Jaffna is the largest town and a historic capital in northern province of Sri Lanka. Jaffna is Sri Lanka’s 12th most populous city. It has an area of 1,025 square kilometres . The majority of the city’s population are Sri Lankan Tamils with a significant number of Sri Lankan Moors, Indian Tamils and other ethnic groups present in the city prior to the civil war.
Jaffna city has number of education institutions founded by the missionary efforts and Saivite revivalism during the British colonial period. Peter Percival a Wesleyan Missionary started several schools in Jaffna city including Jaffna Central College and Vembadi Girls’ High School.Jaffna and its surrounding areas are steeped in history; there are some extraordinary archaeological sites, numerous colourful and sacred Hindu Temples, number of ruined forts and buildings including a number of churches which date back to the time of colonial rule. Nallur murugan is a most popular temple in jaffna.
Despite being a Hindu dominated region, there are a number of ancient Buddhist sites such as Kandarodai, Nagadeepa Vihara and Dambalola Patuwa which are linked to the periods when Buddhism was spread across Sri Lanka over two millennia ago. The iconic Jaffna Fort was once regarded as the finest example of Dutch architecture. Jaffna is famous for its fresh sea food and the Jaffna Lagoon Crab is one of the most sort after delicacies. There are white sandy beaches in Delft and Karaivitu and picturesque lagoons and waterways which are abundant in birdlife.
Jaffna features a tropical savanna climate with a dry season between February and August, and a wet season between September and January. The temperature is highest in the months of April – May and August – September. The temperature is coolest in December – January.