Sankiliyatital Archaeological site in Jaffna

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Sankiliyatital Archaeological site in Jaffna - යාපනය සන්කිලියාතිදල් පුරාවිද්‍යා නටබුන්
Sankiliyatital Archaeological site in Jaffna – යාපනය සන්කිලියාතිදල් පුරාවිද්‍යා නටබුන්

In 1922, Rev. S. Gnana Prakasar, a missionary working in Jaffna had left a note a ruined site named Sankiliya-tidal (Sankiliyatital) about four and a half miles on the Kodikamam—Point Pedro road which had indications of an ancient building possibly linked to the regional king Sankili although not even a folklore remains of this connection other than the name. Later this site was documented by by P. Ragupathy for his masters thesis. Fortunately he had given the Latitude / Longitude of this location (9°44’00.0″N 80°14’10.0″E) to place this site fairly accurately.

In the article “Some Ruins in Jaffna” written by Rev. Gnana Prakasar in 1922, he describes the site ;

Sankiliya-tidal.—In Varany, about four and a half miles on the Kodikamam—Point Pedro road, within earshot distance to the West, is a low mound called Sankiliya-tidal or Sankily’s mound. Old tiles, about 7 inches by 3, are dug up in plenty on this spot, indicating some ancient building about which, curiously enough, the people of the place have no story to tell. Possibly this site had some connexion with Sankily or Sekarasa-sekaran, King of Jaffna. Was this the hiding place to which he repaired when dislodged by Constantino de Braganza from his stronghold of Kopay in 1560 ?

About half a mile from this spot, on the other side of the road, is another site of some ancient building which also abounds in old tiles of the same kind and other debris. If I remember right, the place is called Pankuni-piddy.

In 1980’s  P. Ragupathy states that the area of a mound of considerable height, area is a mound of considerable height, one side facing the paddy-fields and part of the Upparu lagoon, (Tampanai Katal), and the other side facing the Varani-Kotikämam road.

This report is now over 40 years old and during the the Tamil Terrorist war which lasted for over 30 years, whether any remains can be found is doubtful. However the respective authorities should research on such places and preserve any ancient heritage for the future generations.

References

  • Rev. Fr. Gnana Prakasar, S., 1922. Some Ruins in Jaffna. Ceylon Antiquary and Literary Register, VII.
  • Ragupathy, P., 1987. Early settlements in Jaffna : An Archaeological Survey. 1st ed. Madras: Sudarsan Graphics.

Also See

Map of Sankiliyatital Archaeological site

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Driving Directions to Sankiliyatital Archaeological site

From Colombo to Jaffna (route 1) From Colombo to Jaffna (route 2)
Through : Kurunegala – Dambulla – Anuradhapura – Vavuniya
Distance : 400 km
Time to travel   : 7-8 hours
Driving Directions : click here for Google Map
Through : Puttalam – Silawathura – Pooneryn 
Distance : 365 km
Time to travel   : 7-8 hours
Driving Directions : click here for Google Map 
Jaffna town to Sankiliyatital Archaeological site
Through : Chavakachcheri
Distance : 25 km
Time to travel  : 30 mins
Driving Directions : click here for Google Map

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