Mantivu Island and the Forgotten Leprosy Hospital

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Mantivu Island and the Forgotten Leprosy Hospital

Mantheevu Island, a 94-acre landmass in the Batticaloa Lagoon, is a former leprosy isolation colony established in 1921. Once a self-contained settlement with hospitals and schools, it now sits in ruin. Despite its rich mangrove biodiversity, lingering social stigmas continue to isolate this enigmatic, bird-filled sanctuary.

The Batticaloa Lagoon in eastern Sri Lanka is dotted with several islands, including Puliyantheevu, Mantheevu, Erumaitheevu (Buffalo Island), Sirayatheevu, and Elubutheevu (Bone Island). Among these, Puliyantheevu is the most significant, as it forms the heart of Batticaloa town.

Mantheevu (Mantivu) Island

Mantheevu Island lies approximately 7 kilometers from Batticaloa, situated north of the Valayiravu Bridge, between Thimilathivu and Vavunathivu. Covering about 0.38 square kilometers (94 acres), the island has a circumference of roughly 2.5 kilometers.

Historically, Mantheevu is best known as an isolation site for patients suffering from leprosy. The island’s geography made it particularly suitable for this purpose. Although mostly flat, the land rises slightly toward the center, and it is surrounded by relatively deep waters even during the driest months—making escape difficult.

Natural Environment

The island is encircled by mangroves, creating a rich habitat for birdlife. Hundreds of birds nest here, especially cormorants, along with species such as pelicans. Before the establishment of the hospital, the island supported paddy fields, coconut groves, and various fruit trees. While the soil remains suitable for cultivation, water scarcity during the driest months posed challenges.

The Leprosy Hospital

A major transformation occurred with the construction of a dedicated hospital complex in 1910, which began operations in November 1921. It was a fully developed institutional settlement, comprising hospital wards, staff quarters, administrative buildings, a cemetery, places of worship for multiple religions, a school, a police station with two prison cells, and designated agricultural areas.

At its inception, the facility housed 151 patients—116 male and 35 female—drawn from across the island, with the majority (122) originating from the Eastern Province. Admissions ceased in 1983, and in later years only a few long-term residents remained, many without relatives or the means to reintegrate into society.

The hospital was managed for many years by the Franciscan Sisters before being taken over by the state around 1960.

Later Developments and Present Condition

A major fire in 2009 caused significant damage to the island’s infrastructure. Although the hospital now functions under the administration of the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, most of the original buildings have fallen into ruin, with only a few central structures remaining in use.

Religious sites on the island, including a Buddhist temple, have largely deteriorated due to prolonged neglect. Wildlife has also changed over time; although deer were once present on the island in the early 20th century, they are no longer found today.

Isolation and Perception

During the early years of the hospital, fishing activities around Mantheevu were restricted to prevent patient escapes. Even today, local fishermen tend to avoid the surrounding waters, largely due to lingering fears associated with leprosy, despite modern understanding of the disease.

References

Canagaratnam, S.O. (1921) Monograph of the Batticaloa District of the Eastern Province, Ceylon. Colombo, Ceylon: H. R. Cottle.
Www.statistics.gov.lk (no date) Department of Census and Statistics. Available at: http://www.statistics.gov.lk/statistical%20Hbook/2019/Batticaloa/GAsList.pdf (Accessed: 12 May 2023).
Bassett, R.H., Laws, E.J. and Murdoch, K. (1929) Romantic Ceylon : Its History, Legend and Story. London: Palmer.
Woodeson, A. (1930) ‘Mantivu Leper Asylum, Batticaloa, Ceylon ’, Transactions of the Engineering Association of Ceylon, pp. 69–87.

Also See

Islands of Sri Lanka

Map of Mantivu Island (Mantheevu Island) in the Batticaloa Lagoon

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Travel Directions to Mantivu Island (Mantheevu Island) in the Batticaloa Lagoon

There is no causeway to this island from the mainland. Only access is through a 10 minute ride on a boats which are operating from the lagoon of Batticaloa.

Route from Colombo to Mantivu Island (Mantheevu Island)	Route II from Colombo to Mantivu Island (Mantheevu Island)
Through : Ambepussa – Kandy – Mahiyangana Distance : 330 km Travel time : 7 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Through : Ambepussa – Kandy – Mahiyangana Distance : 330 km Travel time : 8 hours Driving directions : see on google map