'Jaffna' included in India funded Cultural Centre after backlash

The renamed Cultural Centre: Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre

The Indian Consulate General office of India took steps to rename the India-funded cultural centre by including  'Jaffna' following criticisms by various sections of the community including main Tamil political party for leaving out the word ' Jaffna' in its name. 

Last Saturday , High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha and Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi jointly announced the naming of theCultural Centre in Jaffna as ‘Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre’, in honour of the great Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, at a ceremony.

A new name board ' Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre' was put up in front of the Cultural Centre today by the Indian Consulate General office today (24). 

Earlier, Acting President  C.V. K. Sivagnanam wrote to Indian Consulate General Office of India in Jaffna expressing his displeasure of why the name of Tamil peoples' cultural capital city is left out on the building that was built on the land owned by Jaffna Municipal Council. 

Built with Indian grant assistance of USD 12 million, the Center provides a space where the rich traditions, arts, and aspirations of the people of the Northern Province could thrive, Indian High Commission said in a statement. The iconic structure is a state-of-the-art facility consisting of multiple facilities such as a museum of two floors; an advanced theatre style auditorium for more than 600 people; an 11-storeyed learning tower; a public square which could also act as an amphitheater; etc. (Northeastern Monitor/ January 24/2025)