Mannar

Mannar is a town and the administrative capital of Mannar District in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. It is situated on Mannar Island in the Gulf of Mannar and is connected to the Sri Lankan mainland by the Mannar Bridge and a causeway.

Geography and environment: The town sits on a narrow coastal strip with tidal flats and lagoons in the surrounding landscape. The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park lies nearby, protecting coral reefs and a diverse marine ecosystem that supports fishing and tourism.

History and administration: The area has ancient trade routes and came under successive colonial powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Remnants such as the fortifications on Mannar Island reflect this history. After Sri Lanka’s independence, Mannar became the administrative center of Mannar District in the Northern Province.

Economy and demographics: Fishing is the principal economic activity, complemented by salt production and small-scale commerce. The town’s population is predominantly Sri Lankan Tamil and Muslim communities, with Tamil being the common language and both Hindu temples and mosques present alongside Christian churches.

Cultural sites and notable landmarks: The Thiruketheeswaram Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, is among Sri Lanka’s historic religious sites. The Mannar Lighthouse stands as a coastal landmark, and Mannar Fort remains a reminder of colonial-era fortifications. The area was affected by the Sri Lankan Civil War, and redevelopment has continued in the post-war era.