Mullaitivu district

Mullaitivu district is one of the 25 administrative districts of Sri Lanka. It is located in the Northern Province and has a coastline along the Indian Ocean. This district holds historical and cultural significance and is known for its role during the Sri Lankan civil war. Mullaitivu is rich in natural beauty, with beaches, forests, and wildlife sanctuaries. It is known as මුලතිවු දිස්ත්‍රික්කය (Mulativu distrikkaya) in Sinhala and முல்லைத்தீவு மாவட்டம் (Mullaittīvu Māvaṭṭam) in Tamil.

History

Mullaitivu’s history dates back centuries. The area was once part of the Jaffna Kingdom, a Tamil kingdom that ruled much of northern Sri Lanka. Over time, the district became known for fishing and agriculture, which were the main livelihoods of its people.

During the colonial period, Mullaitivu was under Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. The British made significant administrative changes, grouping it with other regions under the Northern Province.

The district became a focal point during the Sri Lankan civil war, which lasted for nearly three decades. Mullaitivu was controlled by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for a long time. The final stages of the war were fought in this district, leaving a lasting impact on its people and infrastructure.

Geography

Mullaitivu covers an area of approximately 2,617 square kilometers (1,010 sq mi). It is bordered by the Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts to the north, Mannar and Vavuniya to the west, and Trincomalee to the south. The eastern side faces the Indian Ocean, giving the district a long coastline.

The district is mostly flat, with coastal plains and lagoons. Forests cover large parts of Mullaitivu. Rivers like the Nanthi Kadal and lagoons such as Nayaru and Kokkilai provide water to the region and support fishing and agriculture. The tropical climate ensures warm weather throughout the year, with a rainy season brought by the northeast monsoon.