The Cultural Center in Jaffna has been officially named the *Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center* in honor of the renowned Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar. The announcement was made on January 18 by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and Sri Lanka’s Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.
The ceremony, held in Jaffna, was attended by prominent officials, including Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrashekhar, Governor of Northern Province Nagalingam Vethanayan, and Jaffna Municipal Commissioner S. Krishnendran. The event also featured cultural artists from the region.
Built with a $12 million grant from the Indian government, the facility boasts advanced features, including a two-floor museum, a 600-seat auditorium, an 11-story learning tower, and a public square that doubles as an amphitheater. The center aims to celebrate the arts, culture, and aspirations of the Northern Province.
The foundation stone was laid by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Jaffna in March 2015. The facility was inaugurated in March 2022 and dedicated to Sri Lanka in February 2023.
High Commissioner Jha described the naming as a tribute to Thiruvalluvar and a symbol of the shared cultural bond between India and Sri Lanka. He encouraged the local community to make the center a living representation of Thiruvalluvar’s teachings.
Minister Senevi emphasized the importance of Thiruvalluvar’s values, highlighting how his work, Thirukkural, inspires compassion and justice. In a gesture of goodwill, Senevi presented Jha with a Sinhala translation of Thirukkural.
Representing President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, Senevi thanked India for its support and envisioned the center as a hub for cultural exchange and activity.
