankulam' reg. 'Sooriya' tree. 'thev' ending is sometimes used. This village is NOT near the sea in spite of the 'thivu' or 'Doova" in the name.
    සූරිය දූව
    Poramadu(Sri Gonakanda [Trincomalee])
    PORAMADUVA
    Ancient Buddhist site; in the list by Archaeo. Dept., Somasiri, 1982.
    පොර මඩුව
    Poththanai, Pottanai (Madakalapuva [Batticaloa])
    POTHUTHAENNA, POTHTHAENNA
    c.f, Pothuthaenna → Patana
    For a discussion, see Pothuvila below.
    This is a village close to Serapura(Eraavoor)
    පොත්තැන්න
    Pottuvil, Potuvil, Poththuvil (Ampare)
    POTHUVILA, Bodhivāla
    Meaning. 'Pothuhaera' in Sinhala is a type of bullrush. A similar meaning may be given to Tamil, 'pottukkampu', with the botanical name: Penicillaria involucratum. Other types of rush used for making mats, "pan", are Scleria oryzoides. and Sacchorum spontaneun etc. In Tamil "vil" means "Bow" and is not valid in this context. Other possible origins, given the Buddhist antiquity of the place, are: Suggestion of S. O. Canagaratnam (Manograph on the Batticaloa District of the Eastern Province of Ceylon, 1921) that the ancient name was Bodhivila බෝධිවිල.
    "Buthvila", "Bodhi vila", or the more ancient form, Bodhivāla, are possibilities. A village known as "Bodhivāla" is mentioned in the Chulavamsa (lvii,54) in the context of the Ruhuna campaigns of Vijayabahu I. There is a strong possibility that "Bodhivāla" is the present day "Potuvil" In Pali and Sanskr. "vāla" does mean water in compound usage (PTS dict., p 610) as in "Aalavaala"(Sanskr.), i.e, basin of water found at the root of a tree. "vāla" is also a type of jasmine, Pavonia Odorata grown in temples. "Vaala" also means circumference or periphery (c.f., chakravaala), and "Bodhivaal" could simply mean the region enclosing a Bodhi (c.f. Devaala). If we consider Sinhala-tamil hybrids, "Puthuvil" could mean "new-pond". The suggestion that "Pottundy" is a name for "Kaāli", Hindu godess, is not supported by the Madras University Tamil Lexicon, chankam or other south Indic dictionaries that we have searched. We also note that "podu (පොදු)", i.e., "common property" in Sinhala (also malayalam, and tamil) may imply a pond (vila) held in common by several villages. However, "Pothuhara, Poththaenna, Pothuvaeva" and similar place names exist in other provinces. Hence we opt for "Potuvila" as a proche-form to the existing name, and and adopt the form "Bodhivāla" as the archaic toponym. Hist. Mooddu Maha Viharaya is near by; king Dhatusena's 5th cent., and also 14th Cent. inscriptions are found nearby. It has also been claimed that Viharamahadevi landed near here, or in Kirinda. Read the Article Many massacres carried out by the LTTE. For example the only survivor of a massacre of Muslim men sated that ""On Sunday evening suddenly a group of Tigers stormed the place where we were. They were armed with guns, sickles, knives and axes. They abducted us, took us to the forest, and blindfolded us. After it became dark, they attacked us with sickles, axes and knives."
    Pothuvila massacre 17-09-2006
    පොතුවිල, බෝදිවාල
    Pudukottai, Puthukottai (Gantale [Kantalai])
    ALUTHKOTTE
    අලුත්කෝට්ටෙ
    Pudukudiruppu(Yapanaya[Jaffna]) ALUTHKULISSA

    The word `Kuli' was used in old sinhala for hamlet or village. 288 the verse (9th century), Sigiri Mirror-wall – “I am Gunakara (of) Ambagam-kuli (of the) Northern Province (Jaapanaya)
    See entry under 'Puthukudirupu'
    අලුත්කුලිස්ස
    Puduvaikadu, Pudawaikadu, Puthivaikaddu, Pudavai Kulam (SriGonakand, Trincomalee])
    SAAGARAPURA. Some writers have used "sangara pura".
    සාගරපුර
    Pulakkadu, Poolaakkaadu (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa})
    PULUNKADUVA;
    Bombax malabaricum or Purani (Poolai), mullilavu, Ilavu, in Tamil. In sinhala it is called "KatuImbul" or "pulun gaha", as it has silky cotton pods. Here "pulun" refers to "cotton", and may be connected with the sanskrit. Thus name "Pula" may have links to the Sanskrit "Purannee", or tamil Purani. Map
    පුලුන්කඩුව
    Puliyantivu (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa})
    KOTIDOOVA
    Hist.Dutch Fort, King Wimaladharmasuriya,
    see Arasaratnam, CJH&SS, vol.6,#1.
    කොටිදූව


    Puliyankulam(Sri Gonakanda [Trincomalee])
    SIYAMBALAVAEVA
    There are two such sites with the same name in the area.
    Ancient Buddhist site; in the list by Archaeo. Dept., Somasiri, 1982. Labeled #146 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    The state of the Puliyankulam station, destroyed by the LTTE, at the end of the war, 2009
    සියඹලාවැව
    Puliyankulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    SIYAMBALAVEVA
    Milit. Important LTTE battles, Sept.-Nov. 1999. Currently(2006 update), this is an LTTE checkpoint on A9
    Journey to LTTE controlled ...
    සියඹලාවැව
    Puliyanpokkanai (Giranikke[Killinochchi])
    Siyambalapokuna
      Regional map
    සියඹලා පොකුණ
    Pullawali, Pullavali (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    PUHULVAELLA, PULUNVALA
    Remarks:   'puhul' in S. is a gourde grown in the dry zone. 'Pull' in Tamil could mean 'grass', or Purani, i.e., KatuImbul (pulun gaha)   Regional map
    පුලුන්වල
    Pullimulai(Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
    Eluvamulla
    Disc.- Pulli-(nam, naataayan etc) in T.) connotes "Goat, Sheep", etc.
    එලුවමුල්ල
    Pulumalai, Pullumalai(madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
    THANAKANDA
    Ancient Buddhist site, in the Arch. Dep. list, Sirisoma 1982. Disc.- The word stem 'pulu', 'pul', in Telegu, M, K and in Tamil correspnds with grass. Tus Pullukkattai is a stubble of grass.
    තනකන්ද

    Pulmoddai,Pulmuddai (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
    PUHULMOTTE`
    Mineral Sands
    Ancient Buddhist site; in the list by Archaeo. Dep. Mr. Somasiri, 1982
    See Remarks regarding 'Pullawali'.
    'Motte ↔ Modde ↔ Made' signifies a muddy, swampy place.
    The latin word for 'marsh' is 'madeo', while Skrt. 'manda' means slime.
    Strategically situated on the sea route connecting Trinco and Jaffna
    sea battles
    tiger massacre of 230 Muslims at Prayer
    Labeled #131 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    පුහුල්මොටේ
    Puluddumanoddai, Puluddumaanoadai புலுட்டு மானோடை (Madakalapuva [Batticaloa])
    MEEMINNAOYA, MEEMINNAODAYA MeeminOde
    Meeminna is a mouse deer (Moschus meeminna) shown in the Rs. 4.00 stamp. "Tragulus meminna or Moschus meeminna", is the zoological name, derived from the Sinhalese name for it. "Puluddumaan " is the Tamil form. 'Ode', (Odthe) is an intermittent water stream used for small "Oya".
    මීමින්නාඔය
    මීමින්ඔඩය
    Pulukunavai (madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
    VEHERAGALKANDA
    Pre-christian Buddhist site, with ruined buildings, stupa, inscriptions, many medidation caves, including those of 'Theraputtbhaya' and 'Phussadeva'. There are long stairs, pathways, ponds, stone pillars, guardian stones etc. 14 stone inscriptions from caves have been published. The hill is known as 'Viharakanda', while the stupa on the lower level is "Miyuguna Saaeya". It is incredible that this site is simply neglected and left to erosion and plunder. See E. Medhanada (2003), p. 225
    වෙහෙරගල්කන්ද
    Punanai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    DOMBAPE, DOMPE, PUNNAAGE
    This village has suddenly shot into the news after the Easter Bombings by Radical Muslims of the National Thawhed Jamaat (NTJ) and the Jamaate Millat Ibrahim (JMI). A university like complex is being built in Punanai, under the patronage of an investigation had been launched to find out how Eastern Province Governor M.L.A.M. Hisbullah?s son had managed to obtain shares worth Rs.500 million in the controversial Batticaloa Campus, Daily Mirror, 10-05-2019 The exact story about this complex is unclear. Some say it is for a Sharia university, which Sri Lankan UniversityGrants Commission (UGC) hase not sanctioned. UGC says it has no knowedge of the so-called University. There is evidence however that a substantial amount of Saudi money has gone into its construction.
    Mystery shrouds Batticaloa's "Shariah" campus By Asiri Fernando and Hassaan Shazuli in Batticaloa. Sunday Times, 05-May-2019
    An extract from the Sunday Times report says:
    The complex had a huge facade and an impressive gate reflecting Moghul or West Asian architecture. The sprawling complex built on a vast expanse of Mahaweli land consists of several state-of-the art facilities, including ?smart class rooms?. It is said the land has been obtained from the Mahaweli Authority on a lease. According to a video presentation accessible on Youtube, the complex will also include a swimming pool, a football ground and several sports and recreation facilities.
    We asked Governor Hisbullah about the source of the funding.
    "We have obtained a US$ 24 million soft loan from 'Ali Al-Juffali Trust' in Saudi Arabia. These loans have been channelled through an account belonging to Batticaloa Campus at the Bank of Ceylon," he said.
    The university has been the brainchild of Mr. Hisbullah, who was serving as chairman until he was appointed Governor in January this year. His son now serves as chairman, while a board of directors functions under him. Mr. Hisbullah's explanation:Interview with Eastern Province Governor Hizbulla.
    Punnaga (pkrt) is Masstwood, Calophyllum inophyllum, or 'Domba'.
    දොඹපෙ
    Punanaitupe(Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    DOMBATUVA, PUNNAAGADUVA
    Village or islet with mastwood Calophyllum inophyllum, or 'Domba'.
    දොඹටුව
    Punevai, Punewai(Vannimava [Vavniya])
    PUNEWA, PUNEVA
    The name 'PUNEWA' is what is used today, while the tamilized form is also found in Tamil sign boards. This is a small hamlet north of Madavachchiya, on the A9 road, with a small roadside Pillyar shrine. Pillyar (Ganesha) shrine
    පුනේව
    Puloli(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    PUHULELIYA
    Ancient Buddhist ruins. Puloli W is ~3km from Point Pedro. A 'siripatul' (foot-print) stone was discovered from the site. Remains of other buildings are visible at the site. Map
    පුහුල්එලිය
    Pungudutivu, Punkuduthivu (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    PUNGUDUDEEPA, PUVANGUDOOVA, Puvangudeepa
    Hist. Mahawamsa, Nampotha refs., Baldaeus,1658, "Pongardiva" Thus this is an ancient name, and may be based on a type of tree known as "Puvangu" (Myristica horsfieldia, and Aglaia roxburghiana). The island has a Babob tree
    There is a Buddhist temple on the island. The small Island Kurikadduwan (kiri-kaduwa, named after the kiri-anguna ( Gymenia Lactiferum shrubs that was commen in the island).
    The Pungudutivu welfare association website (maintained by expatriates in the UK, 2010), gives the fiollowing account of te Island
    "Pungudutivu is the name of a village which occupies one of the largest and most populous islands in the Tamil dominated, Jaffna peninsula of northern Sri Lanka. It also has the distinction of being connected by the longest bridge in Sri Lanka to sister island, Urkavatthurai (Velanai) built by the Ambalavanar brothers of Pungudutivu. The island was divided into 12 wards of approximately one square kilometer during British rule. The majority of Pungudutivu?s people are devout Hindus and this is reflected in the presence of over 50 temples on the island. In addition, the 15 island schools, two of which are over 100 years old, are named in honour of Hindu deities. There are Christians and churches in the village. People from Pungudutivu are renowned for their education and business skills. They were scattered in most of the southern Sri Lanka, mainly in the capital Colombo.

    In 1983, the village population was between 20,000 to 25,000. After the 1983 unrest in the country, almost all the people abandoned the village and emigrated mainly to Europe and north America.
    There is a scarcity of drinking water in the village since time immemorial, although there are drinking water wells in the temples or temples were built wherever they found drinking water. Farming is the main occupation of the people in Pungudutivu.
    පුවගුදූව
    පුන්ගදිව
    Punnainiravi(Giranika(Killinochchi])
    Punnya-niravia, DOMBAVELA, Punnagavela
    Ancient Buddhist site. 'Niraeviya' is a well or water-logged region. Punnaaga (pkrt) is Mastwood, Calophyllum inophyllum, or Domba
    දොඹවෙල   පුන්නාගවල
    Punnalai, Ponnalai(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    PUNNAAGA, DOMBAPE
    Punnaga (pkrt) is Masstwood, Calophyllum inophyllum, or Domba. Ancient Buddhsit site, and causeway to Karadoova(karaitivu). Alfred Duraiappah, mayor of Jaffna was assassinated. at the Krishnan Temple here on 25 July 1975, allegedly by Prabhakaran himself. This assassination was part of the program of rising Tamil terrorism where some members of Tamil society were declared to be "traitors", and targeted for elimination. The organization "Maanavar Peravai" (Student Federation) led by Sathiyaseelan was one of the earliest such organizations which mis-represented the district-based affirmative action program for the admission of students to universities to its political advantage. Prabhakaran was an early member of it who went on to from the TNT (Tamil new tigers) in 1974. Assassination of Durayappah by T Devendra   Map of Punnaaga
    දොඹපේ,   පුන්නාග
    Punnalaikkadduvan, Punnalakadduvan, Punallaikattuvan, Punnalai Kadduvan, புன்னாலைக்கட்டுவன் (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    DOMBAKDUVA, PUNALAKADUVA
    Calophyllum inophyllum is Punnnaaga(pkrt) or Domba in sinhala. Meaning:   'Kadduvan' in T. could mean a bobcat For other meanings, see the notes under the place name 'Kadduvan'.

    This village has recently been in the news because it has the typical caste structure of Tamil villages where one part of the village is for the depressed castes who have never had any, "human rights", but were later recruited to fight for the separatist war led by the upper-caste Tamil leadership which attempted to establish "exclusively Tamil homelands" free of Moslims and Sinhalese, in the North and the East. Here is a brief extract from Ragavan (LTTE founding member C. Rajeshkumar), while the full text may be followed from the link below:

    My village, Punallaikatuvan, was divided into various areas, and Punallaikatuvan did not have one identity, there was the North side and South side of the village and marriage customs were different and restricted. So when I was quite young, there was a man called Thuraisingam, an upper caste man and a Chandiyan (a local village thug), my mother told me that he murdered a man long ago. He also owned land and the Dalits were the service caste and they would work for him. At that time I was about six or seven years old, in the early 60’s, and one day, there was some problem with the Dalits, possibly because they didn't want to work as he hadn't paid them properly. The outcome was that the entire Dalit community was chased away from my village. If you look at our recent history, it is like the manner in which the Northern Muslims were chased away. So, all the Dalits were chased away from my village and their belongings were taken away by the Chandian and his followers. And it took them a long time before they could come back and resettle. No one challenged that eviction at that time and that had a lasting impact on me even though I was also from a Vellala middle class family.
    In the 70s, the government tried to implement existing legislation allowing equal access for Dalits to temples and public places. Temple entry in my village was out of the question. Nobody wanted to challenge the strength of the caste system. I remember going to a barber saloon (barbers belonged to the oppressed castes) when I was small, and asking the barber if he would allow Dalits into his saloon. There was a big muscular farmer standing next to me and he slapped me, because he was angry that I would even ask such a question. The barber saloon was soon closed down as the barber was scared of the upper castes. He started visiting people’s houses and doing his work. The caste system was strong in the villages. With the service castes, there was no question of workers’ rights. Whether or not you were paid, you had to work.
    In the seventies, the village and caste identity were stronger than Tamil nationalist identity. I believe this to be still (Feb. 2009) the case. In practice, cultural and religious festivals are caste orientated and the identity is preserved. Although there is, in a sense, a Tamil identity, it is the outer layer rather than the substance of the Tamil community. Social practices such as festivals, marriage and death are arranged according to the caste and village hierarchy. And although communist parties in the north talked about class during that period, there was no real working class formation and only a few factories, like the cement factory. I would say class was subsumed under caste. There may have been class divisions but there wasn’t a strong consciousness of class whereas caste consciousness was strong. Without the elimination of the caste system, I believe that class unity is not possible.
    See Ahilan Kadirgamar: Interview with Ragavan, LTTE co-founder, on Tamil Militancy (Early Years): Role of Caste and Hitlerian views
    From the Tamil writer Ganeshan Iyer (LTTE founding Treasurer) The last Sinhalese to run a business in Jaffna is back Map
    දොඹකඩුව
    Punochchimunai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    NIKAGASMUNNA
    Disc. Sinhala 'Nika gaha', is 'Vitex trifolia' In tamil, Malayalam, K., etc, kattunocci, karunocci, cirunocci, cennocci, Punnoci, nirnocci, nocci, noccil etc., are used for various types of 'Chaste tree' See discussion under 'Kilinochchi'. The word "Munna" is a frontal projection ("muhuna") or abutment of land into the sea or lake. See Map
    නිකගස්මුන්න
    Puththankalai (Ampara)
    BUDDHANGALA
    This is on the Ampara-Galmunna(Kalmunai) road, ~10km from Ampara, and has an ancient rock hermitage dating to the time of King Saddha-Tissa (137-119 BCE), the father of Dutuamunu, the hero-king of the Pali Chronicle Mahavamsa written in the 5th century CE.
    බුද්ධන්ගල

    Puthukkudiyiruppu, Puthukudiyiruppu, Pudukaduirippu, Pudukudirruppu, Putukkudi.. (Mooladuwa[Mullaitivu])
    ALUTHKULISSA
    Disc. 'Means new settlement', or 'new quarters', e.g, of an army.
    The word `Kuli' was used in old sinhala for hamlet or village. 288 the verse (9th century), Sigiri Mirror-wall – “I am Gunakara (of) Ambagam-kuli (of the) Northern Province (Jaapanaya)
    This area has ancient Buddhist ruins scattered in the jungle.
    This has a hospital and military bases for the LTTE or SLF, from time to time. It had an LTTE "heros" resting place; and it may have had an LTTE air-strip as well. The Govt. Agent during the last days of the war (Mrs. Imelda Sukumar) testified before the LLRC-commission. When asked, stated that the Hospital was not damaged during the war. New monuments to commemorate the victory over the LTTE, May 2009 LTTE base Map
    අලුත්කුලිස්ස
    Puthukudiyiruppu,Puthukkudiyiruppu (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    ALUTHKULISSA
    n.b., this is a second entry near Batti; previous near Mulativu. Loacated 5 miles out of Batti., on the Galamuna(kalmunai) road. UTHR-J 1995 Dec. report.
    අලුත්කුලිස්ස
    Puthukulam Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    ALUTHVAEVA
    අලුත්වැව
    Puthumattalan (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    ALUTHMATTALA   ⚓name, ALUTHMASSALA
    Maetta, Maththa, Mattaka, Mattala, Massala etc., are found in the Sinhalese-speaking part of the country, either independently, or attached, as in "Roomassala". On the other hand, the place name "Matale (Maatalé)" is probabaly a simplification of "Mahatalé"

    This was part of the no fire zone (NFZ) -last stand area of the LTTE in 2009.   No Fire Zone and area map
    අලුත්මස්සල
    Puthuvedduvan (Mooladoova)
    ALUTHVAEDDA
    Meaning: See the discussion under "Makilavettuvan"
    'Puthu' in tamil could mean 'new'.
    අලුත්වැද්ද
    Puthuvilankulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    POTHUVILVAEVA
    Meaning. In Tamil "vil" means "Bow" and has no immediate meaning, 'Puthukulam' in T. could have meant 'new-tank'. Here 'Puthuvil' is more likely a tamilization of Pothuvila'.
    පොතුවිල්-වැව
    Puttalam (Puttalama)
    PUTTALAMA
    Iban Batuta (1344 CE) refers to Puththalama as "Battala". The Galpitiya (Kalpitiya) logoon is near by, and Kalaoya fals to the ocean north of here, at the south end of Wilpattu. Read about this area in Kalpitiya- ගල්පිටිය-Calpentyn-Galpatuna - a historic theater of old battles and new confrontations , and look up the entry under Kalpitiya.
    පුත්තලම
    Putthankalai,Butthankalai, Buddhankalai (Ampara)
    BUDDHANGALA, ⚓ Buddhangala, KARAJIKA-GALA
    Disc. The name is not recorded in ancient texts. However, the area was full of ancient Buddhist sites, and Buddhangala is an old (pre-christian) shrine where the presence of Buddhist statues may have inspired the name, as these were visited by pilgrims even in medieval times (see entry under Digavapi). The Tamil names are clearly derived from the name Buddhangala. According to an inscription found at the site, its earliest name may be "Karajika-gala". Given that Brahmi "k" and "n" characters are similar, the earliest name could well be "Naa-rajika-gala", i.e., a shrine to God Natha. The King (Yuvaraja) Mahanaga was an early king of the Digamaulla region and father of Yatalatissa, with links to the Nagas. However, additional data are needed to confirm our view that Kaa-rajika-gala was indeed Naa-rijika-gala. We note the existence of "Rajagala" and "Samangala", other old Buddhist sites like Ilukpitiya, in the Ampara area. According to inscriptions found in the area, early pioneers of the Digamadulla civilization may be Dighayu, Dighagamani and Chitra, with links to the early Anuradhapura rulers. See a photo of modern (2011) Buddhangala, contributed by Prof. Shiromi Samarasinghe. A interesting historical report of the Buddhangala region is presented in Wasantha Rathnayaka, a resident of the area.
    බුද්ධංගල
    Putur, puttur, Puthur (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    BUTHPURA, ALUTHNUWARA
    Meaning: There is some evidence that this was 'Buthpura', a
    village donated to a Buddhist temple; similar to
    many villages of the area, like Telipola, Mallagama, Hunugama etc.
    Alternatively, 'ur', or '(p)ur' in T. is a town or village
    Tamil 'Puthu'= new, 'Putu-ur' → 'Puttur' means 'newtown'.
    This was the first bank robbed by the Tamil New Tigers (which was transfroming into the LTTE) in 1976.
    බුත්පුර,   අලුත්නුවර
    Puvarasankulam(Vannimava[Vayniya])
    See Poovarasankulam
    සූරියවැව

    Q
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    R

    Rajadore-ge Idama(Vannimava[Vavniya])
    This is currently a private property containing ancient
    Buddhist ruins. Accessed via the 'Vaarikattiun road", in it
    there is a set of pillars in a circle, stone walls and other
    archaeological remnants
    Labeled #109 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    x

    Rajamittakai (Mooladoova[Mulaitivu])
    RAJAMITTAKA
    Labeled #61 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    Ancient Buddhist site
    රාජමිත්තක
    Raalkuli(Madakalapuva)
    Ruval kuliya
    "raal' has no valid meaning in Tamil. Ruval in sinhala may refer to sails of fishing boats left ot to to dry in the village sun. "kuliya" in Sinhala is a settlement or village, and occurs both at the end place names, and at the beginning, as in Kluiya-pitiya.
    The word `Kuli' was used in old sinhala for hamlet or village. 288 the verse (9th century), Sigiri Mirror-wall – “I am Gunakara (of) Ambagam-kuli (of the) Northern Province (Jaapanaya)

    A new bridge has been built here in 2011.
    රුවල්කුලිය
    Rama Setu, Raama Setu, Rama Cetu, Ramasethu (Mannarama)
    Rama Setuva, රාමසේතුව
    Setu in Sankrit (Monier-Willoiams Dict.) means who or what binds or fetters; a bond; a ridge of earth, mound, bank , causeway, dike, dam, bridge, any raised piece of ground separating fields (serving as a boundary or as a passage during inundations); Rama's bridge (setu-bandha); a landmark, boundary, limit; a help to the understanding of a text, an explanatory commentary; etc.
    The same word cetu exists in old Tamil.
    According to legends associated with the Ramayana, after Rama vanquished Ravana, he appointed "Vibhishana" as the controller of Lanka. Rama had also appointed "sethu palaka", or "controllers of the Bridge". Veerabha kulakeithivan, a cousin of King Dhasharata was such a sethu palaka who was titled Yalappathi. The word "Yala" (yaal) may mean "valley" (c.f., "yala" in "Mala-yala-m"). Furthermore, although there was a land "bridge" during the cold spells (mini ice ages) when the ocean level was low, there was no land link during historic times. But the area continued to'be referred to as "Ramasethu".
    The Anuradhapura king Maana-vamma (7th century) had taken control of the "Sethu" and also developed a powerful maritime presence with a fleet of ships that traded as far east as today's Indonesia, and Westwards to Egypt. His sons traded in the land of the Pallavas and launched an international trading company mentioned in the stone inscription found in the Shiva Devala of Pollonnaruwa. When Anuradhapura fell to the Cholas, they appointed the "sethupathi" prince and also issued coins. There were "sethupathi" princes even up to the end of the 19th century, and they came from the Maravar (Maṟavar, Kaḷḷar, Vaṉṉiyar, Veḷlaḷar) caste.

    1. The UPA Government announced the Sethu-samudram Shipping Channel Project (SCCP) in 2005 to excavate a deep-shipping channel through the Palk-Strait and the Gulf on Mannar (Mannarama) between India and Sri Lanka.
    2. This involves dredging across the Ram Setu or Adam’s Bridge. The legend of the Hindus epic Ramayana claims that it was built by Rama, with the help of Hanuman, the King of the monkeys, to go to Lanka and recapture his wife Sita from the Ravana, the King of Lanka. Hence `Rama Setu' is held to be sacred. The shipping channel is proposed to be 30 metres wide, 12 metres deep and 167 kilometres long.
    Large-scale diggingalways brings out toxic metals (e..g., arsenic, cadmium, lead etc.) found in geological deposits. Digging under water has the additonal danger of this tixic materials betting dispersed in the ocean and destroying fish sperm, perls, oysters, etc. When plankton and smaller species are destroyed, the bigger fish in the food chain could also be destroyed, strongly endangering the fishing industry in the Indian ocean near Sri Lanka. The toxic metals will also have an impact on coral reefs. However, so far no environmental-impact study has been presented.
    3. The Supreme Court of India in 2007 restrained the UPA Government launching the project, and suggested a reconsideration.
    4. Janata Party President Subramaniam Swamy, a friend of Mahinda Rajapaksa, had called for the Ram Setu to be treated as a national monument. Swamy also contended that the demolition of Ram Setu will amount to a criminal offense under section 295 IPC.
    5. It is believed that US military sources are interested in the Seth-Samudra project as they are looking for a port in the Tamil Nadu region that would counter the alledged string of ports built or updated by the Chinese (e.g., Hambanthota and Colombo). Hence, the Seth-Samudra project, if allowed to proceed, would land Sri Lanka right in the lap of big-power marine confrontation.
    6. Hindu groups have formed the "Save Ram Sethu" campaign in 2007 to stop the Government from continuing the project, and environmental groups have joined in the protest to save the special marine ecology of the area. Also, the SCCP was found to be economically nonviable, in a a report prepared by Dr. R. K. Pachauri.
    rama-sethu image
    රාමසේතුව

    RangiriUlpot(Gokanna[Trincomalee])
    RANGIRI ULPOTHA
    Ancient Buddhist site.
    Labeled #148 in vanni Buddhist sites map A picture taken in the 1980s shows the type of ruins of stone pillars, figurines etc., found here, scattered in the vicinity. Typical ruins at Rangiri Ulpotha The name "Rangiri", i.e., golden hil, is typical of what may be applied to a religious shrine, and "ulpotha" refers to a fountain.
    රන්ගිරි උල්පත
    Rektavaikkal, Irraddavaikkal (Mullaitivu [Mooladoov])
    Raththa vakkadaya. "rette", "raththa" may stand for two in sinhala prakrit where the Tamil "i-ratte" stands for two, with the addition of an "i" in front of "r" typical of old-grammar rules. see Devakkdé
    රත්ත වක්කඩ්ය

    Ridikanda(Gokanna[Trincomalee])
    Rideekanda
    Ancient Buddhist site, unchanged sinhala name.
    This site is said to have provided silver for adorning Ruvan-vaelisaeya
    This is a hill with an elevation of about 150 meters/ It has possibly
    15-20 dugout caves, many broken Buddha statues, and ponds for supplying
    water to monks who livd in a monastery at the foot of the hill
    Labeled #150, 151 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    රිදී කන්ද

    S

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    Sagamam (Ampara)
    SAGAMA, Saagama.
    The name Saagama is given by O. S. Canagaratnam (Manograph on the Batticaloa District of the Eastern Province of Ceylon, 1921) as the original name of this village near Sirikovila (Thirukovil) and Akkarapaththuva Map, Sagamam or Saagama
    සාගම
    Sainthamalai Sainthimalai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    RAHATHGALA
    History Ancient Buddhist Ruins scattered over a 25 acre area.
    Regarded as a unique site by Archaeo. Commissioner Godakumbure
    Twin-stage buildings ( 7 century) typical of the Anuradhapura period
    Three old temples (see destruction below), Old ponds, other ruins
    Deliberate destruction Three Hindu Kovils have been built exactly
    on top of the ancient temples, already by 1983
    Extensive destruction under recent terrorist activity.
    See Report of the Archaeological Commissioner, 1961-62, p 78.
    Archaeo. Dept. file EC/B/E/27, folio 118
    See Annual Report of the Archaeological Commissioner,1961
    රහත්ගල
    Sainthamaruthu, Saintamarutu, Saintamaruthu, Saainthamaruthu (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    RANKUMBUKKA, known as Sainthamaruthu in Tamil, is in the eastern province. located about 372 Km from Colombo and 42 Km from Batticaloa. It is in the Amparai District and is part of the Kalmunai electorate.

    Marutha is the Tamil name for the "Kumbuk tree",Terminalia arjuna. It is a medicinal and hallowed plant with cherry-like fruits. Kumbuk (or Arjuna) is claimed to be "Sita's Favourite tree", where Sita is the consort of Rama taken to Lanka by Ravaana (Raja of the Vanni).
    "Marutha" is 'Kumbuk' in Tamil. Could the name have arisen as there was a Kumbuk tree that was venerated, as proposed by Ven. Praacheena Pandith Naaulle Dhammananda, author of "Uuva Ithihasaya", a thesis submited to the Ceylon Oriental Studies Society (Praacheena Bhaashopakaraa samithiya) in 1944?

    Ancient Buddhist Archaeological Remains have been reported in this area although they have now been largely plundered and removed. (See also the entry under Sainthamalai)

    This location was strongly damaged by the 2004 Tsunami.

    The Buddhist and Hindu caharacterists of the area have given away to that of Muslim culture in the area, especially since the 1980s, with the rise of the Muslim poltician M. H. M Ashraff (leader of the SLMC) who spawned Islamic separatism in Sri Lanka, copying the lead of the TULF.
    Family members of the leader of the National Thawheed Jamath (NTJ) lived in a "safe house" here, and engaged in a fire-fight with the security forces and commited suicide on the night of 26-April-2019. Read the details in DBSJeyraj's account: Zahran?s family members dead in Sainthamaruthu skirmish between security forces and Islamic State terrorists, DBSJeyraj
    Regional map
    රන්කුඹුක්ක
    Salampaikulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    HAELAMABAVAEVA
    "Haelamba", Halamba, (bot. Mitragyna Tubulosa) is the Sinhala name of a is a valuable timber tree
    There is also a Haelamba vaeva 4.5 km from Divulleva, near Trincomalee
    හැලඹවැව
    Saliyawewa, Saaliyavaeva (Puttalama)
    SALIYAVAEVA
    සාලියවැව

    Samalankulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    SAMALANG VAEVA
    This town is located between Weragama and Vannimava (Vavniya) and west of Madukanda, at nearly equal distances and hence earned its name සමලං. Madukanda itself is an important historical site with links to the arrival of the Dalada, while Samalang weva Vihara is said to be mentioned in the Wanni Rajavaliaya (but, according to Prof. Suraweera, it is regarded as a weak historical source). Samalang weva is south of both Madukanda and Vannimava, and forms the bottom tip of an equilateral triangle, where the lake is bordered on the western side by "Uma Maheswaran Rd".

    Another etymological origin for the place name that has been proposed is that the word "Samanala" has undergone an accepted type of syllabic inversion "Samanala → "samalan(a)". Compare also., Gam-nuwara → Gannurawa → Gannoruwa and in Poron-nuwara → polonnnaruwa. Map    Samalang weva tank

    Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 in the Archeology Dept. annual report (and Labeled #101 in Vanni Buddhist sites map) are found here. There were archeological remains of stupas from the Anuradhapura period prior to the Eelam wars, as seen in: . The mound of an un-excavated Stupa at Samalankulama (Samanala veva, or samalan weva) Recent constructions (since 1985) of new Pillayar Hindu Kovils as well as established Hindu Temples are found in the area. They are (i)Samalankulam Sri Muttumarai Amman Temple (ii)Kallumalai pillaiyar kovil, (iii)Murugan Kovil (iii)ellamppermurthankulam Hindu temple (iv)Asikulam Pillayar Kovil (v)Alladi Pillayar Kovil etc. See: Pillayar Kovil at Samalankulam

    The ancient Buddhist ruins (from pre-christian times) are neglected and are not mentioned in any guide books (in our search in 2002), or shown in Microsoft-Encrata (now defunct) maps, or Google maps. Even after the end of the Eelam wars (May 2009), no protection is afforded to the Samanlang weva archeological artifacts. In fact, since the advent of the Northern Provincial Council under Chief Minister Wigneswaran, it is saddening to note that there seems to be invigorated activity designed to remove these ruins completely. This type of activity is not different to the actions of the Taliban zealots who destroyed the Bamiyan Buddha statues. Here, the removal of Buddhist artifacts is associated with a mistaken belief that it will strengthen their claims to an "exclusive Tamil Homeland".

    Note added on 19-11-2018

    According to a very recent news report (Divaina, 18-11-2018), ignored by the English Language media, a group of TNA politicians had come to the Hindu Temple and provided funding, when bulldozing of the archeological site had commenced. Furthermore, archeological dept. officials who had come to inspect the site had been threatened and driven away. A photo of the bulldozed site, published in the Divaina 18-11-2018 is given here.
    සමලං වැව
    සමනැලවැව
    Samanthurai, Sammanthurai(Ampare) Hist.- Ancient Buddhist site, listed in Archaeo. Dept. 1982(Somasiri) list.
    'Saman' is one of the 'protector gods' of ancient Sri lanka, and 'thara' is 'portal to the sea', a common place-name ending. Legend clams a meeting of 'Saman' with the Buddha in Mahiyangana, one of the most venerated ancient Buddhist sites of Sri Lanka. It also has a `Saman devala'. Mahiyangana (positioned at the A26 and A11 junction, between Randenigala and Maduruoya reservoirs), though not very close, is the dominant ancient historic location near 'Samanthara'.

    'Samman' could also probably mean 'sammaana' or donation by the king, hence the 'Saman thuarai' spelling is probably a modification of an earlier form. It is also a possibility that "sammanthuari" here is a distortion of "Sankanthota", where "sanka" in Sanskrit means Conch shells (Turbinella pyrum). Dakshinavarti Shankh, or Valampuri Sanggu is a highly-valued conch shell with a right-turning spiral instead of the common left-turning spiral. Conch shell fishery existed in this region, Kirinda and Hambantota. See the entry under "Hambantota" for more details of Chank fishery etc. It has also been suggested that "Samman" is a modification of "Sampan", (See 'A Dictionary of the World's Watercraft from Aak to Zumbra' compiled and edited by the Mariners Museum 2001. ISBN 1 8617 1821. Here a sampan is defined as a Loose term used in East and South East Asia to designate various small harbour and local coastal craft". But early travellers applied the word and its variant forms more widely even to much larger vessels.) (See Guruge, Mahavamsa, 2nd revised edition, p220 for contacts with Sri Lanka as far back as 3rd century BCE.) This is a Muslim dominated region, with brutal massacres of Muslims
    in the 'ethnic cleansing' efforts of the LTTE.
    For other details, including the time of the IKPF, see
    UTHR report
    See also Muslim Expulsion (Lanka Libraray article)

    The city has also fallen prey to Islamic fundamentalism, with the Easter bombings on 21-04-2019 triggering off searches by the security forces. Operation Sammanthurai, 6-May-2019, Ceylon Today, by Leon Berenger Map
    සමන්තර
    Sambilthurai, Sampithurai Sambilithurai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    DAMBAKOLAPATUNA, JAMBUKOLAPATUNA (anchor: Dambakola)
    Read discussion of this ancient port under Kankasanthurei
    Map of Dambaklola-patuna (~ 3rd century BC port) and Sambilthurai Rd area on route AB21, in the Jaffna peninsula in the village named Mathagal West (ancient name, Mittagala, named after Sanga-mittaa).   Given the degree of ambiguity that exists in the available data, we have rendered Kankesanthurai as DAMBAKOLATHOTA while Sambilithurai has been selected for Dambakolapatuna This site is likely to be the port where the 'Bo-sapling' was brought to Sri lanka by Sangamitta Theri, the missionary daughter of Emperor Asoka. There is a modern Sangamitta temple here.
    Sangamitta statue at Dambakola patuna, Mittagala (Mathagal West), Jaffna
    King Gajaba who invaded South India is said to have brought Kannaky’s statue from "Seranadu through Sampithurai", and established the Pattini cult in ancient Lanka.
    Howver, Denis Fernando has contested this view and claims the following:
    ----
    "The sea port adjacent to Tiriyaya had several names at different periods. It was called Jambukola, when the sacred Bodhi tree was brought in the 3rd century B.C. from the port Tamalitti on the Ganges delta. The Sacred Bodhi tree was taken in a grand procession that lasted five days from Jambukola to the city of Anuradhapura, 60 miles away, where it was planted and remains to this day as the oldest tree recorded in history. This ancient sea port was also called Talakori Emporium by Ptolemy in ca. 110 A.C, while in 1150 A.D. in the time of Parakramabahu I, it was called Palavavanka from where he set sail with a fleet on his expedition to Burma".
    Today it is called Palavaki and its etymological meaning is very revealing. In the environment of the Yan Oya are also remains of Cist Burials quite different to the Urn or Pot burials near Pomparippu ("Ran pariththa").
    The identification of a port in Jaffna Peninsula by some historians cannot be accepted as Jambukolapatuna as from all the evidence indicated above, the port of Jambukola-potana of the 3rd century B.C. has to be associated with the port near Tiriyaya Kuchchaveli, presently known as Palavaki.
    ----
    Jaffna-KKS-railway-line-opens-after-25-years on Jan 2-2015
    දඹකොලපටුන දඹකොල පටුන
    Sampaltivu (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
    DAMPALADOOVA
    Dam-pala may be "Jambu", or dam (blue berries), or a variety of plantain with dark-ash-coloured fruit. It could also be "Jambala", a type of large sour citrus (grape)fruit.
    දම්පලදූව
    Sampalthoddam (Vannimava [Vavniya])
    DAMPALATHOTA
    This is three miles along the road to Mannarama from Vavniya. Dam-pala may be "Jambu", or dam (blue berries), or a variety of plantain with dark-ash-coloured fruit. It could also be "Jambala", a type of large sour citrus (grape)fruit. The name has been changed to Navalar-panni more recently by Tamil nationalists.
    දම්පලතොට
    Sampur, Sampoor, Champoor (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee ])
    SOMAPURA, SAMAPURA (anchor: Somapura))
    This is an ancient Buddhist archeological site (since 2nd century BCE) located about 8 km north of Seru Nuwara (Toppur). It is part of the Somawathi Chaitya sanctuary area. The `Sudakuda Chaitya' (`Sudaikuda' is a Tamilized form that is in use, but without a meaning in Tamil) dating to the Aunradhapura era, and a modern Hindu site of the Paththirakali Amman Temple were located here, as recorded by us in 2005.
    In 2017 the Chaitya was bulldozed down by a Tamil group linked to Eelamists who claim the area to be part of their ``exclusive Tamil homeland". Speaker of the Parliament announces that the destroyers of the Thupha have been identified. 24-Dec-2017, Hiru News.
    SudaKuda, samapura SudaKuda Chaitya: Anuradhapura Period/
    Images courtesy of Hirunews.
    The Stupa has been destroyed by Tamil Elamist
    groups, 24-12-2017. The speaker of the Parliament
    has announced that the criminals have been identified.

    In Tamil 'champu' could be 'bulrush (elephant grass)', 'Jambu' fruit, or 'jackal' (c.f., jambuka). That a very old city with a history could be named after some reeds etc., is not too likely. Another meaning which has accrued to Tamil from Sanskrit/Prakrit sources is 'champu ←sampu (p 3885,Madras Tamil Lexicon), i.e., calm or 'saamam'. This agrees with the Pali/Prakrit/Sinhala usage in this place name. Soma (=Savumya) and "Samaa" are also, thus closely related in meaning.
    However, we have a valid historical account. According to the Dhathuvamsa account, the Somapura was named after the Queen of Giri Abhaya (uncle of Dutu Gemunu) circa 2nd centure BCE. The Somawathie Chaitya was built at the request of the Queen.
    GDA Perera's article
    It has been claimed that the name "Saamapura" is found in the Vanni Rajavaliya. However, according to Prof. Suraweera, it is not a very reliable text.

    Etymology of "Ur", or "oor" found in "poor" and "pura"
    The stub 'oor' ← (p)oor ← 'pura' is a name for a city or town not only in indic languages, but also in the languages of Sumarian and Babylonian times. Sumarian was the main world lanaguage for some 30 centuries or more in the ancient world. The Silk road ran from the East to West, as well as North to South (all the way to Lanka), to cross in Benares, becoming the most important carrefour of the Ancient world. Many teachers including the Buddha chose Benares to disseminate their teachings to the world.
    The word "Ur" may have come to India via the Silk route from Asia Minor through the Indus valley, and then moved down along the North-South silk route to be absorbed into south Indian (i.e., Dravidian) languages, not only in the form "Ur", but also in the form "pur", "pura" etc. Sometimes in Dravidian languages, a vowel is added in front of "pur" to make "appur" etc. This is clearly after the rules set by the Tolkappian, a Sangcam grammar which follows Panini's Grammar. It also appears in Western ("Indo-European") languages in various guises. Thus "Ur" in "Urban", Burg where we should note that "b" and "p" often exchange phonetically, and such a P occurs in p"ur". The word "Borough" is also associated with "Burg" which is pronounced "berg".
    However, many Tamil nationalist make the claim that Tamil came long before Suamrian, although most scholars believe that Tamil as an identifiable linguistic form came with the sangam period (1st century BCE to third century CE !


    The Samapura coal-fired powerplant has been the focus of successive government operatives who sought commissions for their own gain from tenders; it has faced the increasing opposition of environmental groups.
    Coal-power project at Saamapura, 2011 report.
    Saampura coal power project to proceed under Indian pressure, TNA claiming land. Sunday Times, Feb. 2012
    Sri Lanka drops Indian coal power plant project in Saamapura, Sept, 2016
    Poor Norochcholai (Horagolla) management led to opposition over Saamapura coal power, report says, May 14, 2017 Sunday Times Lanka Coal Chairman Maithri Gunaratne Who Exposed Sordid Swiss Coal Tender Deal Removed from Post by Power Minister Siyambalapitiya. Jan, 2017 Sabotage of Electricity generation planning, Dr. Siyambalapitiya, Island, 25-03-2019

    Battle of Samapura in 2006
    Sri Lankan army captures Sampur September 05,2006, B. Muralidhar Reddy, Hindu.
    This location and Mooduthora (Muttur) have also figured in the contentious death of 17 local recruites of the French NGO `l'action contra la faim' (ACF). The NGO had insisted that the local recruites (allegedly all from a single community) remain at their site, even though the Foreign officials knew of the danger and rapidly evacuated themselves. The execution of the local workers of the NGO by the LTTE on 4th August, 2006 has also been blamed on the government forces by the NGO.
    No proper trial of the irresponsible actions of the executives of the NGO has been conducted as they rapidly vacated the country and refused to cooperate with suthorities. An international group of eminent persons (IGEP) who were called upon to investigate failed badly, as it was scuttled by various interested parties, with the (Indian) chairman spending very little time on it. See:
    Replies to Mr. P. Saravanamuttu's presentations to the Canadian Govt. subcommitte on HR, regarding the IGEP
    සාමපුර
    සෝමපුර
    Sandiliipayi, Sandiruppay, Sandilippai, Chandilipai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    SANDILIPAE, Sandurupaya.
    Meaning. In tamil "ipayi" may mean "net", or "sail", and has no contextual sense. Similarly, "Sandirru", or Sandili, have no contextually valid meaning. S. W. Coomarawamy concluded that the name has arisen from the Sinhala "Sandurupaya". Discussions about these and related place names among Rev. Gnanapragarsar, Cooomaraswamy, B. Horsburg, and J. P. Lewis may be found in early issues of Ceylon Antiquary and Literary Register. ( CALR. Vol 2, 1916 p 167-174. and vol 3 (10) 1917 p 45,46; and vol 3 (13) 1918 p 159).
    In sinhalese, the names the village which sparkled in the moonlight. Coomaraswamy's etimolgy is unclear, and he concentrated on the ending pae, paaya having given rise to the tamil form "(Sandi)...ppay".
    SANDILIPAE, Sandiliipay, geographic map
    see Jaffna map1, Sandiliipay
    සන්දිලිපේ
    Sandiveli, Santhiveli(Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
    KANDAVAELLA
    LTTE shot the Head Priest of the Pulliar Hindu Temple at Sandiveli
    for having garlanded the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, on 9 Feb. 2007.
    Map
    කන්දවැල්ල
    Sangamankandai, Sankamankadai (Potuvila [Pottuvil])
    SANGAMANKANDA
    Five km. from Potuvial
    Hist. Pre-christian era Buddhist ruins
    Several Stupas, Viharas, and other ruins
    The Archaeo. Dep. Annual report 1928-29
    This is a threatened site due to LTTE activity
    සංගමන්කන්ද
    Sangarathai, Sankarathai(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    SANGAARADA
    Ancient Buddhist site
    Map
    සංගාරද
    Sangupitty, Sangupiddy, Sankupiddi (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    HAKPITIYA, SANKAPITIYA
    Causeway, Jetty, Ferry, naval clashes near Punranna(Pooneryn). A cerry would connect the 4km lagoon from Sangupiddi to Jaavakaceriya (Chavakachcheri). However, the bridge built in 2011 ensures a land connection via Mannar to Jaffna.
    The word "Sanka", is Sanskrit for Conch shell. The sinhala word, Sanka or Hak, as well as the Tamil சங்கு are both derived from Sanskrit. Sankapitiya or Hakpitiya would hence refer to the fact that this part of the sea has been known for Chank (Gastropoda: Turbinella pyrum) fishery for a long time. Chank shells, or Konches ("Hakgedi") are used in Buddhist prcessions. They are considered sacred in Hindu lore, and are associated with MahaLakshmi. The sinistral Turbinella pyrum (with the spiral turning left when the apex is held up), called Dakshinavarti in Skrt., (i.e., right-turning spiral, with the apex held down) are very rare. Thus the name Sankapitiya reflects the fishing for "Hak-gedi" or Conch shells, crud See also, write up under Hambanthota. A new brdige has now been constructed, and opened in 2011. The 288-meters long bridge with two lanes was constructed under the Uthura Wasanthaya programme at a cost of 1.037 billion rupees.
    හක් පිටිය
    සංකපිටිය
    Sankanai, Chankanai(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    Chandana
    See entry under "Chankanai"
    චන්දනෙ
    Sankathanai, Chankathanai(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    Sankathaenna, Sangasthaana.
    This is located close to Jaavakacheriya (Chavakachcheri) and was a place of intense battles during the Eelam wars. Nerely 100 army soldiers were killed 18-Set-2000 in attemtping to free Chavakachchari from the terrorists.
    The etimology is not clear. There are no useful Tamil meanings. But "sanka" is common to both Sinhala and Tamil through Sanskrit and may refer to "sanku" or conch shells.
    Alternatively, the name may be a modification of "Sangasthaana", i.e., an abode for monks (Buddhist or Jain, but not Hindu).
    The state of the Sankathanai railway station, destroyed by the LTTE, at the end of the war, 2009
    See entry under "Chankanai"
    සංකතැන්න සංගස්ථානය
    Sankuveli(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    SANKAVAELLA
    Disc.- 'Sanka' is 'Sak-gedi'; the name reflects the fishing for "Hak-gedi" or Conch shells, i.e., Chank (Gastropoda: Turbinella pyrum) in this area. Even the word "Chank" may be borrowed from the Sanskrit. See also, write up under Hambanthota.
    see Jaffna map1
    සංකවැල්ල
    Saravanai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    SAARAVANYA
    Located in Urathota(Kaytes) Island.
    see Jaffna map1
    සාරවනය
    Sasthirikoolankulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    SATHARAKOONAWEWA
    සතරකෝන වැව
    Semamadhu (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    SEEMAMADUWA
    සීමාමඩුව
    Sathurukondavil(Madakalapuva[Baticaloa])
    SATHURUKANDAVILA
    Disc.- This literally means 'place for ambush', and goes back to battles between 'Mukkua' and 'tamilar' fisher folk.
    Human skeletal remains were found at Sathurukondan-Sinna Savukkadi in March 2019. Bones unearthed at Batti housing project, Ceylon Today, 9-03-2019
    සතුරුකන්ද විල
    Savalkadai(Yapanaya[Ampara])
    KUKULKADUWA
    Malayalam 'caaval' also means Cock (fowl). This location was sevearly damaged by the Tsunami. Some 400 houses were built in the Savalakadai area of Sainthamaruthu West with Venezuelan Government aid (over 600 million rupees, 2004). Since Venezuela is officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the name Bolivarian Village has been given to the new housing area.

    The NaTIONAL THAWHEED Jamaath (NTJ) Islamic terrorist group used a house here as a safe house. This was raided by the security forces on 26th April, after the 21-April 2019 Easter attacks in Colombo, Negambo and Batticola by JIhadists. After exchanges of fire by both sides, reports of three successive explosions were heard. When the security forces entered the premises at daybreak, fifteen bodies consisting of six men, six children and three women were found amidst the wreckage caused by the explosions. An injured woman and child were rescued and hospitalized. It was later discovered that they were the wife and daughter of Mohammed Hashim Mohammed Zahran -the key figure behind the Easter Sunday attacks in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa. There were no casualties among the security forces. See also under Sainthamaruthu.

    There were clashes between the LTTE and SL Forces in this area during the Eelam wars.
    කුකුල ්කැලේ
    Savalkattu(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    KUKULKAELE
    Malayalam 'caaval' also means Cock (fowl). This location has been in the news for clashes between the LTTE and SL Forces.
    කුකුල්කැලේ
    Savukkady(Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
    Kivulkara
    Near Serupura(Eravur and chenkaladi)
    Disc.- 'Kivul' water is 'brackish water. The malayalam cavar (or savar), Urdu 'safar' may mean "brakish",
    'kady' → kada →, or kara which could mean "shore". Thus the Tamilized 'Savukkady' and the Sinhala 'Kivulkara' are consistent.
    කිවුල්කර
    Seeniamottai(Mooladova [Mullaitivu])
    HEENI-MADE, Heenimote
    Near Nandakadola. Land near this area has been offered (2011) by the government as homesteads for returning IDPs who were in Maenik-farm (or Menik farm), with the ancient name `Mahathalithagama'- මහ-තලිත-;;ගම
    Mottai, Mottei, or `madaya' is a swampy, marshy or muddy place. The sinhala word 'mada' probably arose from 'Manda', skrt. for 'scum'.
    The latin word for 'marsh' is 'madeo'.
    The greek word 'mydos' means 'damp'. However 'mud', usually claimed to be
    linked to old german, may also have come from the latin 'madeo' (marsh)
    which may itself be connected with the Skrt. Manda → mire', as in
    'quagmire', used even today in english and french (tourbiÚre).
    The tamil word for such a place would be 'acumpu', 'ayam', 'cakati', 'sheru', etc.

    The place name refers a narrow strip of land.
    හීනිමඩේ
    හීනිමොටේ

    Sembimalei, Sembimalai, Sembumalai (Puhulmotte [Pumodei])
    KINIHIRIVEHERA, SEMBAKANDA
    History: Located on a Hill close tto Kasbavella (Kuchchaveli), Important Buddhist temple ruins, pre-christian era, 1st century Stone Inscriptions. Paada-Lanchana sculptures, Stupas etc. 8ft Buddha Statue vandalized. Site destroyed and new Hindu temple has been erected. See Daily News 14 Oct. 1980, p3. Archaeological Dept. File EC/B/E/26
    The Sinhala name 'Sembakanda' is tentative, and will be modified, when the contents of the stone inscription or other data becomes available. Labeled #137 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    කිනිහිරිවෙහෙර
    Sempankundu,Cempakundu (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    AMBA-SALAAVA, අමිබසලාව
    'Amba-salava' is the village beside (Sinhala 'asmba →amba or
    samba →cempa', where the last form is Tamil.)
    a grove of Saala trees (diperocarpaceae, or Couroupita guianensis , 'Kunturukkam' in
    Tamil, see p996 of the Madras Tamil Lexicon.
    Another set of meanings can emerge from the following:
    'cempan' refers to 'Buddhists' who wear red/yellow robes
    and Kundu, or 'Dummala' signifies a brownish oleo-resin.
    අමිබසලාව
    Sencholai, Chencholai, Naddalamottankulam (Mooladuva [Mullaitivu])
    HENDOLA, Hengolla
    See also entry under Vallipunam, the location of the Tiger torture prison and Victor-I base.
    This area (in the aluth-kulissa or puthukudiruppe district) is also called Naddalamottankulam (Naaatu-maetta-vaeva) "Hena" is "chena", i.e., slash and burn cultivation area. This location came into the news after air strikes (August 2006) on an LTTE facility, claimed by the LTTE and certain international observers to be an orphanage, while the Govt. claimed it to be a black-tiger training facility. It has clearly been both, i.e., an orphanage where the orphans get trained for war. The songs of the orphanage, "Sencholai Padalkal" reveal much more:

    The tomb shall wait for me
    Flowers as offerings shall there blossom
    A memorial for me who turn into a myriad atoms
    The burning embers shall watch over me.
    The poet then describes a variety of possible deaths awaiting her -such as shells and bullets. It then runs: The poison (cyanide) I bore since I became a Tigress Shall also await me.
    The hawk and the hound to taste my flesh Shall stalk the field where I do battle.
    ...All these will I endure for my land
    To me a grateful nation shall arise./i
    (name of poet) Uthayaletchumi.
    See section 6.5 of the UTHR(J) report no: 13, UTHR-#13
    See also 'Choncholai', and Chencholai
    Unicef: Bombed orphans were not Tamil Tigers ?
    හේන්දොල
    හේන්ගොල්ල
    (Ampare)
    SENAAKULISSA
    An ancient garrison village. Note that the word `Kuli' is used for village, and found in old sinhala writings, including those of the `Sigiri Mirror wall graffiti'. Thus: 288 th vesre: (9th century) – "I am Gunakara (of) Ambagam-kuli (of the) Northern Province Regional map
    සෙනාකුලිස්ස
    Senaikudiruppu (Ampare)
    SENAAKULISSA
    An ancient garrison village. Note that the word `Kuli' is used for village, and found in old sinhala writings, including those of the `Sigiri Mirror wall graffiti'. Thus: 288 th vesre: (9th century) – "I am Gunakara (of) Ambagam-kuli (of the) Northern Province Regional map
    සෙනාකුලිස්ස
    Serayativu, Seraytivu, Seraitivu, Siriyativu (Madakalapuva [Batticaloa])
    SERADOOVA, SERUVADOOVA
    'Sera' is a type of waterfowl (teal). Many variants exist. The 'balal-sera', Pheasant-tailed Jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus) is well known.
    There is also another small island known as 'Siriyativu' which probably a corruption of the name 'Seruvadoova'.
    සේරදූව
    Seruwilai, Seruvilai. (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
    SERUVILA, SERUVAWILA
    'Sera' is a type of waterfowl (Teal, Jacana), and 'wila', or its tamilized version 'villu', refers to a lake, swamp or large pond.
    This is a UNESCO heritage site, some 45 km from Gantale (Kantalai). World-H heritage Page It can also be reached purely by boat, starting from Mooduthora (Muttur).
    It is a 2nd century BCE Buddhist shrine, said to have been built by Kavan-Tissa as mentioned in the ancient chronicles. A sacred relic (frontal bone of the Buddha) is said to enshrined in the Seruwila Dagaba. The "Bata Gutaha Lene Caduke" phrase occurs in a 2nd century CE stone inscription, and means - "The cave of Lord Gutta is dedicated to the Sangha of the four quarters." Other inscriptions are from King Kassapa IV and V, from the 9th and 10th centuries CE. The Dagaba was re-discoved in 1922 by Ven. Dambagasare Sumedhankara Thero.
    Image of the restored Stupa and a stature of a Bodh-satva at Dehiwatte near Seruwila.
    However, there are reports of encroachments as well as the construction of illegal Kovils in the neighbourhood, within the archaeologically conserved area.
    සේරුවිල
    සේරුවවිල
    Sillalai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    SILALE
    The name may have arisen from the rock ("sila" in Sinhala and other source languages) fformation seen around here. It may also refer to a Perl fishery facility.
    සිලාලෙ
    Silavaturai (Mannarama), Chilavathurai சிலாவத்துறை (Mannarama)
    KIRAVATHOTA, KIRAVATHARA, SILAVATHARA, SALAAVATHAR
    'Kirava' in Sinhala is a small partidge. Note the similarity to
    the word 'Girava' (parrot) where the 'g,r' in 'gira' change to 'kili'
    in Tamil for parrot. The word 'cravam' exits in Tamil (p1427 MTL).
    Another possible source of the word is 'Sraavaka', appears in Tamil as
    'ciraavakan', and implies a Buddhist monk or adherent.
    The form "chalaapam" , related to the Sanskrit 'jala" may
    also be a reference to pearl-fishery activities in this region.
    But this would imply a place name "Chalaappatturai", a form which has
    not been found in any records associated with this region.
    See also the discussion under Arippu, where there is a region called
    Arya-Raani-Kotte, with a Dutch fort and a mansion.
    This has been an SL army base, captured by the LTTE in 1995s, and
    recaptured by the SL army in 2007.
    Historical
    කිරවතර
    Sinnadampan (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    HINNADOMPE, PODIDOMPE
    පොඩි දොම්පේ
    Sinnaodaippu (Mannarama [Mannar])
    HINNI-SOROVVA
    Hinni-Sorovva means narow or smaller sluice. This location is near the Yodha vaeva (Giants tank). Yoda veva construction is ascribed to king Dhatusena, and Parakramabahu I Otai in tamil also may mean a wall or a fortification
    හි න්නි සොරොව්ව
    Sinnapuwarasankulam, Sinnapoovarasankulam (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
    KUDAA-SOORIYAVAEVA
    Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
    See entry under "poovarasankulam"
    කුඩාසූරියවැව
    Sinnasippikulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    PODISIPPIVAEVA
    පොඩිසිප්පිවැව
    Siraj-nagar, SirirajNagar (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
    SRI-RAJA-NAGARAYA
    සිරිරාජනගරය
    Sirambiadi (Puttalama)
    HARAMBAPITYA
    This is a place where the king's mariners exercised.
    සිරිපුර
    Siripurai (Ampare)
    SIRIPURA
    සිරිපුර
    Siruppiddy (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    KURUPITIYA, KARAMBAPITIYA
    'Karamba',also 'Karanda', is Carissa spinarum (Sinhala)
    The tamil forms "Sirukila" etc., may refer to the same plant.
    කරඹපිටිය,   කුරුපිටිය
    Siruvilan (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    KARAMBAVILA, HIRUVILA
    'Karamba',also 'Karanda', is Carissa spinarum (Sinhala)
    The tamil forms "Sirukila" etc., may refer to the same plant.
    Jaffna map1
    කරඹවිල
    Sithankemy (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    SITAAGAMA
    This may presumably be a fall-back to Seetha-Ravana legends.
    සීතාගම
    Sittandi (Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
    HIK-KANDIYA
    Disc. - No clear contextual meaning in tamil.
    'Hik' is Lannea coromandelica, a medium sized tree.
    හික්කන්ඩිය
    Sittaruai Sitt-aru (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    S HIK-IVURA
    'Ivura' is the sinhala word for the "shore" of a small stream ("aara" or "oya" in Sinhala, "aru" in Tamil) and "Hik" is the tree Lannea coromandelica
    හික්ඉවුර
    Somapurai (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
    SOMAPURAYA
    established during the time of Kavantissa, 2nd century BCE.
    සෝමපුරය
    Somativadi (Puttalam)
    DHOMAETI-VAADIYA
    "Dhomati" is a type of clay, probably similar to "Fuller's earth" or Montmorillite. It is known in Tamil as 'Valalaai'. c.f., Valalai-Sutram in Sidhha-aurveda), This location is in the coastal strip of the Kalpitiya Lagoon.
    දොහොමැටි වාඩිය
    Sooduventhapulavu (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    SUDUVANPOLAVA
    Disc. M. Cutu, That which is heated, burnt, roasted
    K. sudu, M. cuttu, Tu. suti.] Bundle of sheaves;
    The name may indicate a piece of land (Chena) with white ash
    formed after burning. It could also be a 'kamatha' for threshing.
    සුදුවන්පොලව
    Soodaikudai (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
    CHUDATHUDAVA
    චූඩතුඩාව
    Soranpattu (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    SORANPATTU, HORANPATTU
    Cloves (karaabu) may also become koran or horan
      Regional map   Clear map of the region
    හොරන්පත්තුව
    Sodayankulam, Sodiumkulum(Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
    Yodayanveva
    Map
    යෝදයවැව
    Sodiyankattukarei (Mannarama [Mannar])
    YODAYAN-KAENU-KARA
    Dis. This means "the bund ior shore dug by the giants; it is a part
    of the 'Yodaveva' built by king Dhatusena; see entry under Alavaka.
    යෝදයන්කැනුකර
    Sonakasalampaikkulam (Vavnimava [Vaniya])
    SUNKAELAMBAVEVA
    Haelamba is a timber tree. The name may be a contraction of Sunaka-haelamba, Hunu-Haelamab, or Lunu-Haelamba.
    Map
    සුනකැලඹවැව
    Sudolaipidai, Sutholaipitai (Mannarama(Mannar])
    Sithulapitiya
    LTTE sea-tiger base.
    සිතුල්පිටිය
    Sungavilia (Polonnaruwa)
    SUNGAWILIYA, HUNGAVILA
    Near Somavati Chaitya.
    හුන්ග විල
    Suthumalai (Yapanaya >Jaffna])
    SUDUKANDA
    Prabhakaran gave a speech here at Suthumalai on August 5th 1987, where the tiger supremo said that "the nature of the struggle could change while the goal remained constant"
    සුදුකන්ද
    Suduventapulavu (Vavnimava [Vaniya])
    SUDDAVANTAPOLA
    MAP
    සුදුවන්පාලව
    Suriyatevarkaddaikkadu (Mannaram [Mannar])
    SURIYADEVIBAARAKADUVA
    Dis. The Mannar area has relics of many pre-Buddhist, pre-Saiva, animistic
    religious observances. Here the in Tamil 'Kaddaikadu→Karaikkadu' could
    also suggest that it is the forest near the sea-shore which is
    consacrated to the Sun god. In sinhala too, 'Kara' would mean the shore.
    Map
    සූරියදෙවි රැක්කඩුව
    Suruvil (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    Sorovvila
    Disc.- 'Soro(vva)' means a sluice or gutter.
    The tamil word 'curu(nku)' could also mean an underground channel.
    සොරොව්විල


    T
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    Tadikkulama (Vannimava [Vavniyava])
    HAEDIVAEVA
    Ancient Buddhist site, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri.
    Labeled #103 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    Near Vannimava (i.e., Vavniya, 3km northwards). There are Buddhist artifacts, ruins of a temple,
    stone pillars, moonstones, important stone inscriptions (referring to 2nd century CE donations to the monks) etc, all
    in private land, with no archaeological attention what so ever. It has been stated that some inscriptions have been removed to the Government Agents office in Jaffna for safe keeping, but not confirmed.
    A neglected tadikulam inscription possibly circa 5 Century CE
    See Labels 100-116 in Vanni Buddhist sites map where we have some difficulty in identifying all the sites as the longitude and latitude etc., of each site are not reported in the available accounts.
    හැඩිවැව
    Tadduvankoddai (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    DEDDUVAKOTTE
    Disc.- Deduvan means 'Dee+doova', or two islets, and
    kotte' implies a square or fort, 'Kotuva'
    The location justifies the name
    See Jaffna area Map
    දෙදූව කෝ ට්ටෙ
    Taiyiddi (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    JAAVEEDIYA
    Disc.- Suggets a location used by javanese people.
    Map
    ජාවීදිය
    Thachathopu, (Yapanaya[Jaffna])

    Disc.- Suggets a location used by javanese people.
    Map
    ජාවීදිය
    Thalaiady (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    TALAVAADIYA
    Map
    තලවාඩිය
    Thallady (Mannarama) TALAVAADIYA
    Military and Tiger battle zone. see attack on church;   Map
    තලවාඩිය
    Talaimannar (Mannarama [Mannar])
    MANNARAMTHOTA, Thalemannarama
    Disc. 'Talai-m' means "front door' to mannar., cf., T.,talai-k-katai
    Hence mannaram-door → mannaramthota
    Also, Tala is related to Sthala, means ``place' or location
    Map showing Pasali,Talaimannar
    මන්නාරන්තොට
    Thalamkudamunmune (Madakalpuva [Batticaloa])
    ThALGODAMUNNE
    The suicide bomber Manikkam Leel who is alleged to have attempted the life of Chandrika Bandaranaike in 1999 was a resident of this village.
    තලගොඩමුන්න
    Talavai (Madakalpuva[baticaloa])
    TALAVA
    තලාව
    Talawilai, Talaivillu (Puttalama)
    TALAWILA, Talavila
    This is most well known as the sanctuary of St. Anne, and is on the coastal strip of the Kalpitiya Lagoon. See the write up on Kapitiya for maps and details.
    තලවිල
    Tambaddy, Thambaddy (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    DAMBAEDDA
    This is located in Kayts, between Analaitivu and Karainagar. There is a small Hindu Temple of recent origin.
    දම්බැද්ද
    Tambasiddy, Thambasiddy (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    DAMPITIYA
    Near Point Pedro (Vak tuduwa). This is the original village of former LTTE media spokesman Velayutham Dayanidhi alias Daya Master. Daya Master and his colleague George Master surrendered to the army at Puthumatalan on April 20, 2009, just days before the defeat of the LTTE. The two men were arrested and taken to Colombo.Daya Master announced in public that the LTTE had shot dead two hundred civilians who tried to flee. Interview with DayaMaster and George Master, 2009. Velupillai Kumaru Pancharatnam alias George Master was LTTE poltical spokesman'Tamilselvan's translatior and an ex-Postmaster. George Master hnd Daya master ad on given statements to the Colombo Chief Magistrate on 12 June amd May 2009. The CID having completed their inquiries against the suspects submitted the case documents to the AG on 20 April, 2011. George Master was released by Magistrate Pilapitiya in July 2016.
    In May 2009. Daya Master was among those former LTTE cadres flown to Puthumatalan (Aluthmattala) to identify the body of Prabhakaran. Daya Master was held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), but he was not charged. He (among many others) were released on bail by Colombo Chief Magistrate Nishantha Hapuarachchi (September 2009) once the CID determined that there was inadequate evidence to prosecute them under the PTA. Daya Master had to report to the CID in Colombo monthly, until February 2010. After that he reproted to the CID office in Jaffna and runs the Dish Asia Network (DAN TV) office, Jaffna. Meeting Daya Master in Jaffna in 2013 ? Padma Rao Sundarji. There have been threats aginst Daya master by pro-LTTE supporters as well as a stabbing attempt in 2018.
    දම්පිටිය
    Tambiluvil, Thambiluvil (Ampare)
    THAMBILIVILA
    This is in N-akkaraipattu, bounded in the east by the sea, and by the river/vila in the west. It is about 40km north of Arunagama (arugam) bay. The color of the water may have given rise to the place name. The population is mainly christian Tamil and linked with Sirikovila (Tirukkovil). See sectarian politics, LTTE, Karuna etc.
    In Tamil "vil" means "Bow" and has no immediate meaning,
    තැඹිලිවිල
    Tampakamam(Yapanaya[jaffna])
    TAMBAGAMA, Tambagomuva
    Hist.- Dutch VOC maps, Tambamme, Tambagamo.
    see Jaffna map1
    තම්ඹගම
    Tampalakamam (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
    TAMANATOTA, TAMPALAGAMA, TAMBALAGAMUWA
    Meaning. In Tamil "kamam" has no immediate meaning,
    Hist. Emerson Tennent: Tambalagamuwa
    see P. Arunachalam, "Sketches of Ceylon Histor", reg. "Tamanatota"
    This was the port of the then province of "Tamankaduwa".
    තමනාතොට,   තම්ඹලගම
    Tanmakkeni, Thanmakkeni (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    TAMBAKANNIYA   Regional map
    තම්ඹ කන්නිය
    Tandikkulam, Tantikkulam, Tanntikulam (Vannimava[Vavniya])
    BULUVAEVA
    'Bulu' is a large tree (Terminalia bellirica). The tamil form
    is 'Thaanri', and may have evolved into 'taandi'.
    බුලුවැව
    Tandiyadi, Thaandiyadi (Madakalapuva [Batticaloa])
    SUNITHTHAPURA
    සුනිත්තපුර
    Tanduvan, Thanduvan (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    SANDUVAANA, HANDUVAANA
    This located on the Mooladoova (mullaitivu)-Siyambalaveava (Puliyankulam) road. The name is probably related to the worship of a deity representing the sun (Indra → Indu )or the moon (sandu), associated with a Mahayana representation of the Buddha. The Tamil name may have arisen directly from the same cult or that of a sun deity, where "dhatra" is one of the tuvatacatitar . Thus Taattuvan → tattuvan → Tanduvan. Or from the Sinhala, "Sanduvanya → Sanduvaana → Handuvan → Tanduvan".
    This is one of the villages in the Weli Oya development ares, which includes Kokilava (Kokkilai), Kalu-naedakaenna (Karunaddukeni), Kokkuthudaava (Kokkuthuduvai), Kumbal-amuna (Kumalamunai East and West), Gammalé (Chammalai), Uththiya-kanda (Othiyamalai), Handuvaana (Tanduvan), Thibbatuvala (Mulliyavalai East), Diyaunna (Thannirootu West), Kaanukaenna (Kannukeni) and Vaellampila (Alampil).
    See also Views of Tamil Academics in uthr report 5 issued 15-Sept. 1993, reg. Weli Oya area
    හඳුවාන

    Tannimurippu kulam, Tannimarippukulam, Tanimarippukulam, Thannimurippu, Thannimuruppu (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
    Kurundu-kulama, kurundumale, Diyamalan vewa
    Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. (Somasiri, 1982). This is believed to be the Kurindi Siri-sangabo Viharaya or Kurundumale Viharaya. A slab inscription with some 50 lins has been discovered.
    See also, R. L. Brohier.
    Disc. In tamil, 'marippu' means death;
    and one meaning of 'Tanni' is water.
    Also,' Tanni-marippu' could mean water-dam, or death by water,
    However, the name now used in Tamil is not "marippu", but "murippu". "Murippu" can mean "harshness, arrogance or pride", and makes no toponymic sense. The word "Muruppu" is not recognized as a Tamil word.
    The name Kurundumale may have applied to the general area, while the tank may have been known as kurundu kulama
    The tank may originally have been called Kurindi kulama and also 'Mahinda vaeva.
    According to E. Medhananda (2003), p 379, C. W Nicholas has reported
    that an inscription contains a reference to King Mihindu (9 CE) and
    refers to this tank.
    'Janakapura' is a more recent colonization village near here.
    Labeled #82 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    කුරුඳු කුලම
    දියමලන්වැව
    Tantirimalai, Thanthirimale ( Anuradhapura )
    RANSIRIMAALÉ
    Maradan Maduva, the present Vilpattu office area,
    is associated with Sāliya and Asokamāla,
    i.e., the time of Dutugamunu. 'Ransirimāle (tantirimalai) is also a
    part of the park since 1969, and is associated with the Saliya
    see write up under Thanthirimale
    රන්සිරිමාලේ
    Tanniyuttu, Thanniyuttu, Thanniyutzu, Thannirootu (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
    DIYAUNNA
    This is located on the (mooladoova) Mullatuvu-(Siyambalavaeva) Puliyankulam road. Encarta Map   map.pdf
    දියඋන්න
    Tanton Kovil (Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
    BUDU VIHARE
    Ancient Buddhist site, listed in Archaeo. Dept. 1982 Somasiri List
    Disc.- 'Kaamarka-tanton' is a name for the Buddha who has conquered 'Kama' or desire.
    See page 873 of the Madras Tamil Lexicon.
    Hence we believe that 'Tanton' is a shortened form for this, and this
    ancient Buddhist site got renamed as 'Tanton Kovil in post-Ruhunu-kindom times.
    බුදුවිහාරෙ

    Tapassavalliya(Vannimava[Vavniya])
    NOT a tamilized form
    Ancient Buddhist ruins.
    Labeled #78 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    තපස්සවල්ලිය
    Tanakkilippu. Thanakkilippu(Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    RANAKELIYA
    Disc.- Possibly an arena for war games.
    රනකෙලිය
    Tankkarukuruchchi Thankkarukuruchchi(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    DUNUKAARAKULISSA
    Disc. This is a 'garrison of Archers (bow-and-arrow shooters)'
    This place name, and Batakotte (Vaddukkoddai) testify to the fact that
    the north has been an ancient battle ground between the south Indians
    and the rulers of the Island.
    The word `Kuli' was used in old sinhala for hamlet or village. c.f., Sigiri Griffit: 288 (9th century) – "I am Gunakara (of) Ambagam-kuli (in the) Northern Province
    දුනුකාර කුලිස්ස
    Tannamunai, Thannamunai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    DANAMUNA
    දනමුන
    Tanankillapu, Thanankilappu (Jaapanaya [Jaffna])
    THANA-KALAPUVA
    RANAKELIPUVA
    In Tamil "Killapu" means "raisin, speech, a restaurant, etc", a hence a meaning appropriate for a place name does not exist. It is likely that this place name is derived from a Sinhala place name.
    The name "Ranakelipuva" suggests a possibly an arena for war games.
    The name "Thana-kalapuva" implies a shallow-basin of water full of weeds.
    .
    This was an important battle region against the LTTE in operating Rivikirana, and Kinihira in the mid 1990s. Hence a high security zone had been centered around this area.
    රනකෙලිය
    තණ කලපුව
    Tantitrimale, Tantirimalai, Thanthirimale (Anuradhapura)
    RANSIRIMAALE
    Hist. Recumbent Buddha of the Pollonnaruwa Period; similar to the
    Galvihara Buddha; 36 feet long; Arch. Survey of Cey. 1907 p34
    Legend A neckless with beads formed like the "Ransiriya"
    butterfly was gifted to Asokamaala, and a Temple was built here.
    Ransirimaale -> Thanthirimale.
    Legend
    Ransirimaale vihara projects
    Pictures and article
    රන්සිරිමාලේ
    Tattantotam, Thattantotam, Thattanthotam (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    Thakkanathota, NAVANDANTHOTA
    Disc.- 'Navadan' is a caste-designation for smiths.
    Tattaan can mean the same caste group, see Madras tamil Lexicon p1718. "thakkana", "Thakshana", and "Technique", or technology are from the same Sanskrit-Pali source.
    See Map near Jaffna
    නවන් දන්තොට
    තක්කනතොට
    Thavarakulam [Madakalapuwa [batticaloa])
    THAVARAVEVA
    Near Vahaneriya (Vakaneri)
    Hist. Ancient site, Early Anuradhapura period
    Old ruins, stone pillars etc. Not excavated
    Archaeo. Dept. file EC/B/E/27 folio 179-180.
    තාරවැව
    Tarapuram, Tharapuram (Mannarama [Mannar])
    THRAPURA
    Located near 'Thaleimannar'.
    Hist. 'In Mahayana buddhism, Thara or `Tara' is the consort of the Bodhisattva 'Avalokitheshwara'. Mahayana buddhism co-existed and also sometimes contested Theravada buddhism. The place name 'Tharapura' exists in Tamil Nadu as well, where Buddhism flourished during the hey day of Anuradhapura, and into the medieval period.
    Today Tharapura is mainly a Muslim village.
    War: Two men from Tharapuram were implicated in Burma LTTE-arms Smugl., 2004
    Allegations of human rights violations etc., Army/Navy LTTE clashes etc.
    Implications of the Sethsamudura Project
    තාරපුර
    Tavady, Tavadi, Thavady (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    THAMBADIYA, JAAVAADIYA
    Jaa-vaadiya is a region used by the Javanese inhabitants in medieval times. 'Thambadiya' refers to the 'amber-coloured (thamba)' water('diya') in the 'Thanmbady region.
    Devotee hung on hooks on Thambadiya-Sudukanda road, goint to Sudumalai Amman temple
    තම්ඹදිය   ජාවාඩිය
    Tavasikulam, Thavasikulam, Javasikulam (Vannimava [Vavnia])
    JAAVAESIVAEVA, JaVAESIVAEVA
    This is located close to Vavniya town. The name suggests a habitation of Javanese (c.f., Java patuna → Japanaya).
    ජවැසි වැව
    Teekavapi, Theekavapi, Dighavapi, Digavapai (Ampare)
    DIGHAVAPI,DHIGAVAPI DEEGAVAAPI, ⚓Digavapi
    See the entries under Ampara, Irukkamam., and Buddhankalai, Putthankallai
    This is the name of a pre-CE Daagaeba (Cetiya or Stupa), a very ancient irrigation Tank (vapi) and a modern administrative district in Sri Lanka. See Digavapi cetiya, photo Prof. Siromi Samarasinghe, 2011

    In a a pious legend connected with the Digavapi cetiya (Dhajagga Paritta), it is said (in the Saararthapakaasani) that once a samanera (a novice monk), helping to plaster the Dighavapi cetiya, fell from the top. His colleagues shouted to him to recall the Dhajagga Pirita. He did so, and was miraculously saved!
    The village of Mahamuni, residence of Sumana, wife of Lakuntaka Atimbara, was in Digavapi (Dhammapadatthakatha, Vol. iv. 50). According to the account given in 'Manorathapurani', Digavapi was nine leagues from Tissamaharama.

    The Mahavamsa (Mhv), which contains a mixture of fact and ancient traditions, states that the Buddha himself visited the town, an area of the naga tribe, and on the spot where he sat in meditation a cetiya was later erected (Mhv.i.78; Dpv.ii.60; SamanthaPasaadika. i.89). It seems to have been the regional center (Mandala) for the country (Digaamadulla?) lying between the Pihiti-rata and the province of Rohana. Thus Dutugamunu's brother, Tissa, governed it by the order of his father. Later, on the death of his father, he retired to Dhigavapi with his mother and the elephant Kandula (Mhv.xxiv.2, 14f, 48). When he made peace with his brother, he was again sent there to look after the district. After the re-conquest of the Pihiti rata, Tissa was again in charge of Digavapi, for we find him being sent for from there at the time of Dutugamunu's death (Mhv.xxxii.2). Tissa (later renamed Saddhatissa) founded the Digavapi-vihara, in connection with which he built a cetiya, to which he made valuable offerings (Mhv.xxxiii.9, 14). We hear of Digavapi in connection with the campaigns of Parakkamabahu I. (Chv.lxxiv.89; 98, 110, 180; lxxv.1, 10). (Chv.xcvi.25, 28; for its identification see Chv.Trs.ii.30, n.1).

    Later Rajasinha-II gave the district round Digavapi to the settlers who came from Holland The Muslims of Madakalapuva are descendents of Moor refugees settled there by King Senerath 1n 1626, when they were expelled by the Portuguese from the south-west maritimes (see de Queroz, vol. 2 , p 745) Today, the Dighavapi area has become a region of Muslim influence.

    Today this is a threatened site, encroached by many settlers who do not know/respect its historical significance. Its great tourist potential is ignored. See the entry under Putthankalai. i.e., Buddhangala, which is an interesting site which is close by. The department has located 35 archaeological sites in Dighavapi itself. The archaeological area is at least 42 square kilometres in extent. Yet the area declared under the Archaeological department is only 400 yards in radius of each site leaving the other areas unprotected, under the Antiquities Ordinance No. 9 of 1940. Digavapi was declared a sacred area on 20-feb-2008 and the documents awarding the status were handed over to Ven. Nannapurawa Buddharakkhitha. There are several ancient inscriptions in the area. In 1986 a gold leaf inscription 14 cms by 1.5 cms had been unearthed. The inscription had been deposited inside a reliquary made of thick gold sheets. The text of the inscription was as follows: "Hail. The stupa (reliquary) of King Mahitisa (Kannittha Tissa) son of King Naka". King Kannittha Tissa reigned from 164- 192 CE. This also shows the links to the Naga people [the early inhabitants of Naagadeepa (modern Jaffna) and Mayarata (Kaelaniya region)], and their God Natha, who was later admitted to Buddhism as a Bodhisatva. News Item 2008
      දීගවාපි
      දීඝවාපි
    Tenmaradchi, Thenmaradchi (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    HENAMURACHCHIYA
    See previous discussions of 'Murachchiya' (watch post), and Hena (slash-and-burn cultivation)
    හේන මුරච්චිය
    Taddukulampattu, ThaddukulamPattu(Gonakanna[Trincomalee])
    DEDOOVAKORALEPATTUVA
    This where the Siriyaya(Tiriyai) Vatadage, Buddhist ruins, is found
    See entry under Tiriyai
    දෙදූව කෝරල පත්තුව
    Tandiyadi, Thaandiyadi, Thandiyadi (madakalapuva [Batticaloa])
    SUNITHTHAPURA
    This was an LTTE camp fallen to the SL-army during the ebb
    and flow of the civil war.
    සුනිත්තපුර
    Tamilakulam, Thamilakulam (Mannarama [Mannar])
    DAMILAVAEVA
    The existence of such names indicates that while the
    surrounding area was inhabited by other communities, probably
    sinhala speakers, there were pockets or locations which were
    predominantly Tamil speaking.
    දම්ලවැව
    Tatcinamuratamadu, Thaththinamarathamadu, Thachchanamaradamadu, (Vannimava [Vavniya])
    DAKUNUMURAMADUVA,   Dakunu-murathaen-maduva
    தட்சிணாமூர்த்தி
    is a common Tamil proper name, referring to a saiva acetic. It is also used among Jains for
    a name derived from an Upanishad. However, here தட்சிணா
    refers to the southerly direction, consistent with the Sinhala place name.
    දකුණුමුරමඩුව
    Tekkam (mannarama [Mannar])
    THEKKAMA, DEKGAMA
    The ancient name of the canal of the 'Giants tank' (Yodaveva) at 'Thekkama'or 'Tekkam' is 'Alavaka'. The Yodaveva construction is ascribed to king Dhatusena, and Parakramabahu I. There are two tanks, Yodhaweva (Giant Tank) on the right bank of Malwathuoya (tamilized as Aruvi aru), and Agasthimurapaya (AkattiMurippu tank) on the leftbank. They are supplied with water diverted at an ancient anicut constructed across Malwathu Oya during the 12th century at Tekkam, which is about 35 km upstream from its exit to the sea. The existence off two (Dek) tanks and two parts of the village (Gama) associated with the two tanks is said to be the baisis of the name "Dek-gama".

    Reg. pre-Buddhist links, See write up below for 'Alavakkaisirukkulam'
    දෙක්ගම
    තෙක්කම
    Terumurikandy, Therumurikandy, Terumurikandi, Therumurukandi (Giranikke [Killinochchi])
    TELAMURAKANDA
    This is located south of Ranamaduva )Iraanamadu) and north of Kokavila, on the A9 route. 'Tela', related to 'cheri' in Sanskrit here means a street or inhabited region. It could also mean ""what is within the view". 'Murikandy' is a tamilization of Murakanda', or watch hill. This location is likely to have been an ancient military watch post.
    See also the place name "Murikandy". (Note also that "Thela" is the sinhala name of the milky Mangrove (Excoecaria agallocha) with a poisonous latex which can cause blindness).

    Telamurakanda LTTE trenches 2008  : Fallingrain Map
    තෙලමුරකන්ද
    Timilativu, Thimilathivu, Thimilathiu (Madaklapuwa [Batticaloa])
    Kevuldoova
    'Kevula' in sinhalese refers to a fisherman as a 'sinful person'. In Tamil 'Thimil' could refer to a fisher caste using fishing boats. Today this is an island used by the SL air force.
    කෙවුල් දූව
    Tettakkuli (Mannarama[Mannar])
    KAETAKULIYA, GAETAKULIYA
    In tamil, 'Theatta' refers to the tree Strychnos potatorum,
    known in Sinhala as 'Inginiya (gaha)', as in 'Inginiyagala'.
    The word `Kuli' was used in old sinhala for hamlet or village. 288 (9th century) – "I am Gunakara (of) Ambgam-kuli (in the) Northern Province
    But we do not regard this to be the source of the place names.
    Map
    කැ ටකුලිය
    Tettavadimarutankulam(Mannarama[Mannar])
    KAETA-MATDI-KUMBURE-VAEVA
    Map
    කැටමැටි කුඹුරෙවැව
    Tellippallai, Thellipalai ,Telipola, Thelippali (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    THELIPOLA, TELIPOLA, Theripala
    Ancient Buddhist ruins. Mentioned in the Nampotha.
    "Buddhavalavva" is in Telipola. The "Andakaara Chetiya"
    and the "Aaloka Chetiya" of ancient Pali texts dealing
    with the Buddha's legendary visit "may be" here.
    The word 'Teli','Thel' are not found in the old Tamil dictionaries.
    It may have been 'Theri-pala', a place associated with Buddhist nuns.
    Change from Theri→ Theli in Tamil usage is quite natural.
    Jaffna home of S. J. V. Chelvanayagam. Base hospital.
    The state of the Telipalai railway station in 2009, vandalized by the LTTE, seen at the end of the war, 2009
    තෙලිපොල, තේරිපොල
    තේරිපල
    Thangamalei (Haputale District])
    Sangamale
    Disc. "Thanga-malei" is sometimes interpreted to mean "golden mountain". It is a bird sanctuary and has been a national park since 1938; it is near Hauptale and Idalgashinna, and has an old Buddhist vihara in ruins.It offers incredible vistas of the lower plains.
    Haputale, a railway stn. close to sangamale
    සංගමලේ
    Thenmaradchi, Thennamaratchchy (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    HENAMURACHCHIYA, Chena-muraekiya
    Disc. Heana or Chena is a primitive cultivation
    'Murachchiya' is a place where a watch is kept
    A frequent flash point uring the Eelam wars; also name of a region in the Jaffna province.
    හේන මුරච්චිය
    Thennamaravady (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
    HENMURAVAADIYA
    Thennan, thenna-maram etc in T., may mean sweet-coconut toddy, husk etc.
    හේනමුරවාඩිය
    Theravikulam (Mooladoova [Mulaithivu])
    SOROVVAEVA
    There may have been a sluice connecting to the causeway here. The word "theravi" may be an adaptation to Tamil from "sorov", or we may note that in Kannada (and Telkigu), teravu and terapa may mean "opening", or gateway. This is located on the Puranthaenna (Paranthan)-Althkulissa (Puthukudiruppu) road which ends in Mooladoova (Mulaithivu)
    සොරොව්වැව
    Thettativu,Tettativu (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    GAETTADOOVA, KAETADOOVA, INGINIDOOVA
    In tamil, 'theatta' refers to the tree Strychnos potatorium,
    known in Sinhala as 'Inginiya (gaha)', as in 'Inginiyagala.
    Map    Botany
    කැ ටදූව,   ඉංගිනිදූව
    Thikkam, Tikkam (Japanaya [Jaffna])
    Diggama
    The Sinhala name means "long village" and it is located just West of Point Pedro (Vak Tuduva)
    The first attack on the STF (special Task Force) by the LTTE took place here, on 1st Sep. 1984, when 4 officers were killed and many were wounded by a landmine.
    දිග්ගම
    Thikkodai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    HIKGODA
    Army camp.
    හික්ගොඩ
    Thimilatheevu, Thimilathiv (Madakalapuva [Batticaloa])
    DAMILADOOVA
    The existence of such names indicates that while the
    surrounding area was inhabited by other communities, probably
    sinhala speakers, there were pockets or locations which were
    predominantly Tamil speaking.
    දම්ලදූව
    Thiraykkeani, Tiraaikeni, Thiraikeni திராய்க்கேணி (Ampara )
    HIRIKAENNA
    'Kaenna" is from the sinhala word "Kaeneema" which means excavate or dig.
    The Tamil word "Keani" may be related to the archaeic "Kenthudal", i.e., excavate.
    "Hirikaenna" signifies an "auspicious/occult digging or excavation".
    An alternative, but less likely toponymic possibility is to note (MTL p) that the
    Tamil, திரா ய், Thiraay, is probably connected with (L), Mollugo Spergula or Glinus oppositifolius .
    This is a prostrate herb which contains triterpenoid saponins.
    There are at least 30 species of this, "theera palaa", තීරපලා, in the Island. See also the discussion under PAS-IRI_GODAELLA.
    The names "theerapalaa", and "Thiray" may have originated from the Sanskrt. "Dheera"
    Also, in Tamil "tirāy → Keerai", கீரை is a generic word for herbs.    Botany
    හිරිකැන්න
    Thiraymadu (Madakalapuva [Batticaloa])
    HIRIMADUVA
    "Hirimaduva", or "blessed/occult structure", is a type of rustic construction
    for devotional purposes, esp. in forest areas, consecrated to jungle deities.
    The place name could occur from such a practice, and such names are common.
    See also the discussion of the Tamil "Thiraay" under "Thiraykkeani"
    Map
    හිරිමඩුව
    Thirikunamalei (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
    SIRIGONAKANDA, GOKANNA, Thirikunamale
    Hist. Gokanna, Eng. Trincomali, Trinconalee
    Gokarna in ancient texts, Sri Gokanna vihara
    Meaning: There are anecdotal meanings as well as more historical meanings attached to the place name.
    Siri→Thiri; Gona ↔ Kona, kanda → Malei. According to anecdotal legends, the hill appeared like a stag ('Gona' in S.) from the sea. This lead to the name 'Gonakanda → Gokanna', and the Sri-Gonakanda vihara gave the name 'Srigonakanda→Thirikunamalei'. While the anecdotal stroy is quaint, the name Gokanna is most likely to have originated from "go-karna" with its clear meaning in Sanskrit and elu-Prakrit (Gokanna). Many European distortions of the name have been used: Trinkimalay(Baldaeus), Tirnquelemale, Trincommali etc.
    The historic 'Koneshwaram temple is also found at Gokanna.
    Read the history of the temple as seen by some Buddhist writers. The "Koneswaram" name should not be confused with temples in India, with similar names and referred to in Hymns by, e.g., Thiru-gnana-sampanthar.

    Gokanna was used as a harbour from ancient times. Trincomalee was a flourishing trade centre, as indicated by gold Roman coins (second century CE) found from the area. Ninety seven silver coins with the royal seal were found from Bakmeemade in Kattakulam Pattu and 30 silver coins found from Dambagaha Ulpotha in Hurulupalatha.
    Mahavamsa records that Panduwasdeva landed at Trino. mouth of the 'mahakandara' river. Thiriyaya north of Gokanna was also a landing site. There is evidence that the port was using in the time of Gajabahu and King Mahasena Parakramabahu I; According to the historian Sirirwera "After the seventh century, the principle arena for the East-West exchange trade had shifted from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal. Consequently there was an increasing interest in the north-eastern zone of Sri Lanka wherein was located Gokanna (Trincomalee) port. It is significant that between seventh and tenth centuries A.D. four Sinhalese Kings Aggabodhi IV, Aggabodhi VII, Udaya I and Sena I left Anuradhapura and ruled from the north-eastern city of Polonnaruwa, situated on the banks of the Mahaweli Ganga within easy access to Trincomalee".


    Robert Knox surrendered to a Disawa of the King of Kandy, at Moodutara (Muttur), near Trinco.
    Robert Knox in his Historical Relation of Ceylon (1681) says:
    The King had the benefit of the trade of two Ports, Cotiar (Trinco harbour) and Portolone (Puttalam), into each of which used to come yearly some twenty to thirty sail of small vessels which brought in considerable customs income."
    Demographics.1981 census: 86,743 Tamils; 86,346 Sinhala; 74,403 Moors The decline in sinhalese population in the Eastern Province (where many villages were traditional sinhalese villages) wich began in the second half of the 19th century has been noted by British civil servants, and also studied by Prof. Gerald. Peries.

    Terrorism The "Pulip Padai"-an armed precursor to Tigers was launched here on 12 August 1961, in front of Kooneswaram
    See Pulip Padai. The program of the Tamil Arasu party ("Federal" party) included a major role to trincomalee in an eventual Tamil Kingdom.
    Kulakkottan padai was a militant armed organization that came about in ~2000 under the aegies of the LTTE. A key componenet of the LTTE strategy during the Cease-Fire agreement (CFA) brokered by the Norweigiens was to strengthen and surround Tricomalee for its eventual capture. The Ranil-Chandrika government was warned of it by US intelligence, but no action was taken claiming it did not wish to "endanger the CFA". After the change of government in 2005 and the end of insincere "peace talks", the LTTE launched Eelam iv in the Tricomalee theater by closing the Mavil ara (Mavil oya) sluice gate on 21st July 2006, denying water to some 1500 farmers in the area.
    See Map along east coast
    ගෝකන්න
    සිරිගෝනකන්ද

    Thiriyayi, Tiriyai, Tiriyaya; திரியாய்(Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
    SIRIYAYA, THIRIYAYA
    Ancient names used in Pali-prakrit: Grikanttha, Girihadu, Tittuppana
    Hist. 'Girikanda Siva' was the name of an uncle of Pandukabhaya. Mentioned in the Mahavamsa, Visuddi magga etc. The two merchants Thapassu and Balluka, who brought the "Kesha dhathu" (hair relic) of the Buddha are credited with initiating the earliest shrine here ~ 2 century BCE or before. The "Vatadage Temple" ("temple with the round pavillion"), is one of the oldest dagobas in the world, with a 2nd cent. BCE stone inscription.
    Recent interest regarding "Girihadu saeya" ruins has arisen due to encroachment of Tamil Militants into archeological sites, even after the end of the Eelam wars.
    see Sinhala article by Sudath Senanayake, Divain, 10-August 2019

    As the Theravada-Mahavihara influence declined, Tiriyaya seemed to have been an important Mahayana center. An 8th Century CE sanskrit inscription was found here, with a a famous 8th cent. image of goddess Thara. This image from Thiriyaya, was gifted to the British Museum by Governor Brownrigg, and testifies to the status of Mahayana Buddhism during that period, since Thara is the consort of the Bodhisattva 'Avalokiteshvara'. The vatadage may have housed a statue of Avalokithesvara-natha. Iamges See Buddha in the crown: Avalokitesvara in the Buddhist Tradition of Sri lanka, by John Clifford Hold, Oxford U press (New York) (1991)
    See also entries under 'Tharapuram', Kandasamymalei, Kurukkalmadam, Nallur. Read about Thapassu and Balluka, Girihaduseya
    Denis Fernando has claimed that the port "near Tiriyaya, Kuchchaveli, presently known as Palavaki, is Jambukola, to which the sacred Bodhi tree was brought in the 3rd century B.C. from the port Tamalitti on the Ganges delta. See the write up under Dambakola
    Labeled #133, 134 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    Site 133 is the Siriyaya 'forest' area
    Site 134 is where the Buddha image was found.
    සිරියාය,   තිරියාය
    Thiruketheeswaram, Thiruketheeshvaram, Thiruketheesvaram, Tiruketheesvaram, Ketheesvaram (temple) (Mannarama [Mannar])
    SRIKETH-EESWARAMA temple
    Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, Annual Report: 1982.
    A stone pillar inscription in Sinhala by King Sena III (9 CE) is found here
    Although the existence of an ancient Hindu Temple with a Shiva Lingam has been persistently claimed by Nationalist Tamil writers no archeological confirmation or literary evidence has so far become available.

    Etymologically Thiruketheesvarm, or Siri-Keth-Eesvaram refers to the lord (Eeshvara) of plentiful paddy fields (Siri-Keth), and indeed, the Manthota to Anuradhapura region was probably the first historical region to see large scale construction of irrigation tanks ("Vaapi, Vewa, kulama"), e.g., Yodha vewa, initially known as (Manawatu vewa) where by this became the initial "rice bowl" of ancient Ceylon. King Washabha [vaasa+ abhaya] of the 1st century or late 2nd century BC had built 11 tanks in this region. Hence it is very likely that there was a local shrine to the gods to ensure rain and a good harvest. The temple of the "lord (Isvara)" of the paddy fields was Siri -Keth-Ishvara. Even today there are such regional shrines and deities who ensure bountiful harvests or "Siri-Keth".

    While Rameshvaram as well as the Skandha temple (at Kathirkamam) in the south of Sri Lanka are alluded to, no mention of the existence of a Hindu Temple here is found in the early Tamil literature of that period, e.g., of the Sangam period. Furthermore, there was much contact between the Sinhala monks of the Anuradhapura period, and the Tamil Buddhist and Jain scholars of South India, and no mention of a Saiva temple is mentioned until the time of Manikkavasagar (8th century CE) who according to the Saiva Puranas had participated in debates with Buddhist scholars from Cinkalam. British scholars too examined the question, and H. C. P. Bell in 1907 recorded that "some wealthy Tamils in search of the reputed 'Lingam' used 300 workmen for six months with the help of a soothsayer but found none except for some Buddhist objects, as also reported by Hocart in 1927. However, Nanacampanandtar (aka Thiru-Gnanasampanthar), the Saiva stalwart/Saint offers hymns to the Ketheesvaram temple and also to the Koneswarm temple at Gokanna. This is the earliest literary reference (7th century CE) to Ketheevaram temple found in the Tamil literature. Hence it is likely that the Ketheevaram Hindu temple came into being, or became significant only mainly after the rise of the Pandya Royal family. They were converted to Hinduism by Gnanasampanthar (7th century CE). The Edict of King Sena (9th centure CE) is near by, and it should be noted that both the sinhalese texts Nikaayasangrahaya and the Raajaratnakaraya record that King Sena was greatly influence by Hinduism, and indeed, very possibly by Mankikavaasagar on one of his visits to Cinkalam, the name used for Lanka in the Cankam literature. However, it should be noted that at that time, the sort of politicized antagonism between Hinduism and Buddhism that exists today due to Eelamist land claims did not exist then. Besides Theravadha Buddhism, there were other fusion forms of Buddhism and Hinduism like the Pasupathi Buddhist cult that was powerful at the Keeramaili temple (see our write up on it).

    The old Hindu temple which may have originated during the time of Pandyan hegemony in South India (7th century CE) was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1589
    The new Temple was built only in 1976

    The Buddhist ruins that have been found at this site are all pre-10th century.

    Thiruketheeswaram train station, rehabilitated in 2014 after its destruction by the LTTE during the Eelam wars.
    සිරි කේතීස්වරම
    සිරි කෙත්ඉසුරම (කෝවිල)
    Thirumangalai(SriGonakanda[Trincomalee])
    SIRIMANGALAMA
    Located in the Seruvila AGA division
    සිරිමන්ගලම
    Thirunelveli, Thirunelvely, Tirunelvely (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    HIRI-NELA-VELLA
    Meaning:   Tamil name, echos 'Thirunelveli' in Tamil Nadu. The Sanskrit word nilvaara and a corresponding Elu form nelavaara refer to 'wild rice'. Thus Hirinela is probabaly a wild variety of rice. The word 'nel' is commonly used for 'paddy' (bot. Oryza sativa) in Tamil as well. and the sinhala word 'veilla' (වේල්ල)is a bund, while "vaella" could refer to a streach of sandy ground. Thirunelveli is locaated near the Jaffna University area.

    On 23rd July 1983, the liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ambushed a Sri Lankan army petrol and killed 13 soliders, all of them ethnic sinhalese. The bodies of the soldiers were brought to Colombo for last rights. This proved to be the "spark" that flaired up into a deadly and violent conflict within an already highly polarized society that had seen ethnic riots since 1939, the first Tamil-Sinhala clash (see Dr. Jane Russell, Ceylon Under the Donoughmore commission 1931-1948) when G. G. Ponnambalam attacked the Sinhalese verbally at an election meeting in Nawalapitiya. The resulting riot was rapidly put down by the British, in contrast to what happened in later riots in the 1950s and 1970s.

    The violent conflict of July 1983, name a "pogrom" by some historians (e.g., Michael Roberts), led to violet attacks, looting and arson directed against largely innocent (and rather anti-LTTE) tamils living in Colombo and the suburbs. The distinguished historian K. M. de Silva has rejected its characterization as a "pogrom", with good reasons. However, it is clear that the government of the day did not move rapidly to estblish law and order. In fact, substantial complicity of some government polticians has been claimed. Surprisingly, all the senior law enforcement officers (Deputy Inspector Generals of police etc) of the time were Tamils, and their lack of action to protect their own community members has surprised many observers. Furthermore, even decades after the event, none of the DIGs has come forward to write their observations (see: U-Tube video by Douglas Wickremaratne), or clarify if their inaction was based on government directives, or due to threats from the LTTE itself. It has been claimed (e.g., by the Tamil writer Sebastian Rasalingam) that even the LTTE had a hand in igniting the riots. The LTTE wished to deploy communal infighting as a part of its separatist agenda. Attacks on Buddhist symbols like the Temple of the Tooth, carried out later by the LTTE were also designed to ignite similar riots against Tamils but the Sinhalese public has remained calm after the 1983 incidents. The international dimension regarding the 1983 "Black July" events has been discussed by Prof. Kodikara, University of Colombo, 1987
    හිරිනිල්වැල්ල
    Thirupalugamam (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    SIRIPALUGAMA, hiripalugama
    Kiripalu, hiripalu etc are names ascribed to 'palu tree'
    Mimusops indica variants which may have a lighter shaded leaf etc.
    හිරිපලුගම
    Thiruviyar, Thuruaiaru (Giranikkae[Killinochhi])
    GURUVANOYA
    Near Ranamaduva (Iranamadu)
    Thamilselvan, (the LTTE spokesman) was supposed to have been bombed here, 2007.
    secret meeting
    ගුරුවන්ඔය
    Thondaimanaru,Thondamanaru (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    THONDAMANOYA
    Presumably refers to the Chola Minister Karunagaran Thondaman, sent to procure
    salt for the Chola Kingdom. There is a 16th century Muruagn Kovil here, in Selasanithi.The worship at Selvasannithi is unique The temple priests perform pujas without chanting mantrams. Festival cart at the Murugan Temple.
    In addition, in the same area there is the "ashram" of Swami Gurubala, born Peter Schoenfeldt, built around 1945.


    In April, 1971, Thangathurai, known as mama (uncle) and some 15 others were making explosives at the Thondamanaru high school when a bomb went off, seriously injuring Chinna Sothi of TLO (Tamil Liberation Organization).
    The mangroves here support freshwater and saltwater crocodiles. See
    Santhiyapillai and Wijayamohan, Sunday Times, 1st Feb. 2004, p8.
    තොන්ඩමන් ඔය

    Thonikal, Tonikal,Tonigala(Vannimava[Vavniya])
    THONIGALA, ORUGALA
    Ancient Buddhist site
    The rock cliff has the shape of a canoe (Oruva), and gives the name "Orugala". Tamil for 'Oruva" is 'Toni'. A stupa on top of the rock, and an adjoining have been plundered and destroyed. Two important 4th century stone inscriptions. The Brahmi inscriptions have given rise to the name 'Nagaragama'. They also throw light on ancient banking practices etc. More details may be found in Lakshman Perera,
    The institutions of Ancient Ceylon from Inscriptions
    (Vol I 2001,Vol II 2003 and 2005)
    Labeled #95 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    තෝනිගල, ඔරුගල
    Thoppigala, Toppikal (Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
    See entry under Kudumpimalai
    තොප්පිගල
    Thorattapputti (Japanaya [Jaffna])
    Doratumukka
    This is a very small island in the mouth of the lagoon, and next to the Punnalai (Punnaga) causeway leading to Karaitivu (Karadiva). The word 'doratu' indicates 'entrance to the lagoon.
    දොරටුමුක්ක
    Thumpalai (Madakalpuva [Batticaloa])
    DUMPALAAVA, DOMPAALAVA, Thimbiriya
    The name may be related to 'Thimbiri'(Embryopteris glutinifera)
    Or it could also be related to a species of wild tobacco, a type of
    'milk weed' (solanum mauritianum) with yellow berries, common here.
    There is also a Dumpalaagolla (Thumpalan-cholai) nearby.
    තුම්පලාව,   තිඹිරිය
    Thunday, Thoondai (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    THUNDUVA, තුන්දුව
    This means a "thuduva" or a piece of land projecting into the sea. It could also mean "thun doova", or a formation as in a triplet of islands. There is a "thunduva" near Bentota, in the Southern province.
    තුන්දුව
    Thumpalancholai, Thumpalagncholai, Tumpalanchcholai (Madakalpuva [Batticaloa])
    THUMPALAAGOLLA, Thimbirigolla
    See write up under "Thumpalai".
    තුම්පලාගොල්ල
    තිඹිරිගොල්ල
    Thunukkai, Tunukkai (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    DUNUKAVA, DUNUKEYYAWA
    Hist.- Ancient Buddhist site. The Tunukkai inscription
    in Sinhala by Kasyapa (10th CE), and by Dappula IV, are significant.
    See also Vavnikulam War. Alleged location of LTTE jails
    see report, April 2006
    Named Dunukava in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    දුනුකාව
    Thuraineelavanai, Thurai Neelaavanai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    NEELAVAN-THOTA, SIRINEELAVANAYA
    This is in the GS area of Kalupanchithuda (Kaluvaagnchikkudi) and the name may be related to the existence of a ferry (thota) here. Another possibility is that the Tamilized name is "Thiri- Neelaavanai", and relates to the use of this site for religious observances. The name "neelavanaya" arises from the blusih aparence of the landscape ("vanaya") as reflected in the lagoon.
    නීලවන්තොට
    සිරිනීලවනය
    Thuvarimottai, Tuvarimoddei (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    THÕRAMOTTE, THÕRAMADÉ
    The 'o' sound in Thõra is long. The word madé, is sinhala for 'muddy'.
    'Thora' here is wild pea (Vajanus cajan).
    'Motté' ← Moddé ← Madé signifies a muddy, swampy place.
    Note that 'ma'→'mo' as in 'Bisava'→'Bisova', 'Maharu→Moharu'.
    See Gunasekera Comprehensive grammar of the sinhala language.
    The sinhala word 'mada' probably arose from 'Manda', skrt. for 'scum'.
    The latin word for 'marsh' is 'madeo'.
    The greek word 'mydos' means 'damp'. However 'mud', usually claimed to be
    linked to old german, may also have come from the latin 'madeo' (marsh)
    which may itself be connected with the Skrt. Manda → mire', as in
    'quagmire', used even today in english and french (tourbiÚre).
    The tamil word for such a place would be 'acumpu', 'ayam', 'cakati', 'sheru', etc.
    තොරමොටේ
    Tillaiyadi (Puttalama)
    THELLIYADDA
    "Thela" is the sinhala name of the milky Mangrove (Excoecaria agallocha) with a poisonous latex which can cause blindness. Also, "Liyadda" is a sinhala word for a grove of vegetation. Thus THELLIYADDA has a clear toponymic meaning. This is located near the Kalpitiya Lagoon
    ෙතලලිවදද්
    Tippansetti, Thippansetti, Thippancetti (Gokanna -Trincomalee)
    SIPPI-KAETIYA A
    Near Periya Kiniya, and south of Trinco. This is of interest as it is a center for illegal sand minning (in the Mahaweli river), and for other activities.
    සිප්පිකැටිය
    Tiriyayi, Thiriyai, Tiriyay; திரியாய்(Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
    SIRIYAYA, THIRIYAYA
    See under Thiriyai
    සිරියාය,   තිරියාය
    Tiruketheeswaram, Tirukkethishvaram, Thiruketheeswaram, Tiruketheeswaram (temple) (Mannarama [Mannar])
    SRIKETH-EESWARAMA temple
    Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982
    A stone pillar inscription in Sinhala by King Sena III (9 CE)
    Old Hindu temple was destroyed by Portuguese in 1589
    New Temple built in 1976
    Pre-10th century Buddhist ruins Thiruketheeswaram trains station, rehabilitated in 2014 after detruction by the LTTE
    සිරි කේතීස්වරම
    සිරි කෙත්ඉසුර (කෝවිල)
    Tirukovil(Amapre)
    SIRIKOVILA
    This location is mentioned in de Queyroz(p. 65) for its temple used by Vedda, Hindu and Buddhist people. The Hindu kovil is referred to as "tricoli" by de Queyroz probably because it had three Gopurams. There was an old Skanda (Murugan) temple associated with the Buddhist-temple complex which was destroyed by the Portuguese General Jeronimo de Azevedo who killed the Buddhist "ganinanses' of the temple. It is also marked in the Dutch map from 1695 Beeldbank National Archives, the Netherlands. At that time this was a sinhala settlement. The Buddhism practiced by the people included, as is the case today, significant Hindu elements. The Greek conqueror Alexander (or Iskander in Persion and Skanda in Sanskrit) has a strong presence here, closely linked to myths about Ravana. The place-name "Kandanpanan thuari' ((Kantapanan Turai) has been mis-interpreted as the port (thurai) or shore-landing of Skanda's weapon - alledgedly Skanda's arrow. (e.g., see Selvarajan Rasiah). However, the name "the port of Skanda's arrow" does not make much sense, and there is no legend about such an arrow locally or in other folk lore. In any case the word `panan' cannot be interpreted as `arrow' in old Tamil 9as may be checked from the Madras tamil lexicon or the Cologne old-Tamil dictionary). Noting that the `p' and `v' sounds easily interchane in place-names, the name is more likely to have arisen from from the "Kanda-vanan thara", where`vana' is old as well as modern sinhala for `forest'. Thus "Kanda-vanan thara" refers to the sea-portal to Skanda's forest. While the apotheosis of Alexander to the divine Skanda probably dates to pre-christian times, the Hindu/Pandyan kovil is believed to be from the 13th century.
    Hindu, Buddhist and Veddha people patronized the temple in the 19-20th century, when this was a stopping point for thePaadayaathra pilgrims going to Katharagama.
    The prefix "tri" in the Portuguese and Dutch renderings is probably not from "thun (three)", but from the Tamil "thiru" or the Sinhalese "Sri" or "siri" or the equivalent.

    Eelam Wars: Piyaratne Ranaweera of Galmunna (Kalmunai) police who escaped
    witnessed LTTE renegation of Balasingham's promise to President Premadasa
    The massacres of some 600 police were supposed to have been carried out
    around Sirikovila (Thirkkovil). See Globe and Mail, Toronto June15, 1990
    Map along east coast
    සිරිකෝවිල,   කන්දපැන්නතොට
    Tirumangalai, Thirumanagalai, Tirumangalavai (Sri Gonakanna[Trinkomalee])
    SUNETHRA VAEVA
    Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dept., Somasiri, 1982
    Ruins scattered over ~5 acre region. Ancient brickwork, stone work etc.
    Stone water receptacles, stone doors, etc. Currently a Saiva temple is
    being erected on this site.
    See also p. 300 of E. Medhananda (2003)
    සුනේ ත්රා වැව
    Tissamalei (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    TISSAMALUVA
    Disc. This is village which was part of the ancient complex of 'aaramagam'
    or temple villages, like Mallagama,
    Buthpura, Hunugama, Gothamaluwatte etc.
    තිසාමලුව
    Tolpuram(Yapanaya[Jaffna]) Thalapura
    see Jaffna map1
    තාලපුර
    Toppur (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
    THUPAPURA, STUPAPURA
    GDA Perera's article
    තූපපුර
    Tunnalai, Thunnalai (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    THUNNALA
    There is a Tunnalai North and Tunnali South.
    One of the earliest recorded caste clashes in independent SL took place here.
    See Caste clashes
    map
    තුන්නල

    Go to the top of the List

    U


    Udayarkaddu (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    UDAYAKADUVA
    උඩයකඩුව
    Udayarputi,Udayurputi, Uduyurputi (Puttalama)
    UDUKURUPOTHTHA
    small island, names as such owing to a stone that seemed like an 'upside down' shell.
    උඩුකුරු පොත්ත
    Udappu (Puttalama [Puttalam])
    UDAPPUWA, UDAPURA
    Fire walking and Skanda cult of Tamil and Sinhala devotees. Animal scrifices are conducted in temple festivals. See also M. Tanaka, Patrons, Devotees and Goddesses: Ritual and Power among the Tamil Fishermen of Sri Lanka(Kyoto). A Tamil fishing village which is probably Uddappuva is discussed in this book.
    උඩප්පුව
    Udimbikulam(Amapare)
    UDIMBIVAEVA
    LTTE activity- Jeevanatham base.
    උඩිඹි වැව
    Udupiddy,Uduppiddi, Uddupiddi (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    URAPITIYA
    as seen in Dutch maps. The Dutch VOC maps give this as 'Urepittie"
    Maps are available from nationaalarchief.nl/onderzoeken/archief
    An example of one the VOC Maps of Ceylon

    Urupitiya is an ancient Buddhist site, said to have been mentioned as "Urupitiya vanavasa Temple".

    This was the native village of T. Suthenthirarajah alias "Santhan" (LTTE name), who was convicted as one of the architects of the assasination of Rajive Gandhi on 21st May 1991. He was released in 2002, and died in Chennai due to Cardiac complicatations in 2024.

    Murugesu Sivasiththamparam was elected from the Tamil Congress of G.G. Ponnambalam in 1961 from this electorate. He was a member of Dudley Senanayke's government and Deputy speaker (1977-1970). Later he was President of the TULF, with Amirthalingam as General Secretary. In 1989, Sivasiththamparam survived assassination by the LTTE when leaders Amirthalingam and Yogeswaran were killed. Later he worked in support of Chandrika Bandaranaike-Kumaratunge (CBK) peace efforts that were aborted by brutal LTTE attacks in 1995, and an assasination attempt on CBK in 1999.

    This electorate has susbtantial "low-caste" residents, and Sivasiththamparam moved to Nallur and this paved the way for K. Rasalingam, the first ever "low-caste" person to be elected to Parliament from the North in 1977.
    ඌරපිටිය
    Uduththrurai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    UDUTHORA
    උඩතර, උඩතොට
    Uduvil (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    UDUVILA
    Meaning. In Tamil "vil" means "Bow" and has no immediate meaning.
    This is near Kantarodai. Four stone finials of dagabas, abd Buddha images have been discovered from the site.
    උඩුවිල
    Uhande, Uhandai (Ampara )
    Okanda, ඕකන්ද
    The Sinhala and Tamil names have been discussed by J. P. Lewis, (Journal Royal Asiatic Society, Ceylon Branch. Vol 12(42) 1891 p 111. and vol. 23 (67) 1914). Okanda is on the East coast and located at the edge of the Kudimbigala sactuary. Okanda
    ඕකන්ද
    Uilankulam(Mannarama[Mannar])
    VILGAMVAEVA
    Vilganvaeva→Villankulam→Uilnakulam.
    Govt. check-point on Vannima(Vavniya)-Mannarama road
    විල්ගම්වැව
    Ulathuveli, Ulatuveli (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    ULKATUVAELLA
    'Ulathu', or 'Ulatu' in Tamil provides no contextually useful meaning, and may have originated by a modification of the Sinhala "Ulkati", which means "sharp shells", or corals found on this beach ("Vaella" in Sinhala). Map of Naayara Laggon-උල්කටුවැල්ල -Kokkuthuduva
    උල්කටුවැල්ල
    Ullaikkali,Ullackalie (Gokanna[Trincomalee])
    ULLAKAELE, ULLACKALE
    This is a brackish water lagoon lined with Mangroves. It is fed by the Veru-gal aara and connected to the sea at its southern end. It is surrounded by forerst and scrubland, the latter giving it the Sinhala name from the ancient but small "Ullakaele Vihara", linked to the larger Lankapatuna Vihara.
    Soon after the sacred-relic site of Somawathie, the Mahaweli river splits into two arms. One of them flows towards Koddiar bay at Trincomalee to continue as a major under-surface canyon, and the other flowis in a north-east direction past Seruvila, to reach the Ullakale Lagoon located to the south-east of Trincomalee.
    There was/is a pilgrim foot-route from Kuchchaveli to Seruwila to Sri Paada, or to Katharagama, and included the Ullakaele Vihara and the Lankapatuna vihara. The more secluded Ullakaele vihara site has been in ruins and said to be completely destroyed during the LTTE occupation of the region during the Eelam war. However, the magnificient Lankapatuna Samudragiri Viharaya is still in the area and well maintained after the war.
    An attenmpt has been made in recent times to re-interpret the placename in terms of the Tamil name of a fish, for which there is little evidence, and the particluar fish is not even known to the local people in the area.
    Map
    Goole Maps, Ullakaele Lagoon
    උල්ලකෑලේ
    Ullukkulam, Ulukkulam(Vannimava[Vavniya])
    ILLUKVAEVA
    Ancient archaeological artifacts. There is a set of stone pillars, in pairs. This may be an ancient bridge. Also, ruins with pillars. N.b., there are also sites with the same name in Trincomalee south, near Anuradhapura etc.
    ඉලුක්වැව
    Unavattunai, Unavattanai (Galle-Matara)

    UNAVATUNA, UNAWATUNA
    Beach and popular resort area close to Rumassla (Roomassala. 'buano vista'), Galle. 'Roomasssal' itself may have come from "Roo-math-hela', or beautiful rock. It has also been claimed that the geomagnetic survey of the island reveals a disturbance in the magnetic field in this region, suggesting a cancellation of the earth's magnetic field due to rocks buried deep in the interior.
    The place-name name "Unawatuna" refers to a minor harbour - a cove or a small bay. The name is most probably derived from from Uuna-patuna (Oona-pattana, ඌන ;පට්ටන) - minor harbour (cf. Dambakola Patuna, Yapa Patuna etc.) or small cove. Javanese sailors or soldiers (cf. Chandrabhanu's invasion) may have used this area, since a place on the shore at Unawatuna bay, known as "Ja-kotuwa" i.e., "The Javanese fort", exits even today.
    The Buano Vista school was the Alma mater to Senerath Paranavithana, Martin Wickremasinghe, and Oliver Goonatilleke. See also Galle: Eternal Charm, book by Norah Roberts, 2005, Vijitha Yapa Publishers
    උනවටුන

    Unchalkatty, Unjalkattu (Mooladoova[Mulaitivu])
    (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    HUNUGALKATTIYA
    Labeled #28 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    Ancient Buddhist site, Listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982.
    හුනුගල්කට්ටිය
    Unnichchai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    URRISSA, URAHISSA
    ඌරිස්ස

    Uppukulam(Vannimava[Vavniyava]) KIVULVAEVA
    Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982
    Disc.-'Kivul' here refers to the water being 'hard' or salty. 'Uppu' in tamil, and 'uppa' in M, K, Tu., refer to saltiness or sweetness. 'Uppara' is also a Telugu caste of tank and well diggers, while 'uppalavan' are salt pans. See also p. 0419 of the Madras Tamil Lexicon.
    The Sinhala name specifically implies salty or hard water.
    An inscription at Mihintale refers to a 'Lonapi' or salty tank.
    There is a tank and at least 10 meditation caves.
    Labeled #130 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    කිවුල්වැව
    Uppukulam(Mannarama [Mannar]) KIVULVAEVA
    Fishing village in the Mannaram coast close to Vedithalthivu (Vidattaltivu, Andaradoova). The latter was used by the LTTE for weapons import using fishing boats. Earlier, it contained a mixed population of Muslim and Tamil Catholic fisher people. Some upper-caste Land owning Tamils, and a few Sinhalese traders also existed here till the 1980s. The Muslim's were evicted by force in 1990 by the LTTE and many of those IDPs still live in the Puttalama area.

    The Muslim-Tamil conflict has re-emerged, after the defeat of the LTTE, when some previously displaced Muslims returned from their Puttlama IDP encampments. The disputes arose in using the "Padawa" areas (a `paduwa' is a fisheries management zone where the fishing huts ('wadiyas') are put up and the boats are moored. The word `Paduwa' probably arose form the sinhalese `paa-doova' or 'lower-islet'. The Tamil 'Konthaipiddi', where 'Konthakarai' implies a sub-caste of fisher people, refers to the areas used by such sub-fisher castes.
    For a full report see Mannar: The Inside Story July 28,2012 Disc.-'Kivul' here refers to the water being 'hard' or salty.
    'Uppu' in Tamil, and 'uppa' in M, K, Tu., refer to saltiness or sweetness.
    See also p. 0419 of the Madras Tamil Lexicon.
    The Sinhala name specifically implies salty water.
    කිවුල්වැව
    Upparu (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    KIVULAARA, Kivul-ara, Kivul ara Disc.-'Kivul' here refers to the water being 'hard' or salty.
    This also agrees with the Tamil usage. 'Uppu' in Tamil, and 'uppa' in M, K, Tu., refer to saltiness or sweetness.
    See also p. 0419 of the Madras Tamil Lexicon.
    A new bridge was opened here in 2011.
    කිවුල් ඇර
    Uraniy(Monaragala, Bintenna)
    URANIYA
    There is a 'Nagadeepa Vihara' close to Uraniya. There are
    3 inscriptions, the remains of ancient structures, and the
    fragment of a 6-7th century inscription. The temple has also the
    ruins of an ancient dagoba.
    ඌරනිය
    Urezhu (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    URRISSA
    ඌරිස්ස
    Urelu(Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    URELIYA
    This is located near Vaeligama (Valikamam) and the Palyala (Palaly) base. Urelu was very much in the news even in the 1930s, opposing the attempts by the British government to ensure "equal seating" to school children irrespective of caste. See UTHR(j) report, Indian Army 1987 see Jaffna map1
    ඌරුඑලිය
    Uridyava, Uridiyava (Puttalama)
    HIRIDIYAWA
    හිරිදියාව
    Uriyan (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    HIRIYAYA
    හිරියාල
    Urumpirai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    HOORAMPILA   ⚓name
    Disc.- "Hoora" is old sinhala for 'Vedda'.
    'Piraay' is also a kind of tree (bot. Streblus asper) in Tamil, "Nitul" in Sinhala.
    This is a potato-growing, farming area
    Village of Sivakumaran, the first cyanide suicide, 5 June 1974, took place
    in evading capture while robbing a bank to raise money for a pre-LTTE militant group.
    Sivakumaran was claimed to be an "A-Levl" student with Chemistry
    as one of the subjects; see however, Rajan Hoole who says that he was an early
    school drop out and one of the "boys", i.e., armed militants of the Tamil United National front(TULF). There is also a picture of S. J. V.
    Chelvanayagam with Sivakumaran (c.f., article by Michael Roberts), establishing their links.
    See a Pro-LTTE report on Sivakumaran
    Map
    ඌරම්පිල

    Uruthirapuram (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    GURUSIRIPURA
    Labeled #20 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    Pre-Christian Buddhist site; Listed by Archae. Dept. Somasiri 1982.
    A large stupa existed (1964) near the tank, with two ancient buildings with stone pillars and other archaeological remnants. These have been destroyed by recent political activities. Tantric Buddhists used the seeds of the plant Elaeocarpus ganitrus to make 'Japamaala' or rosaries. A pre-Buddhist Upanishad is named 'Uruttiraatca'; Also, the the Sansk. name 'Rudraksha' involves Indian mythology regarding the Asura fortress 'tripura' and 'rudraksha' seeds (tear drops) falling from the eye of Siva. Thus the 'rudraksha' seeds have been used by Hindus in their rosaries from ancient times. In Sri Lanka the seed of the Veralu tree is sometimes used for this purpose. In the 'Buddhist' or 'elu' form of the name, the Asura city has become 'siripura', and 'Guru' is now consistent with the Upanishadic and Jain approach of distancing from the Hindu god figures.
    ගුරුසිරිපුර
    Urvanikanpattu (Giranikke[Killinochchi])
    GURUVAN PATTUVA
    "Guruvan" may indicate the colour of the ground, or may be related to, "Hira vara", a type of plant "Cadaba indica". Also, "Pattuva" is a standard stem-ending for "Place, Paettha, Pattana, patuna" etc.   Regional map
    කරච්චිය
    Usan (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    AVUSALA
    see Jaffna map1
    අවුසල
    Uttikulam (Vannimaava [Vavniya]) UTHTHIYAVAEVA
    Uttiya and his consort are mentioned in a stone inscription near here, in Periyapuliyankulam.
    උත්තියවැව
    Uyilankulam (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    GOVINAVAEVA, VILGAMVAEVA
    Same place name in (Mannnarama[Mannar])
    Vilganvaeva→Villankulam→Uilnakulam.
    Map
    ගොවින්නාවැව
    විල්ගම්වැව

    V
    Go to the top of the List

    Vadamarachchi,Vadamaradchi,Vedamarachchi, Vatamaracci (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    VAEDDIMURAEKIYA
    hist. Baldaeus, 1658 has recorded name forms.
    Disc. The name in S. could mean Watch location
    (Murakiya → murachchiya)
    of the Vedda folk; or 'Vaedi' simply means "arrive = vadeema".
    This location controls access to the Vanni from the Yapanaya peninsula.
    It is a district subdivision and not a town by itself
    War: Army/navy camps, see Gatakaduwa (Kaddaikadu) and
    Weralakuruna (Vettlakerni)
    See Vadamarchchi debacle etc
    SL military medal
    Operation Liberation and Eealam war I
    වැදි මුරැකිය

    Vadamarachchi (Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
    VAEDI-MURAKIYA
    N. B., this is not to be confused with the area in Jaffna Penn. with same name
    Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri
    Labeled #55 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    වැදි මුරැකිය
    Vadaliyadaippu (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    VAEDILIYADDA
    n.b. a` as in at; V`adda or Veddha
    Disc. ' Vadali' in T. could mean 'young Palmayrah'
    However, it seems more meaningful to identify Vada to be from 'Vedda'
    consistent with the sinhala
    වැදිලියද්ද
    Vaddakandal (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    VA`TAGANDARA
    kandal may also probably be attributed to a type of
    mangrove, botanical name Kandelia rheedii.
    or Rhizophora mucronata and Rhizophora candel.
    The word 'kandal' may also be atamilization of 'gandara',
    that is, the watery edge or swamp, where gan =river and 'dara' is
    related to 'addara'. 'The 'vaetta' indicates a demarcated area.
    වැද්දකන්ද
    Vaddakkachchi (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    VADDAKACHCHIA
    Disc. In T. 'Vadakk-' could mean "notherly direction"
    But this does not give a complete meaning
      Regional map
    වැද්දකච්චිය
    Vaddumkaddu(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    VAEDAMANKADUVA
    Ancient Buddhist ruins, near Hunugama(Chunnakam).
    වැදමන්කඩුව
    Vaddukoddai, Vadukkoddai, Vaddukkodai, Vaddukkodai, Vaddukoddei, வட்டுக்கோட்டை (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    BATAKOTTE
    meaning 'Batakotte' in S. means a fortified garrison of soldiers.
    History Battecotte, Battoekotte Batecotte are spellings found in Dutch maps.
    1719 Dutch map showing "Battakoette" ( Kaart van de provincie Walligammo met indeling in kerkelijke gebieden)
    Another old Dutch map, name given as Batekotta
    Source maps, Dutch period.
    Wone may wonder if Vaddukodai is vattukottei, meaning "circular fort". Vakra-kooti in Sanskrit can become Vakkotte in Sinhala or vattukottai in Tamil as a possibility. However, we reject this for clear reasons. When ever the Dutch found a place name or a proper name with a V they romanized it with a W. Thus we have Welligammo, or Warikkottur, etc., and proper names like Widyaratna rather than Vidyaratna which came during the British period.
    This is because the V in Dutch is an f sound. So, if the place name was Vakkotte, or Vattukkoddai, the Dutch maps should have been written as Waddukkotte and not with a B sound since the "B" sound does not exist in tamil. Names romanized during the English period did not have this V --> W transfer. Thus in Jaffna, Tamil proper names were translated mainly during the time of the American missionaries, and so we have "Visvanathan" rather than "Wiswanathan". The older Colombo Tamils who later became "Karuvaakkaattuth Thamilan" as they prospered under colonial rule got their names already during the Dutch period, used the W rendering, as in Wigneswaran from Colombo.
    In the 19th century, the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) had founded a Seminary in 1823 and we see from their nameboard and other records that the place name "Batticotta" was in use. The "Batticotte" seminary was closed in 1855 as the mission's objective of converting Hindus to Christianity was felt to have been unsuccessful. The Batakotte seminary is also mentioned by Emerson Tennent. The early period of American education has been covered by Dr. G. H. Piyaratna of the Vidyodaya University in "his doctoral thesis; American Education in Ceylon: 1810 to 1855" University of Michigan, USA. The first photograph taken in Ceylon in 1853, by Henry Martyn, is said to be that of a group of missionaries of the Seminary in front of the "Batticotte igreja" (church) built by the Portuguese in 1626. This church is now the Cathedral Church of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India consecrated as such on October 10, 1947
    See also, Ratnajeevan Hoole's discussion of What they are and How they Operate through Jaffna Central College and St. John's College Histories .
    Jaffna college was found in 1870, where the Batacotte seminary originally stood. The episcopal control moved from the American Ceylon Mission (ACM) to the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India (JDCSI).
    The "Vaddukoddai resolution" (1976) of the TULF was proclaimed here, officially setting in motion the "two-nation" policy advocated by the Thamil Arasu Kadchi since 1949 (prior to the Vaddukoddai resolution, the Arasu Kadchchi sought a Federal constitution as a first step, at least in its English language manifesto. The Tamil publications of the "Arasu Kadchchi" were more separatist). Vaddukoddai was the constituency of the TULF leader Amirthalingam, murdered by the LTTE which regarded him as a politician who was ready to compromise the separatist ("Eealam") objective. It was also the ancestral town of Senator Murugeysen Thiruchelvam, the ITAK minister in Dudley Senanayake's coalition government that fell in 1970.
    Modern battles for the control of christian missions. TULF resolution in 1976
    Rasalingam on the Two-Nation concept of the Arasu Kadchchi. Critique of Tamil Nationalism by Tamil intellectuals

    The villages near Battakotte are interesting as they demonstrate the structure of Tamil homesteads where the lower castes are in outer areas, with a control on them exercised by the church or temple. For example, Thunaivi is a small village in the Battakotte district where the people are mostly descendants of toddy tappers (relegated to the "Nalavar" caste). At the junction towards Sanagarathai whose original place-name is "Sangaradda", where "Sanga" is a Buddhist (or Jain monk), there is a Viravar-Kali temple of 20th century origin. It is owned by a "high-caste" See blog by Gagam, https://www.austms.org/news_and_events/Thunaivi_devt.pdf Respected owner of Thunaivi - Kali temple, We the residents residing close to the Kali temple, in the property of Maavaddi Addaikalamthottam Kanthaswami Templewrite to you as follows: We live under the line of poverty and have a difficult life. For 40 years we have lived in this Maavaddi Addaikalamthottam Kanthaswami Temple property in a crowded manner. We do not have lawful access to transport. We use the Kali temple access to access the main road. Now, NECORD organization is Reconstructing Thunaivi village. If you would donate part of Kali Temple land for a path that would join your access pa th, we could have electricity, transport and water facilities through this program. Therefore we are asking you kindly, humbly and prayerfully to allocate land for us to have a lane. family from Aralai (Aarala). The people living in the Maavaddi Addaikalamthottam Kanthaswami Temple property do not even have an access road (at the time of writing of this note, in 2004), access to water, transport etc., except via the Kali temple property, and have been basically poor surfs of the temple and land owners for a long time. It should be noted that sources of water, ground wells etc., are protected from "pollution" by the "high-caste" Tamils who regard even the very presence of of "low-caste" people near sources near water, food etc., as a source of extreme pollution. Hence they are not admitted to such places, temples etc. The owners live abroad and the property and the people have been "managed" by agents designated by the owners. According to more recent reports, improvements have happened, especially after the end of the Eelam confrontation, with the setting up of a "Sangarathai-Thunaivi Community Development" program with the help of Australian expatriates.

    බටකෝට්ටෙ
    Vadduvakal, Wadduvakal (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    VATUVAGALA   ⚓name
    the Indian Partridge, 'tittiri' in Skrt., and also in Pali. In addition, 'Kakkara' is used in Pali. A common name for the bird is "vatuva", or 'Us-vattuva'. This is located at the southern end of what was called the "No fire zone", the area used as the last stand of the LTTE in May 2009. The wreck of the Jordanian ship "Fara III" previously hijacked by the LTTE is located near here.

    Sri Raja Maha Vihara Buddhist temple was completed at Vadduvaakal Bridge, Mullaitivu in 2009 to serve the Armed forces resident in the area.

    Capturing the vatuvagala causeway   LTTE hostages escaping
    වටුවගල
    Vairavapuliyankulama (Vavnimava[Vavniya])
    VAYRAKOTIVAEVA
    Disc. In T., 'vairav' could mean "good"
    වයිරකොටිවැව
    Vakaneri, Vahaneri (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    VAHANERIYA
    The name may have come from 'Pahaneriya', a jutting out bund(paha ←prakaara)
    Names like "Pakaneri, Nanguneri" are also found in Tamil Nadu
    [T. neriya.] Cut or broken piece;To arch, curve, bend (MTL page 2344);
    Sinhala 'neraa yaama' - to butt out, project, bend
    Also, nernci, neri-netti may mean "elephant-grass in T.
    There is a tank (vahaneri tank) here. The railroad passes through this area.
    Hist. Dagoba, structures, pond etc.
    Walter Rupasinghe's account
    Clashes between LTTE and Karuna
    වහනේරිය
    Vakarai, Vaharai (SiriGonakanda[Trincomalee]) [Batticaloa])
    VIHARE, VAAKARÉ
    About 30 km north of Galthudava (Kalkuda)
    The name may mean 'Windy shore', or 'Vaakaré '
    The tamil word, vikaram, விகாரம is given on p3635 of the Madras Tamil lexicon as
    Vikaram=Buddhist temple (vihara) , but forms derived from the stub 'vakara' do not seem to be listed in this or other tamil, Malm. or kannada dictionaries Tradition holds that a temple complex for monks and pilgrims to the area existed here. Hence an altrantive origin for the name may have been `Vihare'.
    War: Eelam IV Eastern front; LTTE/SLF/Karuna in Dec 2006
    Army in Vihare' in Jan 2007
    Map
    Map along the east coast.
    වාකරේ,   විහාරෙ
    Valaichenai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    VALAS-HENA
    Valaha is a bear in Sinhalese, while a Hena is a land area used for traditional 'slash-and-burn' farming. Alternatively, the name could mean "Val hena", but there is a local tradition that this was called "Valashena".
    Disc. In tamil 'valai' could mean a 'net'
    , while the word for "bear" is "karati".
    Sri Lanka's firsy Paper factory was founded here.
    A 25-acre land plot at Omniyamadu, in Riditenna area of Valaichchenai police division has been identified as a site occupied by the terrorist group NTJ (National Thawheed Jamaat) responsible for the suicide bombings on Easter Sunday.
    Map
    වලස්හේන
    Valaippadu (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    VALAPAATHA
    වලපාත
    Valaiyankaddu (Mannarama)
    VALAYAKKADUVA
    වලයක්කඩුව
    Valagnchiyan Veli, Valanchiyan Vaeli (Mooladoova [Mullaithivu])
    PALAN-HETTI VAELLA
    Disc.-'Hetti, Chetty', or 'Cheyyar, hettiyar' are merchant groups referred to even in the Buddhist scriptures. Thus Anaathapindika was a "chetty" merchant. The place names Pollonaruwa, Pallonaruva etc., is sometimes said to contain references to Pulasthi, a mythical sage (earliest mention in the Rig Veda, III.53.16). Thus Palan-hetti are Chetty merchants associated with the city of Pulasthipura (Pollonnaruva). Associating Chetty merchants with various cities is quite common. The word 'Pallan' may also be 'Pollan', or 'Poron'. In that sense this mean "puraana-hetti", or simply "Aaadhi-hetti". For example, we also have the name 'Kasi-Chetty' which alludes to Chetty merchants from Benares (Kasi pura). 'Palan-hetti vaella' would thus be a 'sandy-field' associated with 'chetty' merchants from Pollon-nuvara (Pollonnaruva).
    It is common to find that the forms 'p','b', 'v' exchange, and 'palan ↔ valan' in many Dravidian languages. However,standard Tamil lexicons ascribe no clear meanings to the lexical forms or variants contained in this place name.
    පලන් හෙටිටි වැල්ල
    Valalai, Valalay, Valalaay (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    VAERALLA, DHOMATIYA, DHOMAETTA
    Disc. - Valalai ← Vazhalaay in Tamil may stand for a kind of clay ('Diyamaeti, Dhomaeti, Makulumaeti' in Sinhala) used in washing, and containing Bentonites and Montmorillite. It could be the origin of the place name, as in the case of the same place name found in Mannar. However, unlike in Mannar, there is no Montmorillite found here. This village is in the Vaeligama (Vallikamam) division of Jaffna, close to the Army. High security zone. Valalai has a Kaali temple.
    වෙරුල්ල,   දොහොමැටිය
    Valalai, Valalayi, Valalaay (Mannarama [Mannar])
    DHOMATIYA, DHOMAETTA
    The word 'Valalaai' in Tamil may refer to the Montmorillite and Bentonite clay (Fuller's earth, c.f., Valalai-Sutram in Sidhha-aurveda), found in this region. It is used in washing and clensing ('Dhomaeti') and may be the origin of the place name. The name 'Ottacci' is also used in Tamil for Fuller's earth. The Sittivinayagar temple, Neerpiddi murugan temple., and the St. Emilion church are
    found here.
    දොහොමැටිය
    Valithundal, Valiththundal (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    VAELITHUDUVA
    වැලිතුඩාව
    Vallaipadu, Valappadu (Giranikke [Killinochchi])
    VAELLAPATUNA
    Map with A32-B69-A9 roads.   Regional map
    වැල්ලපටුන
    Valliyapalli, Valliyappolai, Variyappalai (Mannarama)
    VAARIYAPOLA
    වාරියපොල
    Vallipunam (Mooladoova [Mulaitivu])
    VAELIPUNNA, VELIPAENNA, Welipenna, Vaelibunna
    "Valli" may mean young girl, Murugan's consort, or a creeper, while poonam or punam may mean full moon in Tamil. This, the Tamil name makes little sense until it is interpreted as a Sinhala name. The sinhala name "welipenna" is quite common, but we do not know if this was a name used for this location. It has been suggested that this is possibly "Vaeli-bunna" from (සුන් බුන්) stones and sand. An arid, sandy, broken-up field. But theere is no evidence for it. "Welipenna" does not necessarily mean "sandy-waterwater hole", as it could also mean "Valli-punya", or Vaelipina, implying a shrine to Valli-amma or Goddess Pattini.
    This is a small place on the Paranthan (Puran thaenna)-Mulative (Moladoova) highway where the Tigers had torture prisons and Victor Base I. the notorious "Sencholai" suide-cadre training center said to be used for training young girls and into Suicide cadre. When the army dsetroyed it in August 2006, the Tigers claimed that this was an orphanage. The army claimed that it was a training center that they needed to justify. See more details under Sencholai' and Arivuchcolai
    Amy Waldman, New York Times; Masters of Suicide Bombing: Tamil Guerrillas of Sri Lanka, 14-Jan-2003
    වැලි පැන්න
    (වැලිබුන්න)
    Vallikaman, Valikamam, Vellikamam (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    VAELIGAMA, Valukagama (in Chulawamsa) is a histriic area
    This is a district subdivision and not just a village
    Hist. 'Vaeligama' is mentioned in 'Sigiri Griffiti' -possibly 8th century CE. Dutch maps also indicate parts of the Jaffna peninsula as "Valikamam", and show that the name "Waeligama" වැලිගම held continuously till the time of the Sankilli era when the name was tamilized to Valikamam. In Tamil manal is used for sand, and not "Veli, vaeli" etc., native to sinhala and derived from Valuka in Pali.

    The Tissa Maha Viharaya (Kankesanthurai) is located in the Valikamam North GA Division of Thaiyiddi South. This area is also known as Sinhala Kaladdi. In the 1940s Ven. Kalutara Sheeladharatissa and Kalutara Pannanada found the ruins of the ancient Tissa Viharaya, discovered the site and began to restore it . The temple land is marked in both the English and the Tamil versions of the revised 1959 Jaffna one inch map of the Survey Department, Ceylon.
    In 1958, during the communal riots caused by the Sinhala language bills, Sinhalese living around the Tissa Vihara were forced out of the area, and Tamils have been settled in these lands without proper ownership. After the Eelam wars, a small aprt of the temple land was acquired, the temple was rebuilt with Ven. Bintota Nandarama as the chief priest (2018). Unfortunately, Eelam supporters have continued to affront the Temple and hence it is now under army potection.

    See history
    වැලිගම
    Vallipuram (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    VAELIPURA, Bandakara-Aethana
    Disc. In cases where the original toponym was definitely `Vaeli (sand)', we have the tamilization 'Valli'. However,the possibility that 'Valli' may refer to 'Valliamman' and related Pattini cults etc., is less likely given the Buddhist history of this site, and earlier recorded name as 'Vaeligama'.
    There is also a "Singai Nagar" here. According to legend, it is believed to be "sinhapura", built by some of Vijaya's companions. (see C. Rasanayagam, History of Jaffna).
    Vasabha Gold plate (1st century CE), pre-christian Buddhist Temple complex probably dating back to the 2nd century BCE. The inscription has been translated by Paranavithana in 1936 as: "In the reign of the great King Vasabha, and when the Minister Isigiraya was governing Nagadipa (modern Jaffna peninsula), Piyaguka Thisa Vihara was built at Badakara Athana [S. Paranavitana, ``Vallipuram Gold-Plate Inscription of the Reign of Vasabha." Epigraphia Zeylanica, vol. 4 pp 229-236, (1936).
    The Vallipuram plate has been discussed in more recent works as well (c.f., Ven. E. Medhananda), and by tamil-nationalist historians who have looked for a different interpretation without much success. This inscription also supports the view that 'Nakadivu' (Naagadeepa) is the whole of the modern Jaffna peninsula.
    Map
    වැලිපුර
    Vallipuram (Giranikke [Killinochchi])
    VAELIPURA,
    A village near the LTTE's political and administrative centre, Kilinochchi. Ins spite of reconstruction, joblessness reamins, with the wealthy tamil Diaspora not investing in the North. Heavy artillery and air strikes on LTTE artillery pieces, positioned on the Vanni east front, including Vallipuram and Devipuram, had caused a massive number of deaths among civilians, as revealed in the book Oru Koorvaalin Nizhalil, the biography of high ranking LTTE fighter, viz., Subramaniam Sivakamy alias 'Col' Thamilini. The LTTE had deliberately located such weapons among civilians to discourage attacks on them.
    වැලිපුර
    Valukkiaru, Vallukkiaaru (Yapanaya {jaffna])
    VAALUKA-AELA, VAALUKA-ARA
    'Valukagama' is an ancient name mentioned in the Deepavamsa.
    This is an old water stream which has existed from ancient times,
    but interrupted by sandy patches ('valuka'), as it is
    mainly fed by water
    වාලුකඇල,   වාලුකආර.
    Valvettithurai, Valvedditturai,Vellvettithurai, Velvettithurai(Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    VAELIVAETITHARA
    Disc. 'Va`ti', or 'Va`di' in S. is from 'Va`deema', 'vadda', approach, c.f.., Pali "vattani" for path, road.
    'Thara' is 'portal to the water', as in Sanskrit 'Theetha', Tamil 'thurai'.
    Thus the name means 'Sandy or scrub-land approach to the water'
    This is a Fisherman-Smuggler's village, mainly Catholic. When the Portuguese opened the sea lanes by controlling the Arab and other pirates, many ships passed through this region. Chetti traders from Tamil nadu built schooners similar to Portuguese ships and operated them using sailors from this area, and from Pt. Pedro (Peduru thuduva, Parithithurai)   Valvettithurai sailors   Westward Ho
    In 1942, April 7 leftist leaders Philip Gonawardana, NM Perera,
    Colvin R de Silva escaped to India in a 'Vallam" from VVT
    It is the birth-village of the LTTE leader 'V.Prabakaran'
    who eliminated and replaced the Colombo Tamil leadership. The LTTE
    developed fighters carrying cyanide pills, a sucide-bomb cadre,
    marine units, as well as child fighter brigades.
    Prabakaran and associates are wanted for the murder of Rajeev Gandhi,
    and murders of many Tamil, Muslim and Sinhala political leaders.
    He is hailed as fighting for "Eelam", an independent Tamil state, by many Tamils.
    P. Nadesan, LTTE polic chief, and political spokesman, is also from this town.
    Map
    වැලිවැටිතර
    Valvetty (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    VAELIVAETIYA
    වැලිවැටිය
    Vanathawilluwa (Puttalama)
    VANAATHAVILA
    වනාතවිල
    Vankalai (Mannarama [Mannar])
    VAKKALA, VAKGALLA
    'Vakkala' probably signifies a curved (sea?) passage among stones: Vakgalla → Vakkala → vankalai. Archaeological site (Carswell, John. 1991. "The Port of Mantai, Sri Lanka." ).
    The Vankalai sanctuary and Ramasar wetlands - the proposed area is bounded by Vankalai, Puliyantivu Island and Tiruketiswaram and includes the causeway between the mainland and the Mannar island. Ramasar wetlands and maps
    War: Home of Mary Qincy, LTTE suicide bomberr who attacked (17 Mar 1999) Chief Inspector Mohammed Nilabdeen, head of the anti-terrorism unit who survived the attack. The woman bomber jumped in front of a car carrying Chief Inspector Mohammed Nilabdeen of the Mount Lavinia police terrorist investigation unit, police said. Nilabdeen was wounded and hospitalized but doctors said he was out of danger. The attack took place when Nilabdeen was driving home from the Mount Lavinia police station after receiving a phone call saying that his wife was ill, police said. Beside the bomber, the dead included a man who swallowed a cyanide capsule when apprehended at the blast site, police said. Nilabdeen cracked the Chadrika assasination attempt However, under continued LTTE threat Nilabdeen left the country

    Birth place of Rev. Br. Baptist Croos, FSC
    වක්කල
    Vannankeni(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    VANNAKAENNA
    vanna-kaenna' is a dugout (well) used by the washer caste
    see Jaffna map1
    වන්නකැන්න
    Vannankulam (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    VANNARAVAEVA, VANNANVEVA
    'Vannan' probably refers to use by the washer caste.
    However, it is unusual to delegate a whole tank to a washer caste,
    unless it is a very minor tank.
    'Vannara' refers to any type of monkey
    Map
    වන්නරවැව,   වන්නන්වැව
    Vannarponnai, vannarapannai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    VANDURUPEANNA, Paramanantham Kokulakrishnan alias Kalaikkoan, The head of LTTE's Navam Academy was from Va'n'naar-pa'n'nai, Jaffna. He was already partially blinded after a mine explosion and is believed to have been killed in Mulliyavaikkal in May 2009.
    වඳුරපැන්න,   වානරපැන්න
    Vannivilankulam (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    VANNI-VILA, Vannivil vaeva
    'Vanni' in sinhala/prakrit means "forest". In Tamil 'vanni' refers to "clothes for washing", and "Vanniyar" is the corresponding caste. See Madras tamil Lexicon, p3565 for this another meanings which have no toponymic relevance.
    This place is located on the (Muvaavaeva) Mankulum-(Bellanvaeva)Vellankulam road Administrative Map, DS division Manthai East
    වන්නිවිල වන්නිවිල්වැව
    Vantharumoolai, Vantharamullai, Vandaramoolai,Vantharumoolai Colony (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    VANDURUMULLA, BANDARAMULLA, BANDARAGAMA
    Sinhala names like `Bandaragama' etc. exist in the south.
    It is not clear if the name comes from the kandyan 'Biso-bandara'
    name or not, since this is an old site from the Ruhuna-kingdom times
    In reverting from tamilized forms, we need to respect history AND also
    remain close to current usage.
    Hence a compromise choice for the name would be
    BANDARAMULLA
    Map
    වඳුරමුල්ල,   බන්ඩාරමුල්ල
    Vannathi Palam(SriGonakanda[Trincomalee])
    SAMANALA AMUNA
    The 'Ceylon Steel Corporation' was a 'public benefactor' who repaired
    the Ancient temple here, in the late 60s.
    සමනැලඅමුන
    Varany (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    VALAANA, Varama
    වලාන,   වරාන
    Vasavilan (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    VAASAVILA
    වාසවිල
    Varanai Iyattali(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    VARAN-YATTALA
    Disc.- Signifies a hamlet occupied by those
    'who have been granted permission'.
    see Jaffna map1
    වරන් යට්ටල

    Varikottur, Warikkottur, Varikuttiuruwa, Varikuttiuruva (Vannimava [Vavniya])
    VARIGANAM PURA, VARIKOTHTHOORUVA
    Disc.- 'Variganam pura' is an old town where tax levies were probably settled. In Tamil the 'ur' ending is a remnant of "(p)ur" for a town. 'vari' and 'Kottu' fit in with the above meaning. Ancient Buddhist site; in the list by Archaeo. Dep. Mr. Somasiri, 1982. Labeled #120 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    වරි ගනම් පුර
    වරිකොත් තූරැව
    Vathiry, Vathiri (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    PAHIRIYA, Paahitiya
    The name seems to refer to the "Palol tree" Stereospermum chelonoides also said to be known as "paahiriya" tree ('Fragrant Padri tree'). The "p" sound has been replaced by the 'V' sound in Tamil.

    Rasiah Aravintharajah alias "Visu", the LTTE agent and intellegence operative who worked with Peter Leon Aloysius alias "Vigna" to plan the asssination of Amirthalingam came from this town in Vadamaarachchi. Visu had undergone terrorist training from the Indian military at Juwalamukhi in Himachal Pradesh. <
    පහිර
    Vatharawathai, Vataravattai, Vatharawathal(jaffna[Yapanaya])
    VAASALVATTA, KAEKURUVATHTHE
    Vathari (or more commonly Nari-Illanthai) in Tamil,
    is The Masan or Kaekuru Tree in Sinhala, Ziziphus jujuba.
    'VAASALAVATTA' points the origin to the location of a 'stately mansion'.
    see Jaffna map1
    වාසලවත්ත,   කැකුරුවත්ත
    Vattappalai, Vattarappalai, Wattraipalai   வற்றாப்பளை (Mooladoova [Mulaitivu])
    YATRAPOLA, VATAVIHARE
    The name Vattapalli or round-temple (VATA-VIHARé) is associated with the Pattini (Kannaki) temple, built by Gajabahu I (114-136 CE) thus fusing Buddhist and Pattini worship. This is also a rest-point for a 'Paadayatra' (Paada=feet, yathra= means of locomotion) pilgrims going south, for example, to Katharagama, or going North, following the sacred places mentioned in the Buddhist text Nampotha.
    Rural resting spots for such pilgrims were known as `ambalams'. They existed all over the country. Images of `Ambalams' in the Meerigama area. The town known today as `Ambalangoda' in the southern coast had many such `ambalams' used for Paada-Yathra to Katharagama (Kathirkamam) via the southern route. "Pattini" as well as "Alexander" (Iskander → Skanda) are deified in Katharagama, within a non-Saivite (Murugan) devotional setting.
    Vattappali Amman Temple

    The alternative allonym may be related to 'paadayathra', or to the use of the location as a marina for boats.
    We may also note that 'vattapalai' is one of the ancient Tamil musical arrangements, although its relevance is probably minimal. The sinhala word 'vala' →'palai' in tamilization provides
    another possible etymology for this place name. Thus 'vaturavala'
    may suggest a source of water or a spring.
    It is today claimed to be an LTTE sea-Tiger base.
    යාත්රපොල
    වටවිහාරෙ
    Vavunakkulam (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    VANNIVAEVA
    'Vanni' in sinhala/prakrit means "forest". In Tamil 'vanni' refers to "clothes for washing", and "Vanniyar" is the corresponding caste. See Madras Tamil Lexicon, p3565 for this another meanings which have no toponymic relevance. "Vavuna" does not exist in Tamil. The transformation of "vanni" to "vavni" is already noted in sinhala, with respect to Vavniyava.
    වන්නිවැව
    Vavnative, Vavunativu, Vavunathivu(Madakalapuwa (Batticaloa])
    VANNIDOOVA, Vavniduva
    'Vanni' in sinhala/prakrit means "forest". In Tamil 'vanni' refers to "clothes for washing", and "Vanniyar" is the corresponding caste. See Madras tamil Lexicon, p3565 for this andother meanings which have no toponymic relevance. "Vavuna" does not exist in Tamil. The transformation of "vanni" to "vavni" is alredy noted in sinhala, with respect to Vavniyava.

    On Novermber 29, 2018 the first violent action by the radical Islamic group National Thawheed Ja'mat (NTJ) was carried out when two policemen. Dinesh Alagaratnam, 28, from the Kalmunai area, and Niroshan Indika, 35, (a father of one child) from Udugama in Galle, were killed in execution style at dawn while on duty at a police checkpoint in Vavunativu on November 29,2018. Their wepons were taken. The crime was at first ascribed to LTTE groups becoming active again and two former LTTE members, Kadiramathambi Iraja kumaran (Kannan,40) and Rasanaygam Sarvananthan, had been taken into custody over the killings.
    However, after the horrific Easter bombings on 21-April-2019 carried out by NTJ, investigations revealed that the NTJ had carried out the crime. The weapons stolen from the police were recovered. Zaharan Hashim, the alleged leader of the Eater aAttacks, also led the murders of 2 police in Vavunathivu, Batticaloa on 29/11/18, according to Zaharan?s driver (CID source). Who killed two policemen on duty in Vavunativu on 30-Nov-2018?, Daily Mirror, Piyumi Fonseka
    The NTJ had Police believe the attempt on his life was in retaliation for Mr Naslim?s role in identifying the suspects who, in December 2017, damaged several Buddha statues in Mawanella. The three suspects have also admitted to their role in the attempted assassination of Mohamed Naslim, coordinating secretary to Minister Kabir Hashim in Mawanella in March 2019.
    වන්නිදූව
    Vavnikulam(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    VANNIVAEVA
    This in the Dunukaava (Tunukkai) DRO div.
    'Vanni' in sinhala/prakrit means "forest". In Tamil 'vanni' refers to "clothes for washing", and "Vanniyar" is the corresponding caste. See Madras tamil Lexicon, p3565 for this andother meanings which have no toponymic relevance. "Vavuna" does not exist in Tamil. The transformation of "vanni" to "vavni" is already noted in sinhala, with respect to Vavniya. Ancient Buddhist site; A brick foundation, two pillars, alter
    moonstone, several ancient mounds, and a torso of a standing Buddha
    have been found. See also, Ven. E. Medhananda (Pachina passa-uttara passa 2003)
    වන්නිවැව
    Vavnikulam[Mooladoova[Mullaithivu])
    VANNIVAEVA
    This is 11km S-W of Muvaveava(Mankulam), in the
    Tunnaka(Tunnakai) DRO division.
    It is the biggest Tank in the Mooladoova district. Jayapalan, a Tamil poet ('Kavithaigal - Perunthogai') has drawn attention to the caste struggle in the Vanni villages. Ancient Buddhist site; A brick foundation, two pillars, alter moonstone, several ancient mounds, and a torso of a standing Buddha have been found
    වන්නිවැව
    Vavuniya (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    VANNIMAVA
    Traditional entry to the Vanni , a word derived from
    the Sinhala vana = forest.
    Disc. The name 'Vavnimava →Vavnia' is sometimes interpreted as meaning
    'end of tank construction', but it is more likely that the name is
    a modification of 'Vanni-nimava', i.e, the end of the Vanni.
    Thus 'Vannimava → Vavnimava →Vavniya' 'Vanni' in sinhala/prakrit means "forest". In Tamil 'vanni' refers to "clothes for washing", and "Vanniyar" is the corresponding caste. See Madras tamil Lexicon, p3565 for this and other meanings which have no toponymic relevance. "Vavuna" does not exist in Tamil. The transformation of "vanni" to "vavni" is already noted in sinhala.
    For Vanni caste, sociology etc. Manual of the Vanni J. P. Lewis.
    War Currently, the Army checkpoint to and from the Vanni, is at Omanda (Omanthai), just north of Vannimaava.
    See Youth gangs name after tamil films.
    Army map
    වන්නිමාව
    Veddukkadu(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    Vaevumkaduva
    Disc.- 'vaevumkaduva' is a piece of jungle land brought
    under cultivation; The sinhala name could be translated
    as 'vettu-k-kaatu' into Tamil, and may have become veddukaadu. Vettu in Tamil usually means cutting, as with an axe or sword. Vettu-k-kattu is a thiket which has been cleared by cutting
      Regional map   see Jaffna map1
    වැවුම්කඩුව
    Vedithaltivu, Vedithalteev, Vettithaltivu, Vidathaltivu (Mannaram [Mannar])
    Andaradoova,
    This 'fishing village' was the main entry-point of LTTE weapons from the Mannaram coast, borugh in fishing trawlers from the Tamil-Nadu coast. The area was 'ethincally cleansed' of Muslim inhabitants in 1990 by the LTTE. see entry under Vidathaltivu
    අන්දරදූව,   විසගල්දූව
    Vedivaithakallu (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    VAEDAVASGALLA, Vedawasgala
    rocky caves used for mediation existed here. Only a short distance south of here, close to Kelabogaweva, you find the ancient SapumalgaskadaBuddhist Vihara complex while Veherataennae and Buddhangala are east of this location.
    Map of the area
    වැඩවස්ගල්ල

    Vedukkunari-malai, veduk-ku-nārimalai (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    Vaedi-Kinnara-male, vadi-kinnara-kanda
    rocky hill. Kinnara were a group of people who were outcastes.
    The kinnara people were like the "saedol" people. Those who earned a living by hunting were known as "vaedi-kinnara".
    The Tamil place name is most likely derived from the Sinhala, since the componet terms "Vedu-k-kunari", make no toponymic sense. "Vedu" could mean "trembling", while "kunari" is not a recognized tamil word.
    The meterial in this entry should be supplemented by a reading of thedetails given under Nedunkenri Vanni Buddhist sites map

    Ancient Buddhist ruins, Listed in 1982 by Archaeo. Dept. Somasiri, 1982.
    This is near Ariyamauva and Naedunkurana. Sevearl abandoned tanks; the
    folk legends claim this to be an ancient domain (Vaddamana hill)of the
    Naaga people of early legends. There are remnants of two stupas on
    the hill. The stupas have been plundered by treasure hunters.
    Possibly some six or seven stone Sri Padas, remnants of buildings
    as well as many meditation caves seem to have existed.
    2nd century BC Brahmi inscriptions are found in three caves. These inscriptions
    are discussed by Ven. E. Medhananda, p 376 (Pachcina passa-uttra passa, 2003).

    Labeled #49 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    Parts of ancient buddhist archeological remains of a Buddhist temple have been erased and the site taken over by Hindu militants during the LTTE occupation of the area. A Hindu temple dedicated to Athi Ayanara had been built. A "lingeshvar" devotional site has been installed.
    After the defeat of the LTTE, archeological department once again began to exercise its authority in these areas, and in 2018 the Archeological department prohibited the expansion and other such activities at the make-shift Hindu temple. More recently, legal proceedings have been undertaken against destruction of an archeological site, but but the vandals have not presented themselves in court, and are said to he hiding.
    වැදි කින්නර මලේ, වැදි කින්නර කන්ද

    Veherabaenda Vaeva(Vannimava[Vavniya])
    Ancient Buddhist site
    Remnanats of a large stupa, said to be built by Viharamaha devi.
    Labeled #104 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    වෙහෙරබැන්දවැව
    Velanai (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    BELLANA
    Disc.- 'Velan' in tamil connotes meanings related to the Velala caste, as well as to Skandha.
    However, this part of the ocean and shore were connected with
    Oyster fishery, and we consider that to be the origin of the "Bellana" name,
    where "bella" is generic sinhala word for Oysters, Clams etc.
    'Muttu' or pearl fisheries were also part of the tradition here.
    Near Uruthota(Kayts), Perumkulam Muttumari Amman Kovil
    Civil war
    බෙල්ලන
    Velikkandai Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    VAELIKANDA
    වැලිකන්ද
    Velikkandal (Giranikke, [kilinochchi])
    VAELIGANDARA
    This name may probably be attributed to a type of
    mangrove, botanical name Kandelia rheedii.
    or Rhizophora mucronata and Rhizophora candel.   Botany
    The word 'kandal' may also be a tamilization of the sinhala 'gandara',
    that is, the watery edge or swamp, where gan(ga) =river and 'dara' is
    related to 'addara', neighbourhood.
    වැලිකන්ද
    Velikulam, Vellikulam (Vavnimava [Vavniya])
    VELIVEVA
    වැලිවැව
    Velli Arasu Nadu (Eastern province])
    WELLASSA, VELLASSA
    S. O. Canagaratnam wrote a "Manograph on the Batticaloa District of the Eastern Province of Ceylon" mentions that the original Sinhla name Wellasa has subsequently been tamilized as Velli Arasu Nadu. But this form has not caught on. The sinhla form Vellassa, (vel-laksha) if often interpreted to mean "a lakh of Paddy plots (Vel)". Another view is that this area was "under the Eye of the Goddess "Valli (Valli-amma or Pattini)", and hence known as "Valli-aessa" → Wellassa
    The 19818 uprising of the Sinhalese, led by Keppetipola, (and also by a relative Duraisami, of the deposed king Sri Vikrama Rajasinghe), against the British when they did not live up to the 1815 Kandyan-British Treaty was ruthlessly put down by the British in a genocidal manner. Wellassa faced the brunt of the massacre. English set fire to the live population in the villages, houses, livestock, and whatever they could burn, and razed the area to the ground. The Kandyan peasants were driven out of the central hills and their land was targeted for Coffee plantations, which later became Tea plantations. 1818 Rebellion against the British.
    වෙල්ලස්ස
    Vellamanal (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
    VAELIVAELLA
    වැලිවැල්ල
    Vellamullivaikkal, Vellaimullivaikkal (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    VAELBATU-AGALA,Vael-batu-vakkkadé VAELBATUVAKKDE   ⚓name
    Sign board Meaning:  In S., Agala is a channal or sewer. Vakkadadaya is a water sewer or "Agala, (va)ggala, vakkala". In Tamil vaikkal could also mean a water sewer or drain. "Mulli" could also refer to "Batu"and "Vaelbatu" is a common species here.
    This is in the No Fire Zone in 2009   designated in 2009 during the LTTE last stand, Karaithuraipatru (Karathota-pattuva) AGA division, Mooladoova.
      Claims of civilian casulties in the NFZ   report in the Island, 16-may-2009   Tiger protests in world capitals   Velupillai Prabhakaran, the Leader of the LTTE was killed here in May 17 2009.
    See discussion under "Mulliyavalai"
    වැල්බටුවක්කඩේ
    වැල්බටු අගල
    Vellankulam (Mannarama [Mannar])
    Ancient Buddhist ruins, see p78 E Medhanada(2003)

    BELLANVEVA
    බෙල්ලන්වැව
    Vellavely (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    VA`LIVELLA
    වැලිවැල්ල
    Veloor (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
    VELGAMA
    n.b.: Sanskrit/pali "pura" → "(p)oor" → Dravidian/tamil: "oor"=village or city.
    වෙල්ගම
    Veerancholai (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    VEERGOLLA
    'Veera' is a tree, 'Drypetes sepiaria', found in the dry zone.
    වීරගොල්ල

    Veerappanumaduva, Veerapanmadu(Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
    VEERA-PAENUM-MADUVA
    Ancient Buddhist site, listed by Archaeo. Dep. Somasiri, 1982
    Labeled #81 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    වීරපැනුම් මඩුව
    Venavil, Vaanavil (Mooladoova [Mullaithivu)
    THIRUVAANA VILA, VAANAVILA
    This is located close to Aluthkulissa (Puthukudiruppu) and believed to be part of the LTTE military establishment. 'Thiruvaana' is a quartz-like stone.
    තිරුවානවිල
    Vennappuva, Wennappuwa வென்னப்புவ(Puttalama)
    Vennapura, Wennappuwa.
    This place name is probably the one mentioned in the Chulavamsa and may have come from a name like wenpura, where 'vena', wena' is a caste that weaves baskets using reeds. Given the closeness of this village to Kalpitiya (Galpitiya) and the watery neighbourhood where reeds abound, this etymology may be reasonable.
    Today it has a significant catholic presence, and the family of Sardiel (19th century hero) has links with this town.
    වෙන්නප්පුර
    Veppankulam (Vannimava[Vavniya])
    Kohombavaeva
    Disc.- Kohomba is Sinhala for 'Margosa' (Azadirachta indica)
    'Veppan' is one of the many word-stubs in Dravidian (Tamil,Malayalam, K)
    referring to Margosa related trees, oils, leaves, bark etc.
    4 km west of Vannimava(Vavniya), on the Mannarama road.
    LTTE-SL army, constant clashes
    කොහොඹවැව
    Veppanveli (Ampare)
    KOHOMBAVAELLA
    This is close to Thoppigala and has been an LTTE camp
    කොහොඹවැල්ල
    Veppal Forest Reserve (Wilpattu)
    VAEVVALA (forest reserve)
    This is part of the Wilpattu forest complex.
    Etymology: In Tamil, accoding to the Madras Tamil lexicon, veppal means "An inferior kind of soil, light greyish brown earth, lumpy and free from stones". We note the "V-->p" transfromation common between Sinhala and Tamil and consider the name to be a tamilzed verson of Vaev-vala, i.e., a forest with little "tanks" or "villu".
    වැව්වල
    Vettilakerni Vettilaikerni (Yapanaya [Jaffna])
    BEDILI-KAENNA, VEDILUNUKAENNA
    vettila in Tamil refers to Betel pepper. However, this is a beach head where no betel could possibly grow. The Sinhala name "Bedili-kaenna" implies a digging to partition the land. The sounds "V" and "B" interchange easily esp. in Dravidian etymology. That the name seems to imply a digging (Kaenna) for saltpeter (Vedilunu) used
    in gunpowder, has also been suggested to us but there is no supporting evidence.
    War: Army camp-Naval base east of Alimankada (Elephant Pass). The first battle for Alimankada, i.e., Operation Balavegaya , a massive amphibious operation under Kobbekaduwa was attempted via a sea borne landing at Vettilakerni (Bedilikaenna), located 12 kilometers east of Elephant Pass, scheduled for 14:30 hours on July 15, 1991. Once the beachhead was secured, Gen. Kobbekaduwa authorized Brig. Wimalaratne to link up with the garrison in Alimankada (Elephant Pass), about 10 km away.
    Sea piracy: in October 1994 LTTE destroyed the MV Ocean Trader off Vettilaikerni shores.
    බෙදිලි කැන්න
    වෙඩි ලුනු කැන්න
    Verugalai, Verugal, Verukal (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    BERUGALA, VEHERAGALA
    There is also a Verugal Ara, which is simply the "aara" which flows by Verugalai. Beru is a type of tree as discussed in regard to the place-name Beruwala. Hence the name may have originate from trees growing between the rocky regions in this old Buddhist site. The more likely etymology is as follows: this old Buddhist site may have also been called "Veheragala", as stated by some traditions. However, there is at present inadequate source material to decide on the name. In Tamil, the word "Veru" may mean "poisonous drug",or "fear, dread", etc., and has no appropriate contextual meaning here. War: Karuna's rebellion against Prabhakaran failed, partly because it was betrayed by President Chandrika Bandaranaike-Kumaratunga who worked on the side of the LTTE and instructed the Navy to permit a sea landing behind Karuna lines at Verugal, by Prabhakaran?s forces, in violation of the CFA.
    LTTE base till 2006, see links under the entry Somapura, sampur
    වෙහෙරගල
    Verugal (Sirigonakanda [Trincomalee])
    VEHERAGALA, VIHARAGALKANDA (temple)
    New Hindu temple named Verugal Mohotturan Neela Amman Kovil build in 2002
    See SL Parliamentary debates, Oct. 7 1983, distr. of Buddhist shrine
    Vihara Gal kanda
    වෙහෙරගල
    Vidatalpalai, Vidattalpalai,Wedithalpalai, Vidathtalpazhai (Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    ANDARAVALA, VISAGALPALLA, VISADALPALLA
    See also Vidataltivu
    Andara, Dichrostachys cinerea , or Mimosa cinerea is a thorny shrub known as 'Vidaththal' in Tamil.
    This plant has over 70 tamil names and some 20 Sanskrit names (Bahuvaraka,..,Virtaru).
    The Tamil name 'Anantter' may be derived from the sinhala 'Andara'
    It could also refere to a centipede.
    'palai' may also have evolved from the sinhala 'vala'.
    Map
    අන්දරවල,   විසගල්පල
    Vidataltivu, Vidattaltivu, Wedithalthivu, Vedithaltivu விடத்தல்தீவு (Mannarama [Mannar])
    ANDARADOOVA, VISADALDOOVA
    Disc.- 'Visa-dal' may refer to a kind of centipede, snake or a type of vegetation (plant). 'Andara', Mimosa cinerea, a thorny shrub, is known as 'Vidaththal' in tamil.
    The 'thorns' are the 'visadala' in Andara. This plant has over 70 tamil names and some 20 sanskrit names (Bahuvaraka,..,Virtaru). The tamil name 'Anantter' may be derived from the sinhala 'Andara'
    It could also refere to a centipede, since, in tamil, 'vitataali' may also mean a centipede as well. The tamil form விடுதலை .... could also be related to "liberation", "emancipation" etc., but this place name cannot be connect with such a meaning except by a big lexicological stretch.
    Fishing villages in the Mannaram coast close to and centered at Vedithalthivu (Andaradoova), were used by the LTTE for weapons import using fishing boats. Earlier, it contained a mixed population of Muslim and Tamil Catholic fisher people. Some upper-caste Land owning Tamils, and and a few Sinhalese traders existed here till the 1980s. The Muslim's were evicted by force in 1990 by the LTTE and many of those IDPs still (this entry is in 2012) live in the Puttalama area.

    The Muslim-Tamil conflict has once again raised its head, after the defeat of the LTTE, even while the previous displaced Muslims remain in Puttlama. The disputes arose in using the "Padawa" areas (a `paduwa' is a fisheries management zone where the fishing huts (wadiyas) are put up and the boats are moored. The word `Paduwa' probably arose form the sinhalese `paa-doova' or 'lower-islet'.
    For a full report see Mannar: The Inside Story July 28,2012 Army captures Andaradoovaඅන්දරදූව (Vidattaltivu) sea tiger-base 16-july-2008
    අන්දරදූව,   විසගල්දූව
    Valaikattiravu(Madakalapuva[Batticaloa])
    DAEL-PARITHTHA
    Disc.- The name in Sinhala means "net-spread", or a place used
    to spread fishing nets., In T. it means 'fishing nets used to catch fish'.
    දැල්පරිත්ත
    Vilattimoddai, Vilaaththimoadddai (Vannimava [Vavniya])
    DIVULMOTTE, DIMBULMOTTE
    'Divil, Dimbul' is woodapple (bot. Feronia limonia) in Sinhala.
    'Motte' is a marshy, watery, shallow 'vila'.
    දිවුල්මොටේ
    Vilattikulam, Vilathikulam (Vannimava [Vavniya])
    DIVULVAEVA
    'Divul, Dimbul' is woodapple (bot. Feronia limonia) in Sinhala.
    දිවුල්වැව

    Vilgamvehera, Vilgam Vehera, Velgam Vehera(Gokanna[Trincomalee])
    VELGAMVEHERA is the ancient name, also called Periyakulam since 1929.
    Pali texts have also used the name 'Sarogaama' Vihara. Inscriptions,
    BathiyaTissa II(142-168 CE), suggest that the vihara developed during that time.
    However, much later, during the Chola period, Tamil Buddhists also paid homage to
    this temple. One Tamil inscription found here glorifies the victories
    of Rajendra Chola. Tamil Buddhists continued to use the old Sinhala name
    Velgam Vihara, as seen from the Tamil inscriptions.
    where the usage "Maanaavathie rate velgmvehera raja raja perum palli" is found.
    Maanavathie is the tank known today as "Periyakulam".
    The temple was also called "Rajarajaperumpalli" by the Cholas.
    Labeled #167 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    Also see under 'Periyakulam'
    Some 4-5 km west of Velgamvehera, the site known "Buriyakulam kanda"
    contains remnants of a large Dagaba, stone pillars, rock caves, as well as
    pre-christian era Brahmi inscriptions.
    විල්ගම් වෙහෙර
    Vilankulam Periya-Vilankulam(SriGonakanda[Tricomalee])
    MAHADIULVAEVA
    This is a part of the Moravaeva (Muthalikulam) colanization
    scheme, mostly developed in the 1980s.
    මහදිවුල් වැව
    Vilpanakulam, Wilpankulam(Sri Gonakanda [Trincomalee])
    VILPANG VAEVA
    Disc.- 'Vilpang' is presumably 'Eleocharis Plantaginea'
    Ancient Buddhist site; in the list by Archaeo. Dept., Somasiri, 1982
    විල්පන්වැව

    Vilpattu, Wilpattu (Anuradhapura and Puttalama)
    WILPATTU, VILPATTUVA, VILPAETTTA
    Discussion- 'Vil' විල් is the plural of 'Vila', i.e., 'natural lake'. The tamil word 'Villu' is probably derived from the sinhala 'Vila', a point of view endorsed by Swami Gnanaprakasar. Thus it is not given in the Tamil lexicons or used in Tamil Nadu. The Tamil-lexicon meaning "bow" or "circle" is found for 'Vil". The word 'Pattuva' is most probably from the Pali 'Passa', 'direction', cf. 'Paeththa' Thus 'Vilpaetta' is the 'direction' where there are lakes. The word 'Pattuva' indicates a subdivision of a 'Korale'; hence Wilpattu means, roughly "the province of lakes", extending from Karuwalagaswewa in the Puttalama district to the Yoda Wewa (Giant Tank) in Mannarama. Wilpattu was designated a game sanctuary, 1905 (National park in 1938). The park is 425 Sq. miles, and 50km west of Anuradhapura.

    In ancient times the area contained historic hamlets, harbours etc. Legend has it that Kudiramalai (Kihirikanda) was the landing place of Vijaya. (It was a Radar surveillance point during Eelam wars). The legend also holds that Queen Kuveni (literarily ku dark Veni complexioned) lived in 'Kālivila (Kali Villu)', in the Vilpattu. A place named Tammaenna vaetiya has been mentioned and associated with Kuveni (c.f., Kokila sandesha, 15th century); it is inthe Puttalam district. Kihirikanda was visited by Roman sailors during the time of Claudius (417 AD), and Pliny talks of a large settlement here. There are stone pillars and other remnants of Buddhist ruins at Kālivila. More ruins are found near the Kokmotte bangalow; and near the Aelavuna Gala (Ochappu Kallu). A 2nd century BCE inscription is found here. Maradan Maduva, the present Vilpattu office area, is associated with Sāliya and Asokamāla, i.e., it dates bakes to the time of Dutugamunu. 'Ransirimāle (tantirimalai) is also a part of the park since 1969, and is associated with the Saliya story (see entry under Tantirimalai) as well as Sangamitta's arrival with the Bo sapling. There are ancient ports at Palangathota (Palangathurai) and Kollankanatte.

    Ranpariththa (Pomparippu) is also in the Vilpattu region and is a part of the pre-history of the island (see entry under Pomparippu).

    Wilpatthu is listed as the " Sri Lanka's sixth wetland of international importance" in the RAMSAR website. The "Wilpattu RAMSAR Wetland Cluster (165,800 hectares) encompasses all of Wilpattu National Park ... Some 205 water bodies, both natural and man made, were identified within the boundary of the park. A unique feature is the numerous 'villus' which are natural, sand-rimmed water basins ranging between 10 to 160 hectares that are filled with rainwater. The varying salt content of the villus offers an ideal habitat for a wide range of resident and migrant wildlife species, including the endangered Asia Elephant Elephas maximus, the vulnerable Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) and the vulnerable freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus palustris )......."
    The names of the Villu are simple tamilizations, with the "Vila" changed to "Villu". Kumbukvila, Nelunvila, Kalaoya, are important 'villu'. There are many small "tanks" (irrigation reservoirs) in the area. Maradamaduwa Tank, Ikiriyagollewa Tank, Mahawewa Tank, Andaragollewa Tank, Paarci-Baendi wewa, Moragallewa Tank, Palukola wewa, Walaswala Tank, Maenikaeththu Tank (Menikeththu =Menik Uttu) and Thela vaapi (Telveepu Tank).

    "Kokmotte" or "Kokmote" is a popular Bangalow which has an "oya" (water stream: modaragam-aara) running near it. Manawila, Panikka Wila, Talawila, Maradamadu, Maenikapola uttu (Menikapola uttu) and Kala Villu are other well known bungalows. The place name "Maenikpola Uttu", has the word "Uttu" which is a Malayalam word meaning "feeding place".

    The park was closed in the eighties, and reopened briefly in 2003, but remained closed due to terrorist activity, landmines and other hazards, till 2010, after the Eelam wars.
    Remembering 1985 A'pura and Wilpattu massacre

    Post-Eelam rape of Wilpattu

    Wilpattu vandalized, March 2010
    The Road Through Wilpattu= by Kiyaz Deen
    This article attempts to justify a road through Wilpattu claiming "The concerns of the Muslims of Mannar and the villages on this route should also be given its due consideration...". However, this proved to be the thin end of the wedge.

    According to a study (2017) given in the Report by Environmental Foundation of Sri Lanka, 2017
    [Quote]
    "Deforestation is presently taking place on the legally declared Kallaru (Galara), Karadikkuli (Karadiya kuliya) and Vilaththakulam (Divulweva) forest reserves, which is a clear violation of the forest conservation laws and regulations in Sri Lanka. Commencing in 2009 at the Northern Sanctuary bordering Wilpattu, deforestation has taken place with the aim of developing housing schemes for mainly displaced persons from the War. The road (B379) built right through the Wilpattu National Park was one of the major causes behind deforestation and illegal settlements in Wilpattu forest complex. The forest area of Kallaru came under threat during the years 2011/2012 and continuous encroachment into the Forest Reserve continues at present (2017). The forest area of Vilaththikulam (Divulweva) has an area of 2,108 hectares in Musalai Divisional Secretary's Division in Mannar District, Northern Province. Forest Clearing in this sector commenced as recently as 2014/2015 and construction project are presently occurring at a rapid pace"
    [end quote]
    Mosque inside Wilpattu! Funding for the rape
    Illegal Houses in Wilpattu Settlements inside Wilpattu!
    It has been stated that the illegal settlers are Muslims who are sponsored by the Cabinet Minister R. Bathiudeden. The Quatar Red Cresent and other foreign foundations have funded the building of Mosques and houses in the illegally cleared land (some 4000 acres), as seen in boards written in Arabic and English, but in neither of the official languages, Tamil or Sinhala.

    WILPATTU DESTRUCTION: Bathiudeen clears 3,400 acres, 1,200 for illegal settlements, buildings on 600 acres. 25-Dec-2017 Sunday Observer, 24-03-2019, "Basil Rajapaksa approved Wilpattu clearance in 2012", Kiriella
    This news report says:
    Leader of the House and Public Enterprises, Kandyan Heritage and Kandy Development Minister, Lakshman Kiriella told Parliament yesterday (22-03-2019) that the then Economic Development Minister, Basil Rajapaksa had given permission for Rishard Bathuideen to clear the Wilpattu Jungle in 2012.
    Minister Kiriella said this was in 2012 when Basil Rajapaksa on the instructions of the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa had given 2,800 acres to Minister Rishard Bathuideen. By 2020 Sveral judgments against ex-Minsiter Bathiudeen have been handed down:
    Bathiudeen ordered to reforest Kallaru (Galaara) sanctuary on his own expenses, Daily Mirror 19-Nov-202

    විල්පත්තුව
    Vimankamam, Vimankraamam(Yapanaya[Jaffna])
    MINUVANGAMUVA
    Buddhist ruins, Viharaya etc. Mentioned in the 'Nampotha' a book listing Buddhist pilgrimage sites, dated in its 'modern' form to at least the fourteenth or fifteenth century.
    ම්නුවන්ගමුව
    Viralai (?)
    Viraela
    x
    Vinayagapuram (Ampare)
    VINAYAGAPURA
    විනයාගපුර
    Visvamadu, Vishvamadu (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    BISAVMADUVA
    In 2010 February the Police discovered a small scale factory which had once manufactured bombs in Vishvamadu. The police had acted on a tip off given by a member of the LTTE's former Charles Anthony Brigade. The is also a village and tank here known as "Visvamadukulam"
    (Viswamadukulam). The LTTE made a last ditch attempt in 2009 to flood advancing government troops by blasting the anicut of the Vishvamadu tank.
    That is BISOMADUVAEVA
    බිසෝමඩුව

    W
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    Wadduvakal, Vadduvakal (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    VATUVAGALA   ⚓name
    the Indian Partridge, 'tittiri' in Skrt., and also in Pali. In addition, 'Kakkara' is used in Pali. A common name for the bird is "vatuva", or 'Us-vattuva'. This is located at the southern end of what was called the No Fire Zone in 2009, the area used as the last stand of the LTTE in May 2009. The Jordanian ship "Fara III" previously hijacked by the LTTE is located near here. Capturing the vatuvagala causeway   LTTE hostages escaping
    වටුවගල
    Walathapiddy (Madakalapuwa [Batticaloa])
    VALASPITIYA
    වලස්පිටිය
    Warikkottur Warikottu Ur (Vannimava[Vavniya])
    see under "Varikottur"
    වරිගනම්පුර
    Welikanda Waelikanda, Velikandai (Polonnaruwa)
    Welikanda
    The Sinhala name means, sandhill.
    Feb- Many masscares of Sinhalese villagers by the LTTE took place in this area in the LTTE attemt to consolidate the area under its rule. Sunday Observer article on LTTE massacres
    • Thrikonamadu (means triangular storehose) villagers were massacred by the LTTE, 02-08-1985
    Wilpattu, Vilpattu (Anuradhapura and Puttalama)
    VILPATTUVA, VILPAETTTA
    14-May-1985 LTTE killed 18 villagers. This is discussed under Vilpattu (letter V)
    විල්පත්තුව/
    Wilpothai, Vilpothai (Puttalama)
    VILPOTHA
    විල්පොත

    X

    Y

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    Yala (Tissamaharama and Lahugala Districts)
    YALA, YAALA
    This is not a tamilized name
    The Sanskrit (also Pali) word, 'Sakala'=cart, becomes 'Hayala'
    in Sinhala. By a process of inversion known to linguists,
    'Hayala' becomes 'Yahala', and 'Yaala' in popular usage.
    Thus, according to Prof. Meegaskumbura (Sinhala Dept., Peradeniya),
    'Yahala', and 'Yaala' connote an extent of paddy land which
    requires a cart load of seed paddy for sowing.
    A small area within the present 'Yala sanctuary' was originally
    called 'Yala'. The sanctuary, also called the Ruhuna National Park, or Yaala national Park, was established in 1898, becoming
    the first "protected area" in asia, according to
    Prof. S. Ekaratne (Zoology Dept., Colombo).
    Local personalities in Yala and Kumana.
    Glimpse into Yala
    World's largest Crocodile (mugger) population in Ruhuna National Park Many ancient Buddhist shrines, as well as a shrine to Alexander, apotheosized as a Hindu god (Kadir) are found near by at Katharagama (Kathirkamama). A Buddhist shrine dating back probably to the 3nd century BCE near the Yala national Park is the "Situl Pavva" (or chittala Pabbatha (means Attractive plateau ). It is an imposing shrine with hundreds of "kutis" (chambers) for meditating monks, built on two hillocks and dated back to the time of King Kavan-Tissa, the farther of DutuGemunu.
    Situl Pavva, Sinhala article. ,/a>
    යාල
    Yalpanam, Yaalpanam (Jaapanaya [Jaffna])
    JAAPNAYA, YAAPAAPATUNA
    See full write up under Jaffna
    යාපනය   ජාපනය
    යාපපටුන
    Yakumaduyayai(Mooladoova[Mullaitivu])
    YAKMADUYAYA
    Labeled #59 in Vanni Buddhist sites map
    Ancient Buddhist site
    Stone pillars, slabs, statues etc.
    යක් මඩුයාය
    Yogapuram (Mooladoova [Mullaitivu])
    YOGIPURA
    යෝගි පුර
    Yogiyani (Puttalama)
    YOGIYANA
    Buddhist temple
    Sri Lankan/British artist Tissa Ranasinghe's village
    යෝගියාන

    Z
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    Tambimuttu's 1949 Article is one of the first after Independence to discuss Tamilized place names,
    at a time when these issues had not become politically over heated.


    Had the Tamil North a Buddhist background?


    by Paulinus Tambimuttu

    Dagobas at Kantherodai

    The view held by some archaeologists, that for some centuries before and after the beginning of the Christian era the majority of the Tamils in India and Ceylon were Buddhists, has been strengthened by the discovery of the ruins of two dagobas at Kantherodai and antique coins and beads which point to ancient Buddhistic influence in the North. Mr. D. T. Devendra, during a visit to Delft , discovered a mound which on closer examination turned out to be a Dagoba, proving that Buddhist influence extended even to the farthest islands.
    The Administration Report of the Director of National Museums, for 1948 states that collecting trips made by the museum staff to the Chavakachcheri sand dunes resulted in the finding of other evidence near Chunnakam in the peninsula.
    It is however, to the efforts of the late Mr. J. P. Lewis, CCS, that we owe the discovery of the first image of the Buddha in Jaffna . It was unearthed close to the Vishnu temple at Vallipuram and had lain in the lumber room of the temple for years until, in 1902, Mr. Lewis requested the manager of the temple to part with it.
    It was set up in the Old Park at Jaffna , under one of the bo-trees. Another image of the Buddha was later dug up at Chunnakam by Mr. Lewis, and placed under another of these bo-trees. In 1906, the Vallipuram Buddha was presented by the then Governor, Sir Henry Blake, to the King of Siam who was particularly anxious to have it, owing to its antiquity.
    Discoveries
    The first dagoba in Jaffna was discovered by Dr. Paul E. Peiris to whom, moreover, we are indebted for many of the discoveries of Buddhist remains in the North. At Makayappiddi, in the courtyard of the Meenachchi Amman Temple , Dr. Peiris discovered a remarkably fine image of the Buddha. At Kantherodai, Dr. Peiris came across a large fragment of the torso of what must have been at one time a gigantic stone statue, being used at a well for washing clothes. At Mallakam, he discovered a Sinhalese pond cut in the rock in a fair state of preservation. At Kantherodai again, which appeared to Dr. Peiris to be a miniature Anuradhapura in the Tamil country,� a large number of coins were found. The Acting Superintendent of the Madras Museum was of opinion that these were Buddhist coins of the 2nd and 3rd Century B.C. He added that similar coins had been found on both sides of the rivers Vaigai and Tambraparni in South India .
    Many valuable Sinhalese coins have been discovered in the Jaffna District. During a visit to Vallipuram Mr. J. P. Lewis learnt that the Police Vidane there was in possession of a gold coin which had been discovered in 1890. He obtained the "find" and sent it to the Archaeological Commissioner, Mr. H. C. P. Bell, for identification. It turned out to the Iraka or Daraka Sinhalese coin of very debased gold. Shortly afterwards, Mr. Lewis received from the Very Rev. Father E. Vorlander, OMI, copper coins dug up at Pandateruppu. They proved to be the coins of Queen Lilavati (12th-13th Century A.D.). Dutch coins and the coins of Parakrama Bahu, Bhuvaneka Bahu, etc., have also been found. Stone Images Several images of the Buddha have also been found in the Mannar District. There is ample evidence carved in stone all over the Mannar and ullaitivu districts that the Sinhalese had occupied these districts. Inside the Fort gateway at Mannar, for instance, was disinterred a stone which had for modern Mannar, where there are no Buddhists, a strange device, viz, two hansa with interlocked necks-a Buddhist emblem. Mr. Lewis found Buddhist ruins at Vavuniya as well. Some authorities believe that the discovery of Buddhist images and coins in Jaffna does not prove that Jaffna was occupied by the Sinhalese. They argue the majority of Tamils were Buddhists. The Tamil classics of the era were Buddhists. e.g. Manimekhalai , a Tamil poem written in the 2nd Century A.D. by Chittalaich-Chattanar, a poet of the third Tamil Sangam and a Buddhist, is about the life of Manimekhalai, a daughter of the famous dancer for whom Kovalan, husband of Kannaki (known as Pattini Dewiyo among the Sinhalese) abandoned his faithful wife, and of her renunciation of the world and entry into a Buddhist nunnery.

    Place names.
    The poet gives a learned exposition of Buddhist philosophy. The authorities are of opinion that the Buddhist remains found at Jaffna belong to the period when the Tamils were Buddhists. Any remaining doubts can be dispelled by the evidence furnished by the place names in Jaffna . The Sinhalese origin of the place-names in Jaffna was first pointed out by Messrs. B. Horsburg and J. P. Lewis, both of the CCS. They stated that place-names which ended in "pay" like Manipay, opay, Sandilipay, etc., and in "kamam" like Kodikamam, Valigamam, etc., were of Sinhalese origin. This late S. Gnana Prakasar, the philologist of international fame, agreed with them and furnished his own list of place-names. He mentioned village ending in "vil" like Kandavil, Kokkuvil, Inuvil, etc.; those ending in "vattei", like Polvattei, ittavattei, etc.; villages from the word "kumbura" like Markkamburei, etc., from "yaya" like Moolay etc., from "deniya" like Narandanei, etc., from "eliya" like Puloly.
    The Northern Province will, no doubt, prove a fertile field for the archaeologist. Dr. Paul E. Pieris wrote as follows in 1919: "When again a trained man is placed in charge of the work in Ceylon . I hope he will not ignore the Tamil districts. I venture to express the conviction that the archaeology of Ceylon cannot be understood, and should not be studied, apart from the Archaeology of India and that it is a pity that the great knowledge, and experience which is available in India should not be taken advantage of in the work here.?
    (This article appeared in the Ceylon Observer Friday Evening on 14 October 1949). Go back to top of List



    LTTE Pistol GANGS, TERRORISTS -SL ARMY Flash point

    (Typical News Item of the year 2006.)
    Two More Civilians & Soldier Fall Victim To LTTE


    TRINCOMALEE: LTTE PISTOL MEN on Monday (05-June-2006) shot and killed two more civilians in SERUNUWARA, KANTHALAI around 7.00 p.m. 6-June-06 The bullet-riddled bodies of the two civilians were found by the KANTHALAI Police. One of the had been identified as THANGANAGAR KUGAN (28) of RB-04, THANGANAGAR, SERUNUWARA, KANTHALAI. as of Tuesday (06) afternoon. Meanwhile, a soldier on duty at a sentry point in ACHCHANKULAM, MANNAR was injured on Monday (05) when LTTE terrorists in hiding fired at him using small arms and several rounds of 40 mm Grenade Launchers around 3.30 p.m. and he later succumbed to his injuries. Private K.P. DISSANAYAKE sustained severe injuries in the LTTE firing and was admitted to MANNAR hospital for treatment. Go back to top of List



    Credits and Acknowledgments- jobs done and to be done

    See background to the Place.names project and its association with science in sinhala
    from 1975

    Some collaborators and interested parties (during 2002-2007 period):

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    Extract from Paranavithana: "The Arya kingdom of North Ceylon"


    The Sinhalese name "Yäpãpatuna" means the port of "Yäpã". .. . It seems to have come into vogue after the Malays or Jävakãs gained political influence in the Island. The word Jãvã or Javakä is also found in the form Yãvã or Yävakã. The Chinese equivalent of Jãvã, Chipo, indicates that the "v" was one time pronounced as "p", i.e. Jãpã. The "Kulöttunkan Kóvai" in one stanza mentions Cavakam (Jãvaka) as a country which acknowledged the supremacy of Kulóttunka III, and in another stanza makes a similar mention of Cãpam. It is possible that Cãpam and Cãvakam both refer to the same country, Java or Javaka. If so, the change of "v" to "p" in the name is attested in Tamil also. The change of "v" to "p could also have developed in the course of the name being pronounced by the Sinhalese, for this phonological process is attested in that language by such words as "lapa" for Sanskrit "lava" and "Sapana" for Sanskrit "Carvana". "Yãpãpatuna" would thus signify the "Port of the Javakas".... The modem form "Yalpanam" must also go back to this Sinhalese name.
    Go back to "Jaffna"
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    TOPONYMICS
    The United Nations Organizations have established standards on toponyms, allonyms, endonyms, exonyms, romanization of names for transcription and transliteration. We have used simple transcription as many readers may not be used to phonetic alphabets. A scientific approach to toponymics is needed to avoid the pitfalls usual to this subject. See
    Manual of standardization of Geographic names
    Toponymy: The Lore, Laws & Language of Geographical Names, by Nathali Kadmon,
    (N.Y., Vantage Press 2000)
    United Nations Statistics Division
    United States Board of Geographic Names, Gazetteer on Ceylon 1960; Old copies of Ferguson's Directory are also useful. However, much of toponymics is inspired guess work which needs to be controlled as much as possible by archaeological, historical, literary, geographic, anthropological and all other conceivable sources. One can always find exceptions to any 'rule' of the toponymist. Finally, in choosing between several allonyms, it is best to choose the alloform closest to existing current usage, even if the existing usage is deemed "a corrupt form" according to toponymists.

    Tamilization

    See James W. Gair and S. Suseendirarajah,
    International Journal of Dravidian Linguistics (Trivandrum)
    10, no.2 (Jun 1981) 370-384

    See phonetic changes in tamilization and regional differences in Tamil.
    South Indian Tamil place names often have endings not found in
    Sri Lanka's North and East, because SL place names are mostly
    derived from Sinhala place names.

    Tamil Nadu and Offical Tamil Place names and language Politics.

    In Tamil Nadu, south India, the population is 60% Tamil speaking, and in 1997 the State government passed a law requiring the use of tamil place names.
    Also, Tamil is the only official language even though Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada are large minority languages.
    Tamil is also the official first language of instruction for all citizens of Tamil Nadu
    South Indian Tamil place names often have endings not found in Sri lanka's North and
    East, because SL place names are mostly derived from Sinhala place names.
    see for South Indian Place names and references there-in.
    See politics in place name changes in India
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    WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT

    The North and East of Sri Lanka were populated by people who were largely Buddhists till about the 12th century. This lead to a gradual modification of the original names which acquired a Tamil garb, as stated by many scholars like Paul E. Peries, Horsburg, T. Devendra, S. Paranavitana, Dr. Indrapala, Ven. E. Medhananda and others. See for example, 1948 article by Tambimuttu, or Tambimuttu as html doc from Tripitaka.net
    Horsburgh 1916.
    Dr. Indrapalan, Tamils of Jaffna, 1965; Evolution of an ethnic identity 2005
    After that these areas were populated by south Indian forces who understandably tamilized the names of the old towns, water reservoirs, rivers, and villages. Similarly, many Buddhist temples were replaced by Hindu shrines.
    See destruction of old sites in modern times, as reported by angered public opinion.
    The Sri Lanka Parliamentary debates on Oct. 7, 1983 are on the same issue. These places were partially returned to their original state when Sinhala kings returned to these areas. This in turn involved demolition of Hindu shrines, or their absorption into Buddhist shrines. This ebb and flow of the Sinhala and Tamil influence in the North and East had left a rich cultural legacy which is unknown to most people. In these web pages we focus on just one aspect of this cultural heritage. Dr. Michael Roberts mentions "toponymic evidence involving over a thousand place names of distinctly Sinhala origin in 'tamil garb'. The fact that the names were slightly modified, instead of being completely removed, shows that the people co-existed, even when the rulers fought. In fact, Parakramabahu's inscription at the Uruthota (Kayts) harbour has Tamil text as well. Prakramabahu's Inscription at Uruthota

    The British period saw the colonization of the East coast with Tamils from the Malabaar coast, pushing out the local settlers (see F. d'A. Vincent's Sessional paper XL11 of 1882, Administration of Ceylon). However, the post-independent Sri Lankan political forces have not been helpful in correcting the problems and building up a peaceful cultural legacy.
    See Iriyagolla's analysis
    East coast

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    Some References Short History of Ceylon by Codrington
    Ancient Irrigation Works of Ceylon by R.L.Brohier
    Our Place in the Civilization of the Ancient World, by the late Hon. K. Balasingam
    The Dravidian Origin and Philosophy of Human Speech by the late Fr. T.C.Closset, S.J.
    Ancient Jaffna by the late Mudaliyar S. Rasanayakam
    Studies in Etymology and Etymological and Comparative Lexicon of the Tamil Language by the late Fr. S. Gnanaprakasar O.M.I.
    Dravida by E.L. Tambimuttu
    Madura Manual edited by J.H. Nelson
    Madras District Gazetter, vol.1 (Government of Madras)
    Dravidian and Aryan by Chidamparampillai, editor Tamilian, Nagercoil, India.
    The Story of the Nations Series, (i) Chaldea, (ii) Assyria, (iii) Ancient Egypt, (iv) Phoenicia, (v) the Jews, and (vi) Vedic India.







































    Quote from Prof. Michael Roberts.


    This quotation from Indrapala's early work, given by Roberts, provides an assessment of the empirical integrity of that historiograhical era. Historical studies relating to the North and East, Sinhala-Tamil interactions etc., have been subject to great stress in more recent times, and need to be taken with caution.
    See
    Dr. Indrapala, Tamils of Jaffna, 1965
    N. B., Here we have profited from discussions with Professor Michael Roberts.
    Indrapala's thesis was supervised by Prof. J. G de Casparis.

    In the more recent book, Evolution of an Ethnic Identity , 2005,
    Dr. Indrapala revisits these and related topics within an
    expanded canvas. Here he attempts to argue that the whole
    souther Indian sub-continent has to be looked at, especially to
    understand megalithic settlements.
    A review of his book appeared in the newspaper "Island",
    by Bandu de Silva, in several parts: Sep. 2-8, 2007
    [Bandu de Silva is a historian turned civil servant.
    He has research on the 'Kadaimpoth']




    Omantha check point during Eelam time At Omanthai (Omantha), the SL army check point (women on the left, men on the right) is 700 meters before the Tiger checkpoint (rs. 5 for the shuttle bus to the edge of tiger control). Then you take another bus to arrive at the LTTE checkpoint 4km north in Puliyankulam (Siyambalaveva). Foreigners are handled at gate 2, while locals go to gates 10 and 11. Non-Tamil Foreigners get a free transit visa, but those planning to venture of the A9 road needs a Rs. 1000 "passbook" that needs documents from the "Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO)", banned in the west for collecting funds for terrorism. Locals, and Tamil expats have to pay "taxes", "duties", and declare valuables. The taxes may cover extortionary sums for several years of "income tax" including those years where the individual lived abroad.

    The express bus during the Eelam period made a stop at the Amman temple where a Hindu priest gets aboard and smears "holy ash" and collects funds for the tigers. Then passing Murakanda (Murukandy in tamil) you see the "Captian Pork" statue of a suicide Tiger who attacked the Muvavweva (Mankulam) Army base in 1990, as well as the tiny "Ankaran Temple". There is a stop here for coconut cracking,. smearing holy ash and prayer followed by Hindu travelers, as well as some local Buddhists who tend to respect Hindu deities.

    The buses travel through Giranikke (Killinochchi), the adminstrative capital of the Tigers, usually without stopping, and pass through Alimankada (Elephant pass). The checkpoint for leaving Eelam (Tigerland) is in Muhamaalé (Mukamalai in Tamil) and the SL army check point is 0.5km further up, where there are CTB buses to Jaffna.
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    Gira