Jaffna, Port city in Northern Province, Sri Lanka
Jaffna is a port settlement in Sri Lanka's northeastern region, sitting on a peninsula that extends just a few meters above sea level into the surrounding waters. Sandy coastal sections alternate with palm groves and irrigated fields, while narrow roads run between densely built neighborhoods and open squares.
Portuguese forces took control of the settlement in 1619, ending a period of local kingdom rule. Nearly four decades later, Dutch naval forces expelled the Portuguese and turned the harbor into a trading post.
The name Jaffna likely derives from an old word for harbor, reflecting the city's long maritime tradition. In daily life, Tamil language and Hindu practices shape the cityscape, with temple festivals and religious processions regularly moving through the streets.
Trains and buses run daily from the island's south to the peninsula, providing connections to smaller towns in the area. Ferries depart regularly and link the mainland to offshore islands, making day trips possible without much planning.
Many locals watch for traditional wooden boats returning at sunrise with fresh catches sold directly at the dock. These morning scenes offer insight into a centuries-old practice that remains unchanged today.
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