Former Minister Douglas Devananda has criticized the recent name change of the Cultural Centre in Jaffna.
Noting that the centre was the result of his personal request to former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh during a visit to India in 2010, Devananda has emphasised the hall’s significance as a testament to India’s commitment to supporting Tamil cultural heritage.

While acknowledging the importance of honouring Thiruvalluvar, whose contributions through the ‘Thirukkural’ are globally celebrated, he questioned the decision to rename the hall as “Thiruvalluvar Cultural Hall,” suggesting it could diminish the focus on the unique identity of the Northern Tamil community.

The former Minister had urged Indian High Commission diplomats, the Minister of Buddhism, Religion and Cultural Affairs, the Minister of Fisheries, the Northern Province Governor and others involved in the issue to provide a clear explanation for the name change.

The Cultural Centre in Jaffna was renamed as ‘Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center’ at a ceremony held on Jan. 18, 2025.

The renaming was jointly announced by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – Mr. Santosh Jha and Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.

The event was also attended by Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources – Mr. Ramalingam Chandrashekhar, Governor of Northern Province – Mr. Nagalingam Vethanayan, Municipal Commissioner of Jaffna – Mr. S. Krishnendran, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Atapattu, Consul General of India in Jaffna – Sai Murali, along with other dignitaries and cultural artists from Jaffna.

⁠Built with Indian grant assistance of USD 12 million, the Cultural Center at Jaffna provides a space where the rich traditions, arts and aspirations of the people of the Northern Province could thrive. 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.

Addressing the gathering, – Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Sunil Senevi had said that an ideal name had been chosen for the Cultural Center in Jaffna. In a special gesture, the Minister had also gifted the High Commissioner of India a copy of the first ever edition of translation of the Thirukkural into Sinhala.

Related News :