Jaffna District

Jaffna District is an administrative region occupying the northern peninsula of Sri Lanka within the Northern Province. The area comprises four geographic zones, each serving distinct communities and shaping how the region functions as a whole.

The area formed part of several ancient southern Indian kingdoms before passing under Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule during the colonial era. Each period of governance left traces in how the district developed and organized itself over time.

The region maintains a population of 583,378 residents, with Sri Lankan Tamils forming 98.95% of the community, following predominantly Hindu and Christian religious practices.

The region is managed through local authorities responsible for different administrative zones within the district. Visitors should expect conditions and facilities to vary between the different geographic sections of the area.

The region maintains an international partnership with London's Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, working together on governance, healthcare, and education improvements. This connection demonstrates how local administration can draw on global networks to strengthen its communities.

Location: Northern Province

Capital city: Jaffna

Website: http://ds.gov.lk/dist_jaffna/english/

GPS coordinates: 9.66667,80.16667

Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:25